Tons of awesome info here fellas, will help determine a cid choice for sure, I'm kinda leaning towards a smaller cid so I can get the weight to 3200/3500 I can then move the weight where I need it, how wild would a high winding >400cid BBB be , 430cid would be 3400lb is the 430 bore big enough to use the 2.125 valve without shrouding to much?
Yes, not optimum, but I have run more than a few 430's with Stage valves. .. ON the other hand, piston ring availablity is the issue, especially when you get into the reduced thickness rings that you should be using for a build like this. I would be running reduced thickness compression rings, and low drag oil rings.. It's free HP for a race engine, where ring longevity is secondary to performance. With all rings, but especially with the thinnner ductile/steel racing rings, it's always best to run the root diameter of a given ring set, when you have the choice. Or put another way, run the "standard" size. Often times we have no choice but to use an oversize ring set, but in this case, with custom pistons, you can order then any size you want. So pick your ring set first, and base everything else around that size. JW
Take the 400, build a really nice piston and ring combo. Not sure of your rod choice. Order as set of SE or TE heads and make sure you tell the person it's for a 400 and I will not un shroud the chambers as much for the smaller bore. I'll install 2.130 Stage 1 intake valves and 1.625 exhaust valves. You can run a Stage 1 intake valve on a 400 but not the 1.750 exhaust. Not sure if all the offset grinding, boring ect.. will make this engine that much faster. I do know it will make it more expensive and increase the odds of someone not getting something right.
I've looked at the gasser rules also as I have another 67 car that would be legal since it is not 4 link. But I'm not thrilled in running 130+ mph with a straight axle and 16"+ height. I know they run 1/8 mile but I would want to run some 1/4 too. Actually I have a 350 Buick that would not be bad in a light car. Not sure I could come up with a 2x4 intake. I do love your body. I would have built one of those for NSS but they are not legal, only 64-67. Good luck. Going 6.40 with a 400 and 3600 lbs will take some work. By the way the Offy intake can be made to run better than people think. It will be fun and get you some attention. Jim N.
