We are going to build a high horsepower race engine.

It is going to be high compression, and either a 400 or 455 block.  We have both sitting in the garage, so it will be a matter of determining what stroke we are going to use, and which blocks are in the best shape for this application.  Also, we are going to consider buying new main caps that have the splayed bolts to add some rigidity to the bottom end.  Shouldn’t be too big of a deal since we will need the block line-bored for our new internally balanced rotating assembly.  Usually we wouldn’t necessarily go for this trouble but with this engine we are stepping into previously uncharted territory.  That territory is to use something other than stock heads and crank.  We are still using a stock block, and we have used after-market pistons with steel or aluminum rods on several engines.  I just don’t want to see this thing implode because we didn’t choose a solid block or take the extra steps to beef up the bottom.

I imagine it will take a month or two until I get the block picked out and have a plan for what parts we will be buying first.  Its going to take some discussion with dad on rotating assemblies.  There are some great combinations on the Butler Performance website.

The other thing that we are going to have to discuss before we can get to buying parts is whether we are going to use O port heads or D port heads.  The reason this is important is because of the cost of headers – and budget is certainly a concern here.  We have some O port headers, but they are pretty rusty – they also have different clearance issues with regard to the ride height of the car.

So there is alot to consider.  We’ll try to keep the blog posted with details.

We’ll see.  I’m keen on doing the research because I have time to spend reading, I just don’t have time to spend working in the garage at this point.