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Tech Area => General Auto Tech => Topic started by: Steve Wood on September 05 2014, 09:20:54 PM

Title: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 05 2014, 09:20:54 PM
I got a lot more for the load of goats and sheep that I sold this week than I had expected.  Looks like the big muslim sheep sacrifice is next month so I guess they are good for something because the market has been up for two weeks in a row....

Anyway, I ordered an engine from Carolina Machine and Engine.   Getting a 522 inch stroker and shipping them my new aluminum heads and associated hardware to use.  They will assemble it and break it in on the dyno...should make around 530 hp......not a buick but with the stiff suspension I put under it, it should be fun to drive
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: good2win22 on September 06 2014, 12:01:13 AM
That should be a lot of fun.  My father in law built a stroked a 429 CJ block to 557 with trick flow aluminum heads. Have it in 64 Galaxie.  Can't hold the tires at all in that beast
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on September 06 2014, 12:02:23 AM
Dayum!!!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Charlief1 on September 06 2014, 01:10:47 AM
Looks like you took your viagra today Steve. :rofl:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on September 06 2014, 07:40:37 AM
Steve...what transmission and rear gear is in it?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 06 2014, 10:01:39 AM
Steve...what transmission and rear gear is in it?

Brad, it has a Torqueflite with a  3.21 rear gear.  Currently, with the 440 and it's cam, I am running a PTC 2500 converter.  It would be okay with a slightly tighter converter but it was not happy at all with the stock converter that was about 1800 stall.

I have been debating this subject for quite awhile.  My original intent was to put a modern Hemi in the car along with the matching OD tranny but it takes more tunnel hacking than I feel like doing.  The engine is a piece of cake fitwise.  I think some guys are using one of the modern GM trannies and it takes less work, or, they use the old small block torqueFlite which takes none.

When I rebuilt the suspension, I used the Hotchkis stuff which is basically an autocross set up so that it turns very well but there is no lift in the front end.  I was looking for a driver, not a racer.  I can feel every pebble in the road, for sure.  Going to lower profile 17" tires did not help that, either.

So, I have a three speed tranny with no overdrive and I pull 3100 rpm at 75 mph.  When I decided I did not want to mess with a modern engine install with an OD tranny, and considered the suspension, I decided to build for torque.

I don't like high stall converters on the street. Buicks have spoiled me.  I want to touch the gas and move instead of sitting there waiting for the rpms to move thru the converter slush.   Yet, I still wanted some punch.  Seemed to me that a stroker was the way to go.

The current 440 is typical of mopar engines of the day...pistons are about 0.060" down in the hole and the actual compression is about 7.9-1 instead of 9-1 and there is no such thing as quench.  To top it, my engine has later model heads that are larger in volume than those of the time (1969) for my engine.  Engine runs good, does not use oil or smoke, but the cranking compression is only 130 psi.

So, in an attempt to bandaid it, I order a set of aluminum heads that had 10 cc smaller chambers and I was going to deck them another 5  ccs which I estimated would put me a bit over 9-1.

I also considered buying a stroker kit and building a new engine but I don't trust any of the machine shops in the area and they probably know about as much about Buicks, which is zero, as they do Mopars...

Then I came across CME which is a mass engine builder but they also build a series of performance and race engines as well as pure customs and the price is right.

So, after an unexpected windfall, I decided to ship them my heads and assorted pieces and let them build me a torquer and break it in on the dyno for me.  I could easily pull another 75 hp or so but then I need a looser converter which I don't want and it would be more temperamental pulling AC, or idling around town.  It will be a 10-1 motor that will run on 91 octane so I think it will suit my purposes.

Unless, I were to buy a Gear Vendors overdrive.... :D
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on September 06 2014, 10:15:19 AM
What would the GV's drop the final drive to with the 3.21's?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: daveismissing on September 06 2014, 10:29:48 AM
.....This engine is our "Almost Daily Driver".
or
?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 06 2014, 10:51:02 AM
no, Dave...one below that...daily driver  522/525.   that is what I am working off.  I did not want to step up the converter any more...I hate that slushy loose converter feel
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 06 2014, 10:57:23 AM
What would the GV's drop the final drive to with the 3.21's?

