running
Active Member
I recently bought a 1969 Plymouth valiant with a 318. The motor has a dead cylinder and I bought the car to put some horsepower in it.
My first question is what size rear end did it come with. It came with a 318 so I'm hoping its not to wimpy and doesn't need to be upgraded.
Second I don't feel like screwing around with the 318. I'm considering a 360 or 408. Or big block 383/400. I'm leaning towards the small block.
Can't find any magnum engines from wrecking yards around where I live. Some 360 LA style come up once in a while. Seems tons of 440's come up. Almost bought a 400 but it was sold already.
I'm a over the road truck driver. So the car will only get driven a few days a month. My time is limited but I have access to people whom I can hire to put the engine in and rebuild if necessary. And a shop for it to be at in the process.
Blueprint engines short block 408 stroker shortblock is on my mind. Finishing it off with a set of decent heads and etc.
The deal is this as far as goals. Able to be driven on the street. A mid to low 12 second car. Dragstrip in Bakersfield ca isn't far from me. Would like to take it there.
Gears I can change to accommodate the engine. Just don't want a high revving engine at highway speeds.
Its got the 904 3 speed auto.
Gas mileage isn't a huge concern. Don't mind adjusting lifters if I wind up going solid can.
Give me your thoughts. I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance!
If for some reason I go big block 383/400 stroker I got a weiand tunnel ram for it. Lol. Yeah I know they aren't good on the street. But it would look cool! Lol
My first question is what size rear end did it come with. It came with a 318 so I'm hoping its not to wimpy and doesn't need to be upgraded.
Second I don't feel like screwing around with the 318. I'm considering a 360 or 408. Or big block 383/400. I'm leaning towards the small block.
Can't find any magnum engines from wrecking yards around where I live. Some 360 LA style come up once in a while. Seems tons of 440's come up. Almost bought a 400 but it was sold already.
I'm a over the road truck driver. So the car will only get driven a few days a month. My time is limited but I have access to people whom I can hire to put the engine in and rebuild if necessary. And a shop for it to be at in the process.
Blueprint engines short block 408 stroker shortblock is on my mind. Finishing it off with a set of decent heads and etc.
The deal is this as far as goals. Able to be driven on the street. A mid to low 12 second car. Dragstrip in Bakersfield ca isn't far from me. Would like to take it there.
Gears I can change to accommodate the engine. Just don't want a high revving engine at highway speeds.
Its got the 904 3 speed auto.
Gas mileage isn't a huge concern. Don't mind adjusting lifters if I wind up going solid can.
Give me your thoughts. I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance!
If for some reason I go big block 383/400 stroker I got a weiand tunnel ram for it. Lol. Yeah I know they aren't good on the street. But it would look cool! Lol