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Planning a 451 stroker engine for my dad's 1970 Challenger R/T. Quick run down of the car: It was formerly mine, sold to my dad after getting laid off from the auto industry. FINALLY convinced him to buy it, as the prices were way up there for Chryslers, especially an R/T. It's non-numbers matching 383 with 4 speed and 8 3/4 rear.
Plans for the car
I currently have the whole front suspension and k-member removed. We will be going with a Reilly Motorsports independent front suspension. While a few have steered me away from it, many more have had nothing but great things to say about the kit. It's going to be a cruiser, with a slight pro-touring look, and occasionally ran down the 1/4 mile. The engine will be backed by an undetermined 5 speed, since Keisler went out of business, we'll be looking for a new brand. The rear will be rebuilt with 3.55-3.73 range gears and stronger axles. The rear suspension is already a custom spring from Eaton in Detroit, lowered about 2". The wheels/tires will be in the 17-19" range, with big disc brakes by Wilwood.
Now, onto the engine.
I initially was overthinking the engine. I was thinking go with a 400 block, stroke it to a 499, and most would think it still had the 383 under the hood. After reading some concerns about the rod to throw ratio, and long term durability concerns due to side thrust, I took a step back. Also, realizing that nearly 500 ci would easily get my dad's car into the 650-700 hp range with little effort at the rate I was going. So, I went back to the drawing board, devised a new plan, and ran it by my engine builder. While still a rough draft, here's what I'm thinking for a somewhat affordable/screamer of an engine.
400 block with a 440 forged steel factory crank (both of which my builder already has), aftermarket rods with .990 pins, possibly with BBC journals, and a forged piston in the 10.5-1 range. Up top, I think Edelbrock Performer RPM heads would be plenty sufficient while keeping the cost down. The heads would be outfitted with Ferrea valves, titanium retainers, springs for the appropriate cam, and 1.5-1.6 shaft roller rockers (likely Harland Sharp). The cam would be hydraulic roller in the .550-.575 range. Topped with a dual plane intake and appropriate holley carb.
I've read that with this setup the pistons will weigh nearly 1/2 of a 440 piston, the rod/throw ratio is very good, and the engine will rev like a sumbitch. I think this setup will get us in the 500-550 hp range, be plenty streetable, and with the O.D., keep dad in the 12-14 mpg range. Gas mileage isn't a HUGE concern, but I want him to be able to drive the 1.5 hrs it takes to come up to Metro Detroit to hit car shows and cruises. I think this would also be a solid mid to high 11 second car at the track.
Any input from those who have built such an engine would be greatly appreciated!
Plans for the car
I currently have the whole front suspension and k-member removed. We will be going with a Reilly Motorsports independent front suspension. While a few have steered me away from it, many more have had nothing but great things to say about the kit. It's going to be a cruiser, with a slight pro-touring look, and occasionally ran down the 1/4 mile. The engine will be backed by an undetermined 5 speed, since Keisler went out of business, we'll be looking for a new brand. The rear will be rebuilt with 3.55-3.73 range gears and stronger axles. The rear suspension is already a custom spring from Eaton in Detroit, lowered about 2". The wheels/tires will be in the 17-19" range, with big disc brakes by Wilwood.
Now, onto the engine.
I initially was overthinking the engine. I was thinking go with a 400 block, stroke it to a 499, and most would think it still had the 383 under the hood. After reading some concerns about the rod to throw ratio, and long term durability concerns due to side thrust, I took a step back. Also, realizing that nearly 500 ci would easily get my dad's car into the 650-700 hp range with little effort at the rate I was going. So, I went back to the drawing board, devised a new plan, and ran it by my engine builder. While still a rough draft, here's what I'm thinking for a somewhat affordable/screamer of an engine.
400 block with a 440 forged steel factory crank (both of which my builder already has), aftermarket rods with .990 pins, possibly with BBC journals, and a forged piston in the 10.5-1 range. Up top, I think Edelbrock Performer RPM heads would be plenty sufficient while keeping the cost down. The heads would be outfitted with Ferrea valves, titanium retainers, springs for the appropriate cam, and 1.5-1.6 shaft roller rockers (likely Harland Sharp). The cam would be hydraulic roller in the .550-.575 range. Topped with a dual plane intake and appropriate holley carb.
I've read that with this setup the pistons will weigh nearly 1/2 of a 440 piston, the rod/throw ratio is very good, and the engine will rev like a sumbitch. I think this setup will get us in the 500-550 hp range, be plenty streetable, and with the O.D., keep dad in the 12-14 mpg range. Gas mileage isn't a HUGE concern, but I want him to be able to drive the 1.5 hrs it takes to come up to Metro Detroit to hit car shows and cruises. I think this would also be a solid mid to high 11 second car at the track.
Any input from those who have built such an engine would be greatly appreciated!
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