Brad, its a 0.78 out of the GV.....That makes it 2.50 final ratio so that would be about 2400 rpm which is not bad
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on September 06 2014, 12:21:55 PM
What would the GV's drop the final drive to with the 3.21's?

Brad, its a 0.78 out of the GV.....That makes it 2.50 final ratio so that would be about 2400 rpm which is not bad

If ya' got the finances...go for it. I keep waiting for my 80 Z28 to drop into OD...
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 06 2014, 01:12:43 PM
I am seriously considering it....they appear to work well and be bullet proof...have to hit another bonanza selling sheep and goats
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: earlbrown on September 07 2014, 02:53:47 AM
'Teve, I can probably build you a set of pistons that'll put you at ''0 deck'' or wherever you want the crown.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 07 2014, 10:44:09 AM
Earl, I have heard you and pistons mentioned in the same sentence a couple of times.  I guessed I missed it.  Is this a new Earl Endeavor?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: earlbrown on September 08 2014, 01:30:44 AM
Yeah.  After having to take my entire shortblock apart to deck the crap out of my 4.1....

....then breaking two hyper pistons because my replacement scanmaster/powerlogger was in the mail when I went lean for .75 seconds...


I teamed up with a race piston company in CA and designed some ''Earl Brown forged off the shelf/custom pistons".

I met these guys though a speedboat messageboard when I was looking for BBC slugs for my jetboat.  One thing led to another and I ended up designing some pretty sweet cost effective forgings.  The head engineer I worked with used to work with Den Duttweilder when he was with JE way back when so he had a good idea where I was trying to go.

  The really cool thing is I can change the ring pack (1.5mm or 1/16"), OD, and compression height without having to pay extra.  Moving a slug up is as easy as saying what CH I want.
 I can also put any pin in there I want which is pretty cool if a guy wants to save a spun crank buy turning it down to a BBC journal.  That way you can run a chebby pin and buy some plain old 6.135" BBC rods.  If you've got a little end on some nice Buick rods that's slightly out of round, I can put in some .945" pins instead of normal .940"s.

Pretty cool stuff.


I've had them done for a while now. I was going to try and get 3 or 4 sets on hand in ''common'' sizes like (.005", .031", and 4.000")and officially announce them in the next month or so.   My piston guys get hammered around January so I want to get any Buick interest done before they have to concentrate on their race teams.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 08 2014, 11:46:03 AM
That is some neat stuff but it must cost a bunch to do small runs

this would be ideal for the 4.1's as well as the guys trying to get one more engine out of a block
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: earlbrown on September 08 2014, 05:04:55 PM
Not really. They're setup to do onsie-twosies.

My goal is to get a set of pistons, pins, locks and rings for $500 a set.  It's looking like the final price is going to be around $550/set since forgings went up after I started this project.

Normally there's a price increase (and extra lead time) if I change more than OD, CH, and rings.  Since they're trying to be almost like a mom and pop type shop, I've been getting away with pin changes since that's a pretty easy thing to change on my print.


The really cool thing is someone won't have to pay to bore a block. They can just hone the worst hole clean and I can make the slugs from there. Also, if you want quench or more compression, I can move the pin down. That way you don't have to deck the crap out of the block and buy expensive hard to seal Cometics. I can move the slug up and run cheaper VR composite type gaskets.

 I figure getting out of the cost of boring, decking, and more expensive gaskets will damn near pay for the pistons.

...and if something happens down the road like a screw going through the throttlebody or a broke vavlespring, They can make one matched replacement piston for regular price.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Forzfed on September 08 2014, 07:34:42 PM
Steve, why so small?  Should be a fun car but your going to bend it in half with all that torque!

Earl, those pistons look really nice!  How about making exact head gaskets for the 4.1 that will take boost?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 10 2014, 10:15:36 AM
They did not have a 572.   With nitto 555's on the car, I doubt I have to worry about planting enuf power to the pavement to worry about bending the car tho it needs some "connectors" to stiff up the unibody.

