Another 408 Stroker/Engine Build Question

[Max Power 74]

Building a motor is not something you do every day. My philosophy is that if you are going to pull the thing, build what you want in the shortblock rather than do it again later. Sure, you may not be able to afford the cutting edge AFRs right now, but a head/cam/intake swap down the road is a lot less work than pulling the whole motor.

 

If the car is still on the road right now, save for at least the short block that you want.

[LiLMike 42]

Building a motor is not something you do every day. My philosophy is that if you are going to pull the thing, build what you want in the shortblock rather than do it again later. Sure, you may not be able to afford the cutting edge AFRs right now, but a head/cam/intake swap down the road is a lot less work than pulling the whole motor.

 

If the car is still on the road right now, save for at least the short block that you want.

Good advice Max Power. As soon as I finish up some wiring and put the interrior back together, it will be running and running good. I think I'll take the advice and do the drivetrain first and then go with the motor. I'm thinking of the trutrac with 3:70 gears and 31 spline axles. What do you guys think?

[Rsmach1 71]

Good advice indeed, especially since you have your heart set on that 408 stroker. One thing I will say is save for the longblock, don't put stock heads on a stroker , that would be a waste of time and effort.

 

As for the truetrack, I've never used one so can't comment on it. The traction lok is a great diff and can be had for less $. As for spline count you could probably get away with the 28 since you originally stated the car won't see track use so you won't be running slicks. Remember if you go 31 you will need new axles also. Now for the ratio, that will depend on a few things. The cam, torque converter, tire size, will the car ever see Highway use? All things to consider.

 

We've already touched on your trans, shift kit, torque converter, and fluid change, if in good shape.

 

A couple other things that haven't

been mentioned, with the 500hp you want, you will want to install subframe connectors, and upgrade your brakes from a safety standpoint.

[LiLMike 42]

I was going with the 4R70W automatic. As for the brakes, I already have power disc brakes but was going with the Hydrotech booster when I lose vacuum on the engine build. I just didn't mention subframe connectors but know I will need them. As far as highway driving, I was under the impression that with 3:70 gears and the 4R70W I would turn about 22-25 hundred rpm at 70 mph. I may do the tranny and rear together. I guess I won't need 31 spline but I'm wondering if my torque converter I have now in my FMX would work in the 4R70W until I do the engine build?

[Rsmach1 71]

No different torque converters, for the brakes I was referring to upgrading to a multi piston caliper/rotor like wilwood or something similar. For the spline count I said you could've probably get away with the 28s, the 31 might be a better choice.

[LiLMike 42]

I'll have to look into the brakes later. I was looking at the 4R70W transmission kits. For the complete kit it is around 5K but the AOD is only about $2200. I might rethink that too and go with an AOD instead.

 

I thought I read somewhere that it really wasn't necessary to go with a 31 spline. I just thought an upgrade would be nice if it wasn't too expensive. If I go with the AOD and stay with the 28 spline axles I could do both at the same time, as long as I can use my torque converter for now. Not sure how it would react though.

[Rsmach1 71]

Every trans has its own converter, the FMX converter will only work with the FMX. Sent you a pm.

[barnett468 418]

I just thought the stroker would get me closer to what I am looking for.

 

it will

[barnett468 418]

I have a question, wouldn't it be just as cost effective to build a 408 stroker than to build a high HP 351w. Seems to me if I tear it down, get work done on the crank and block, put in new parts I might as well spend a few extra dollars and do the 408, or am I missing something here?

 

a stroker will cost you around $650.00 more.

[barnett468 418]

I was hoping to keep the price around 5-6K.

 

the parts i posted are around $4700.00 annd $400.00 for miscellaneous plus maybe $700.00 to assemble it and you have $5800.00

.

[barnett468 418]

I'll have to look into the brakes later. I was looking at the 4R70W transmission kits. For the complete kit it is around 5K but the AOD is only about $2200. I might rethink that too and go with an AOD instead.

 

 

 

what $5000.00 kit are you referring to?

 

heres two complete conversion kits . . $2100.00 or $2800.00 for high perf

 

http://www.transmissioncenter.org/classic_mustang_to_aod_conversion.htm

 

you can buy a used aod for $150.00 and have it rebuilt for $800.00 labor plus $500.00 in high perf parts.

[LiLMike 42]

what $5000.00 kit are you referring to?

 

you can buy a used aod for $150.00 and have it rebuilt for $800.00 labor plus $500.00 in high perf parts.

I saw 2 or 3 of them. They included the torque converter, flex plate and all the harnesses and control. Here is the first one I saw.

 

http://www.performanceautomatic.com/products/ford-racing-transmissions/aode---4r70w-transmissions/4r70w-street-smart-packages.html

[barnett468 418]

I saw 2 or 3 of them. They included the torque converter, flex plate and all the harnesses and control. Here is the first one I saw.

 

http://www.performanceautomatic.com/products/ford-racing-transmissions/aode---4r70w-transmissions/4r70w-street-smart-packages.html

 

for that price the trans better be new . . i would save $2000.00 and buy the one i posted instead if you want a kit.

[BandBSTANGS 15]

• If you decide to build your 351 I have a new set of forged full float rods and 30 over forged pistons.

 

[LiLMike 42]

• rods & pistons 008.jpgrods & pistons 008.jpgrods & pistons 004.jpgrods & pistons 001.jpgrods & pistons 002.jpgIf you decide to build your 351 I have a new set of forged full float rods and 30 over forged pistons.

Thanks BandBSTANGS, I'll keep that in mind.

[dkm004 11]

Tagged for interest.

[BandBSTANGS 15]

$425.00 + shipping for rods and pistons