9 replies to this topic

[Ducati05]

Something that I would like to feel for comfortable about before I start this project. I have just got a 350, confirmed by the Block # 3970010 4 Bolt; Engine # V0320TKS

So am I right in my research?  V Engine,  03 March ,   20  20th ,  TKS   Engine Suffix  Van / Bus 1974   160 HP     If I am right thats what it is no problem with rebuilding it 

for a LH ?  And any advise I should get done to it during rebuild. No track just a nice Sunday Cruiser with a big smile. TIA

 

 

 

 

 

[Ducati05]

383 stroker kit?

[Shiney005]

If it hasn't been bored out past 40 thou there shouldn't be any problems. You can pick up Edelbrock aluminium heads from the States for two grand and well worth it for the weight savings.  I thought the base model was 190 HP?

[Ducati05]

I hope your right Shiney,  the Engine number or one of is   V0320TKS     

http://www.nastyz28....s-suffix-8.php                                                                                 

TKS 1974 350 van & bus   160 4 C-10 to 2500

 

Any idea on PH gain by stroking her?  As you can tell Im no mechanic.. But learning very quick... Edelbrock seem to be a big player I will do some searching for them. Thanks 

[Shiney005]

No, sorry Peter. I have never had much to do with Chevs, so I'm not sure how the strokers go. I believe the 383 kits work well. Are you going to be driving it here or in Thailand?

[Ducati05]

It will be here in Thailand as long as I am here Shiney but building it as if it will be shipped back home to Qld one day, I might decide to return. Nothing here to compare it with as far as getting information so be prepared for some silly Newbee Questions   Like the Qld laws on modifications. I have read a lot on this forum so I think Im right in the direction I'm going. 350 4 bolt block, TH 350 Transmission. Possibly Scat stroker kit, HQ front discs, front rear spoilers but at this stage prefer not to have wheel arch flares. Also have another retired Torana Guru in the Philippines who has help me out a lot... Thank God for the internet...

[axistr]

Over the years I have built quite a few SBC engines for customers and myself, but the 350ci configuration would be the cheapest to build and a good allrounder. There are so many rotating assemblies out there from quality manufactures which generally makes them the best bang for bucks. I am currently running an injected gen1 383 in my hatch which makes a tad over 500hp and 503lbs torque. However the 383 is a bit of a tractor engine with the high torque output from the longer 3.75 stroke. To get any N.A petrol engine to produce good HP you need them spinning a bit quicker, around 6,000-6,800 rpm, 383/400ci cranks are generally externally balanced cranks and don't like seeing much over 5,000 rpm.

 

You can internally balance a 383 rotating assembly but it does cost considerably more. I like to fine balance any engine that spins more than 5,500 rpm. The piston speed is also considerably higher than at the same RPM of a 308 or 350 so you will need quality pistons, rings and rods. Everyone wants more power from their engines so the thinking is always to go for bigger cubes. Yes correct to a point, the 383 needs good air and fuel flow so good heads, manifolds (inlet and exhaust), cam (must be small base circle cam) and fuel system need to be carefully chosen for you intended engine output. You need to choose correct matching parts to ensure reliability and performance. I would start by deciding how you want the engine to perform and the power output range. I always prefer to build engines for mid performance for the street. Big cams and double pumper carbies for the street can be a real bitch driving around town, and low speed performance diff ratios are a pain on the Hwy.

 

Don't rule out some alternative SBC combos for 4" bore engines. I have had some amassing results from 327ci 3.25 stroke and the 302ci engines and are reasonably cheap to get good results from. In 4" combos the 327 is my favourite and feel much more powerful than the dyno indicates. They get through their revs so much quicker and feel very lively you think whey were putting out much more power than actual, and in a light weight car like the Torana I reckon they are well suited.     

[Ducati05]

Thanks for the great advise Axistr, I am committed to the 350 now which is ok. Not much choice here I am afraid. Looking for enough P.H to sound good and put a smile on the dial..... As well as working to a bit of a budget as this is just the start of it.   Cheers

[MictheAussie]

Edelbrock make a top end kit that's pretty affordable and takes the guess work out of it. Here is one example:

https://www.summitra.../parts/edl-2098

[Shiney005]

I bought a set of those alloy heads back when the Aussie dollar was good. 1200 bucks.  These days however, by the time you ship the above kit to T land you will be looking at close to four grand.