I had bought a set of aluminum heads for the 440 when I decided to go this route.  Yesterday, I shipped the heads off to be used in the build.  Two big block aluminum heads in a box are a lot heavier than the ads seem to mention.  Got to UPS and tucked the box under my arm and barely made it through the door and up to the counter...damn thing weighed 64 lbs...too much for an old man...those 50 lb bag of feeds are not nearly as heavy feeling.

Had the rocker arms, head bolts and stuff in another box.  Thank goodness!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Top Speed on September 10 2014, 02:23:19 PM
Sounds like a fun project.  I am glad you are having fun!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 10 2014, 02:39:26 PM
some days I have to check with someone else to determine if this is fun or masochism .
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: earlbrown on September 10 2014, 03:24:44 PM
.......or both!  :D
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on September 23 2014, 03:06:55 PM
Sounds fun Steve
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 23 2014, 05:13:32 PM
I hope so!  I also ordered a new tranny built to hold it along with new headers and some larger front brakes

Engine is basically a big rv engine in combination... .relatively small cam, small carb, small intake, etc.  Should dyno about 525-530 hp at 5300 rpm and about 650 ft-lbs of torque around 3700 rpm.   Should have a nice flat power band....
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on September 23 2014, 05:41:06 PM
650 ft lbs of torque. Two words. Wheelie bars. :)
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 23 2014, 05:44:55 PM
Won't have any traction so no need :)
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on September 23 2014, 10:54:32 PM
Steve sounds like your spending all the kids inheritance funds  :rofl:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 24 2014, 09:48:48 AM
ah, this was an econo motor..but, I consider reinvesting it for Taylor's future
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: daveismissing on September 24 2014, 03:44:29 PM
Young'un needs a good engine to go with those seats he found
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 05 2015, 10:40:36 AM
Here is the dyno sheet.  Engine is build completely different than what I would have put together but it makes a lot of torque down low.  Given the extremely stiff suspension and the 255's on the rear, I suspect it will be unsafe at any speed....small vacuum secondary carb and a mild 230 deg cam along with 526 cubic inches makes a low rpm torquer.


Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: good2win22 on January 05 2015, 01:23:19 PM
That thing should make some awesome tire smoke!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 05 2015, 01:51:25 PM
I am thinking the same....it's go a torque curve like a turbo car.  I remember when the Stage Ones were considered so bad on the street with an advertised 510 ft-lbs of torque at 2800 rpm.  Looks like this one has about 100 ft lbs more at the same point extrapolating back
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Forzfed on January 05 2015, 03:10:56 PM
If your powerstroke brakes down you can always use your car for hauling! :cheers:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on January 07 2015, 04:36:51 PM
Lean the bitch out! 12:1 is kinda fat for a N/A motor... I believe 12.5:1 is the rich-end safe power range, and 13.5:1 lean-end for max power. ;)

Really cool stump puller, Steve.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 07 2015, 05:35:42 PM
12.5 is the normal target....look s like they are very conservative in jetting and timing.  Mild cam may make it a bit more sensitive on the timing side on pump gas.  they ask for 92 minimum and I have 91 only.  May take a little Torco or Klotz in the tank for a margin of safety.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on January 07 2015, 07:41:39 PM
I think I missed the heads and cam you chose for this... got the specs?
Title: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 07 2015, 09:59:00 PM
Cam is mild for a 526" engine. Flat tappet hydraulic 238 degs,  0.536" lift.  Aluminum heads from 440source. 10-1 compression.  Forged stroker 4.375 square.  Edelbrock Performer RPM intake. Not the way I would have put it together, myself but it makes good sense when I think about it.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on January 08 2015, 01:09:50 PM
Did they tell you what the DCR was with that cam?

