Fstforward
Barracuda Freak
I talked briefly with the engine specialist at the machine shop who will be working on my engine when the time comes. Car's a 64 Barracuda, engine is a '70 340(from a duster), j heads, Edelbrock airgap manifold, Holley 650DP, points ignition, no headers, yet, I have them, they're just going to go on when the engine is done and goes back in.
Mow, my dilemna. The guy is pretty damned good with Mopars. He asked me what I plan on doing with the car, I don't plan on racing it(pockets not deep enough). I just want a strong street machine, ballsy engine, with performance there when I punch it.
He told me he can handle things a couple of ways. he can do all the machine work, ie block, heads, crank, cam bearings and freeze plugs, etc, and ready it for me to assemble. He said we will sit down, go in depth on my expectations, and he can tell me zactly what cam I requure, lifters, rocker arms, etc. All of which he can supply.
Or, he can do all the machine work, AND assemble the engine, run it, break in the cam(if flat tappet), and dyno test/tune it for me.
It's been a long time since I've built an engine, and kinda was looking forward to it, BUT, some of the things being talked about on this site are greek to me, things I never heard when in school in the early 70's(certified mechanic, then quit for the USAF). I built quite a few engines back in the early 70's(up until ~1975). But, I figger if this guy does Mopar engines regularly(came recommended to me)anywhere from daily drivers up to full race, I should have a pretty solid engine if I have him do it.
Now, I know the next question I will be asked, price. I am supposed to call him tomorrow, discuss with him the exact details, and he will then give me written quotes for both avenues this build can go.
Am I better off to have him tdo the build, break it in, then drop it in, or should I just take my time, read the Mopar small block build book, and give it a go myself??
Thanks
FF
Mow, my dilemna. The guy is pretty damned good with Mopars. He asked me what I plan on doing with the car, I don't plan on racing it(pockets not deep enough). I just want a strong street machine, ballsy engine, with performance there when I punch it.
He told me he can handle things a couple of ways. he can do all the machine work, ie block, heads, crank, cam bearings and freeze plugs, etc, and ready it for me to assemble. He said we will sit down, go in depth on my expectations, and he can tell me zactly what cam I requure, lifters, rocker arms, etc. All of which he can supply.
Or, he can do all the machine work, AND assemble the engine, run it, break in the cam(if flat tappet), and dyno test/tune it for me.
It's been a long time since I've built an engine, and kinda was looking forward to it, BUT, some of the things being talked about on this site are greek to me, things I never heard when in school in the early 70's(certified mechanic, then quit for the USAF). I built quite a few engines back in the early 70's(up until ~1975). But, I figger if this guy does Mopar engines regularly(came recommended to me)anywhere from daily drivers up to full race, I should have a pretty solid engine if I have him do it.
Now, I know the next question I will be asked, price. I am supposed to call him tomorrow, discuss with him the exact details, and he will then give me written quotes for both avenues this build can go.
Am I better off to have him tdo the build, break it in, then drop it in, or should I just take my time, read the Mopar small block build book, and give it a go myself??
Thanks
FF
