Drivability Opinions Please

[1969GTS]

This is the scoop. I putting together this Dart GTS project and I picked up a power train for it. Here is the little I know about it. Its an over bore 1969 340. It has X heads, a fairly radical hydraulic cam with very heavy double valve springs. The intake is handled buy a 750 demon carb on a holly strip dominator manifold and flows through headers. I’m told the engine ran low 12’s in the Demon it came out of. The transmission is a 727 torque flight with a reverse manual valve body, kevlar bands and a 3500 continental stall. It has a transmission cooler (photo attached). I’m very surprised the engine ran as I got it very cheap and it allegedly only has on season on it at the track. I’ve learned all this after the fact from a previous owner of the engine. The guy I bought it from wasn’t even sure it ran. I got a very luck deal on this combination but I want to be able to cruise with the vehicle and not just tow it to the track. My concerns are: is there a possibility the heavy valve springs could wipe out the cam? Is it even possible to run on the street with a 3500 stall. I’m asking as the power train is out and the engine did have a noisy lifter so now would be the time to make changes.
Thanks in advance
Dave

 

[1969GTS]

Surely someone has some words of wisdom or experience in these matters? I know I don't have any experience with stall converters as my cars have been four speeds or stock automatics up until now. All opinions welcomed and valued.

Thanks.

.

 

[68gts340]

there are two style converters , street converters and race conv. 3500 is most likely a race conv. I dont have any exp. with the continental brand . we need more info on the cam and springs to give a good reply to that question , cam lift and duration and spring seat pressure would be a big help . rear end ratio also. from the general info you gave , i would think it is more of a track set up than a cruiser. , but some of us will drive anything on the street.

 

[Brambles]

Depending on your rear gear your transmission will build up more heat the higher the stall.

Eg: if you have a car that cruises on the highway at 2600 RPM and a 3500 rpm stall then your transmission is not fully coupled and for lack of a better word "slipping". This isn't efficient

However if you have a car that revs at 2600 rpm on the hwy and the torque converter is a 2400 rpm stall your transmission is running more efficiently and is "coupled" and the slippage is minimized.

If you want an engine that is for cruising then you might have to rework the combo, a low 12 second street car will be thrilling from stoplight to stoplight but for relaxing highway trips it might be a little much.

That being said, I am looking to build a mid 12 second street car and have a couple 340's I'm planning on building, I might be interested in some of your parts if you decide to change your package around a little.

 

[1969GTS]

That helps a bit. I'm hoping to get some identifying numbers off the camshaft and TQ when I get it all pulled apart. I was thinking somewhere in the low to mid 2000's for a stall converter would be better. Brambles, you and I need to hook up for a coffee wen your in my neck of the woods.

Thanks