I find it odd that the 440source heads (being their own design) don't have a "heart-shaped"/"fast-burn" chamber in them like the Edelbrock Victor heads, as that would really help with octane tolerance in a pump gas application.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 08 2015, 01:35:07 PM
the 440source heads were a copy of the original eddies as I recall...and they were pretty much a copy of the mopar closed chamber head...they are attractive due to the price.  They need to be well ported to do much more with an engine this large.  No on the dcr

I have not seen much good about the Victor heads on Mopars but I have not done much research lately, either
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on January 08 2015, 02:51:48 PM
the 440source heads were a copy of the original eddies as I recall...and they were pretty much a copy of the mopar closed chamber head...they are attractive due to the price.  They need to be well ported to do much more with an engine this large.

I have not seen much good about the Victor heads on Mopars but I have not done much research lately, either

Price point is always a major concern; it wasn't meant as criticism just an observation on a 10:1 street engine running 91-92 octane - also why I was curious about the DCR.  I actually helped a buddy put a set of the Performer RPM heads on his '73 Charger's low compression 440 years ago; it didn't go any faster.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 08 2015, 03:31:08 PM
I looked at the Eddy RPM's but I did not want angled plugs.  Also, lately, I have seen more complaints about the Eddies with regard to the amount of work required on them as compared to the 440source.  Used to be just the opposite.  Pair of heads for $990 is hard to beat..but, of course, I upgraded the keepers, springs, retainers, seals, etc. so Maybe not that much cheaper.  I considered the the Indy EZ heads as well.  Been thinking about this for about three years :D

My original intent was to deck the heads about another five cc's and use them on my current 440.  Factory 440 pistons are 0.060-.080" down in the hole...their advertised compression ratios are a full point or more higher than actual.

I also considered boring and stroking my block but local area machine shops are known for two things-expensive and halfass.  When I came across CME, I could not compete with teh price and theri reputation is good.  I lost some money by supplying my own valve train and heads-they gave me $800 of for the heads when I had more like $1200 in them with my upgrades but the price was still good in comparison to what I would have spent.

Engine arrived while ago but I had it off loaded down the road at a local warehouse...bo x is enclosed so I cannot see anything.  It's about a month too late to make me want to jump on it...unless I go find a friend with a heated shop.

As far as DCR, I don't have enuf data to compute it because it is a custom ground cam to their specs.  They say it will either run fine on 91, or it will not...they are pretty cautious because it is warrantied for a year or three years if you want to pay some.  I consider the engine to be very mild when compared to the size...basical ly one hp for one cubic inch.  But, given that I weigh 200 lbs and I can stand on either bumper and cannot make the  body move a quarter inch when I jump up and down, I don't think I need anymore power because weight transfer is going to be minimal.  I set out to build a road car that drove like a go-kart and it is pretty close.  Still have to weld on the rear sway bar brackets.

Porting the heads, longer cam, and a 950 cfm carb would add another 100 hp without much effort at all...As it is, the 2500 rpm stall probably should be 2000 and I don't think burnouts will be any problem...618 ft lbs at 3000 rpm is pretty good!  the 255 Nittos cost about as much as drag radials.

I wish I had taken my son's WRX when he traded it in...it was more fun to drive than most things I have driven lately...he and I both miss that one.

Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on January 08 2015, 08:35:51 PM
200lbs! How tall are you?

I really should make a thread about how budget heads aren't really a bargain - I have some firsthand (expensive) experience.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 08 2015, 08:58:44 PM
lol... lotsa my bargains were expensive.

6 ft and too much junk food over the holidays
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: good2win22 on January 19 2015, 08:19:06 AM
Beautiful weather Steve!  You got that engine installed yet?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 19 2015, 09:51:36 AM
It will be awhile, like spring, before I get to it.  I am going to do several other things to it while doing the swap and want to get a fabricating friend to help me...he's backed up with cars he is building and I hate the cold.  But, you are right, it is beautiful weather.  I think that changes tomorrow night.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on January 21 2015, 11:54:40 AM
Big cubes, small intake port -sure does makes torque. Looks like a tuna boat motor!  :player:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 21 2015, 09:50:11 PM
you got it!  interesting combination but it should last a long time
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on January 23 2015, 09:45:34 AM
My 346ci LS has a bigger intake port - I can't image how the torque delivery will feel with 180 more cubes
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 23 2015, 10:14:21 AM
with an autocross style suspension, it should be interesting!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on January 23 2015, 10:20:10 AM
My 346ci LS has a bigger intake port - I can't image how the torque delivery will feel with 180 more cubes

I think the CNC'd LS6 heads I have on the shelf have a 225cc intake runner... and flow about 316cfm at .600"; which is pretty crazy for a small motor.

