Update E-F/SA Bird Build...

[brent flynn]

Yeah, i think that deal adds about 80lbs to the car ... thanks to a certain guy from California...hehe

[oldskool]

Well, you've heard the saying, "Inquiring minds want to know."

So I'd really like to know. I've noticed that some engine builders called Parsons and Meyers, have built the engines for a lot of the quicker Pontiac Stockers. So they obviously build better Pontiac Stocker engines than most.

So, with this in mind I'd like to know about how much one of their 400 Stocker engines would cost. I know, "If you have to ask you can't afford it." I'm not planning to buy one, but I am curious about the price of one.

I mean, in general terms, are we talking 10, 15, 20 thousand ? Or ? I tried to Google up their website. I reckin they don't have one. Must be busy building engines and don't have time to waste online.

Since you built your own, I figure you checked on the price of a store bought one, so you would know how much you could save by doing it yourself.

But hey, if this is top secret info, I'll just let it go.

[brent flynn]

I only have a shade over 4k in mine...keep in mind, the pistons and rods were used, and got a smokin' deal on them... I've heard prices ranging from 10-15k for a competitive class winning engine( like mine), not a new Hemi...hehe...
Two reasons i did not go that route... 1) Want to build my own stuff, and learn what i can from it, even if its not the fastest thing on the planet. 2) I cant afford a big money deal, so, winning heads up races are not part of my plan, anytime soon.
There are not too many 'young' guys(im 45) starting in Stock, unless they were born into a family that races Stock, or they have fat wallets. Im neither, so i have to do it slowly. But, it doesnt deter me from trying it... Making factory parts go fast is a challenge...anyone can build a Jegs bracket car...ive done it, and dont really enjoy it as much. Luckily i didnt cut my car up, as ive had it for 27 years, and Stock was always my goal. I just finally got around to it.
I would, however, like to send a set of heads to a known Stock guy, and get a real good set done, but that is a good 2-3k, and that wont happen soon... I believe with some tweaking, i can see some 11teens with the stuff im gonna do this season... Meanwhile, im gonna run the crap out of it...hehe

[oldskool]

Since the stock heads can't be ported, and some are better than others, do you know if the top guys, running the 330hp engine, gather up lots of 16 & 62 heads and check 'em on a flow bench to find the best ones ?

[brent flynn]

Originally Posted by oldskool

Since the stock heads can't be ported, and some are better than others, do you know if the top guys, running the 330hp engine, gather up lots of 16 & 62 heads and check 'em on a flow bench to find the best ones ?

Yeah, i would imagine so... i wanted to do that, since i have 4 pair...i will eventually do that..i have 3 intakes as well...

[a pontiac]

while the cam is swapped out, check ring drag with torque wrench on crank. getting to 11lb. helped mine. some are a lot lower, but with vac-u-pan setups. higher spring press. needs 3/8 pushrods, 4-4 1/2 qts. in the oil pan helps. Be sure you are getting max. legal valve lift.

[brent flynn]

When i assembled it, it took 14lb to break it loose, with rope seal... considering that i dont have a real high dollar ring package, thats probably pretty good... it has surely loosened up some, with 91 passes on it.
I think i will see a major gain, in cam swap, and loosening converter, also goin to a lightened 350 turbo. Gonna try to have all this done by mid season, or before. I run 5 qts oil...little too scared to run any less... I blow this one up, im done...hehe I hope to gain some HP in headwork , next winter...Just doin the cam/trans/converter this year...and running the crap out of it...