PS. I think Steve's Challenger project shall now be dubbed: the Tuna Boat.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on January 24 2015, 01:56:26 PM
Mike mine are around that size and flow the same. I wish mine still had the powered metal guides and ls style valves. But I paid like $800 shipped for them - BNIB patriot stage 2 ls6 heads. No one wanted them because everyone on LS1notech thinks they are junk. Car picked up a solid 10mph with them and a cam.



Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on May 06 2015, 07:33:10 PM
Steve does this thing run yet?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on May 08 2015, 09:01:11 AM
still sitting in the crate lol
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on May 09 2015, 08:54:23 PM
still sitting in the crate lol

Do I have to ship you a crowbar? :)
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on May 10 2015, 10:43:12 AM
you may have to stuff yourself in the box with the crowbar.  I am waiting on a friend to help me, but, it's been two months since he said another two weeks..

I am trying to get my shop cleaned up and I may just try to do it by myself here.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Charlief1 on May 10 2015, 01:35:09 PM
If it was dove season I'd offer to help, Steve. :icon_fU:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on May 10 2015, 01:36:05 PM
LOL....
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on May 17 2015, 09:07:04 AM
Pics of this engine in the packing crate or it doesn't exist. :D
Title: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on May 17 2015, 11:10:57 AM
Never opened the crate. Still sitting in the back of the wool warehouse down the road
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on May 17 2015, 01:31:14 PM
They probably sent you a slant six  :rofl:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on May 17 2015, 01:55:50 PM
They probably sent you a slant six  :rofl:

LOL!!!!
Title: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on May 17 2015, 02:23:23 PM
Its a heavy six!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 17 2015, 12:05:35 PM
Out with the old...next time for the new
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on August 17 2015, 05:42:53 PM
Keep the pics comin!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 17 2015, 09:17:08 PM
gonna try to get the new tranny in and drop the engine tomorrow morning...bigg est problem may be getting the headers in without scratching up the ceramic coating a lot-gonna try to drop them in from the top and ease the engine down between them-think I need another pair of hands :D  my usual helper is working tomorrow
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on August 17 2015, 09:39:32 PM
No possible way of installing the headers after? Front of the car on jackstands...a nd then slide them in from underneath?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Charlief1 on August 17 2015, 10:19:13 PM
If only you'd waited until next month Steve. Dove season starts soon and I'd give you a hand in exchange for a chance at some white wings. :rock:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 17 2015, 10:56:57 PM
from underneath, get the car at least two feet off the ground, jack the engine up two inches and remove the cross link..then slide them in

Have to get them in beside engine, bolt on the starter, then bolt down the headers....the n drop the engine back down


hopefully, I can go from the top with them first, then ease the engine down and get the starter in....should be an experience.

These headers have two inch tubes.  the old has 1 3/4".  I only had a 1/16" clearance at the closest spots with the old.  don't Know what brand they were so these may be bent a bit diffrent
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: good2win22 on August 18 2015, 08:14:21 AM
We stuffed a 429 in a my brother in law's 68 cougar back in 2006ish. I feel your pain with that exhaust.  Wishing you patience and lots of luck!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 18 2015, 02:41:17 PM
Look!  It's in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only took an hour to get the two engine mount cross mount bolts in....

Oh, wait, it would take a cutting torch to install the starter.

Pull the bolts out, jack the engine up three inches which was as far as it would go before the tranny hit the tunnel, find a way to get the starter thru the header tubes...and it will not line up and engage the ring gear.  Pull it out and discover the wiring terminal connector is hitting the block so the starter will not line up.  Pull it back out, remove the terminal connector, toss it, hook the wires directly to the starter, spend and hour tryijng to get the top starter bolt in..next up is to lower the engine and see if the headers clear and if we can get the engine mount bolts back in again....


Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 18 2015, 07:19:46 PM
Okay, I think it is in.  If the starter ever dies, I am parking the sob.

It's got a 1/16" of clearance between the #5 pipe and the steering box valve.  It should roll away from that under torque. If I had not used Remflex header gaskets which are thick, it would have had a bit more clearance.  Clears the torsion bars okay.  The 3.5" collectors tuck up beside the tranny pan well.

One of the adjustment clamps on the tranny shift rod linkage broke off where the pivot pin split pin hole is/was so I am screwed there until I can find one.

Took 8 hours to get the damn thing in.  Never struggled like that before.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on August 18 2015, 07:34:22 PM
It's about time for you to sell some stuff off and consolidate to a Hellcat
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: good2win22 on August 18 2015, 10:35:28 PM
Nothing like a challenge to get us motivated.  Glad it's installed. Now for the first fire up video
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on August 19 2015, 01:20:05 AM
Steve...get yourself a hoist.  :)
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 19 2015, 09:33:09 AM
cherry picker worked like a charm even tho it is home built and made for much heavier loads...it was borrowed and cost me nothing.

When I lived in Houston, I reinforced a rafter and used a hoist and it worked okay but not as well as one that could be rolled around....if I were young, I would want an electric one....
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Just a Six? on August 19 2015, 01:27:22 PM
New engines always look so nice! Good to see your making progress with the car. Sounds like it was a bit of a PITA to get installed but when done it will be worth all the Pain & Suffering!!  :cheers:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 19 2015, 01:48:06 PM
I doubt there are many drop in headers for big block cars...altho I had a set of hookers on a BB chevy that I installed without much hassle.

It would not have been too bad except for that.  Getting the engine mount holes lined up was hard...mainly because the view was obstructed so it was a guessing process...but it's in and I think I found the transmission linkage clamp that broke so I am smiling more at the moment LOL
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Just a Six? on August 19 2015, 03:35:31 PM
Good!!  :D :rock:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on August 19 2015, 05:20:02 PM
How big a carb? Vacuum or mechanical secondaries? Brand?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 19 2015, 07:26:56 PM
small carb, 780 with vacuum secondaries
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on August 19 2015, 10:24:05 PM
Steve, I feel your pain.  Stick with it, it is looking good.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Charlief1 on August 20 2015, 12:22:42 AM
I had a set of hookers
And I'm wondering where you would find a pair out in the middle of nowhere. :rofl:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 20 2015, 09:45:41 AM
Internet, of course
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: daveismissing on August 20 2015, 11:22:41 AM
Depending how much you paid they may be called "Escorts"
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on August 20 2015, 04:27:21 PM
Or in Steve's case: palative care workers.  They'll rub your junk for enough money too. $$$ 
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 20 2015, 06:29:41 PM
my cars do need polishing
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on August 20 2015, 08:43:38 PM
watch what you ask for Steve - we could always take up a collection and send some hourly workers from craigslist/backpage over to help. Do you like them with or without teeth  :player:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 21 2015, 12:48:14 AM
not from this board, you won't....75 cents won't even buy the wax....not even for a mustache.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: daveismissing on August 21 2015, 03:44:59 PM
So, its women with mustaches you like?   :chin:
Title: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: larrym on August 21 2015, 04:20:18 PM
I like them dirty....
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on August 21 2015, 04:43:05 PM
You guys all need to get laid. :) Getting back on track. This thread and a couple of others have got me scouring Kijiji for a car/truck with a carb and distributor. :)
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on August 22 2015, 07:22:01 AM
C'mon Steve...
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 22 2015, 08:44:50 AM
I am waiting on some parts plus I am slow.  :D
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: earlbrown on August 23 2015, 04:47:17 AM
(http://don.citarella.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/51878564.SlowMenWorking.jpg)
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on August 23 2015, 09:03:03 AM
Most definitely :D  I am going to look for one of those signs...prefer ably one that says,
Slow Man Working...

got the SMW syndrome
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on September 23 2015, 08:58:49 PM
Any progress Steve?
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 23 2015, 10:52:11 PM
I got pissed and walked away...got a tranny leak which appears to be around the gasket....high dollar cast aluminum deep pan and it is oozing out.

I have a new gasket and a new bucket to drain all that new fluid into...just don't have the attitude yet.

Had to have a new driveshaft made.  I had a heckuva time getting it loose when I disconnected it to pull the engine...only had about 1/4" in/out play to the tranny.  Tried to have it shortened but it looked like a homemade job when it was cut apart and required making a new tube.

Seems to run well but it's still on the stands til I get the tranny leak resolved and some kinda exhaust rigged.

Shoulda bought a new system but I bought a M1 Garand instead...and have a sbr .45 acp upper coming for an AR lower...my priorites are a many fleetin' thing.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Scoobum on September 24 2015, 08:39:36 PM
Steve...do they still make header mufflers? Had a pair on a 77 Nova I drag raced a loooong time ago. :)
Title: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on September 24 2015, 09:09:28 PM
Purple Hornies

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on September 24 2015, 09:18:13 PM
I actually bought and installed a cherry bomb on my daily this week.  :rock:
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: motorhead on September 25 2015, 03:56:19 PM
I put a bullet muffler on our Taurus... it makes me laugh.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on September 25 2015, 04:11:56 PM
Probably sounds like my escape!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Charlief1 on September 25 2015, 07:36:26 PM
Ok fart can guys, your adult man cards are now revoked. :rofl:

If I knew you were looking for a Garand I would've sold you my match rifle Steve.
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 04 2016, 11:02:27 PM
I got pissed and walked away...got a tranny leak which appears to be around the gasket....high dollar cast aluminum deep pan and it is oozing out.

I have a new gasket and a new bucket to drain all that new fluid into...just don't have the attitude yet.

Had to have a new driveshaft made.  I had a heckuva time getting it loose when I disconnected it to pull the engine...only had about 1/4" in/out play to the tranny.  Tried to have it shortened but it looked like a homemade job when it was cut apart and required making a new tube.

Seems to run well but it's still on the stands til I get the tranny leak resolved and some kinda exhaust rigged.

Shoulda bought a new system but I bought a M1 Garand instead...and have a sbr .45 acp upper coming for an AR lower...my priorites are a many fleetin' thing.

So I put a new gasket on it a couple of months ago and it dripped away....so I got really pissed and walked away again.

I carefully examined the cooler lines, the speedometer seal, the shift lever, the park neutal switch for the umpteenth time and it was obvious that it had to be leaking between the pan and gasket.

About a week before Christmas, I ordered another gasket and a tube of silicone...goi ng for the ultimate seal!

My son got under the rack and drained the fluid and dropped the pan.  While he was under the car he pointed at something and asked what it was....park neutral switch...it's pretty much impossible to see due to the size of the collectors.  He said it looks like it has oil on the end of it....

Took us awhile to get it out due to the lack of clearance but it did have fluid on the end and it appeared that it was leaking around the plastic in the center where the terminals are.

I took the one out of the old transmission and we put that in the new transmission and put the pan back on...even used a torque wrench to tighten the pan bolts!

I think he was right...so far no drips and I did not use any silicone...

I guess I need to get the tv linkage dialed in properly and a couple of other things done and go drive the car somewhere in the next six months...
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: nocooler on January 06 2016, 11:59:22 PM
Some progress is better than none!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 07 2016, 11:07:41 AM
That's big progress!  Damn thing has been sitting for months because I could not find/stop this leak! :D
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Just a Six? on January 07 2016, 07:43:25 PM
I find that when I finally find & fix an aggravating issue it gives a renewed interest in the project so this just might push you a little towards getting it out for a test run sooner than later. Good Luck!
Title: Re: New Engine for the Challenger
Post by: Steve Wood on January 07 2016, 08:27:34 PM
You nailed it exactly, David!
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