Help on Engine Combo for 70 cuda

[Cuda Jockey]

I was thinking the street hemi would be alot less then a race hemi, I have heard of race hemis for 50,000 - 60,000. Is the hemi combo a good combo, or has it been hit with horsepower so many times it will take a lifetime to make it competitive? There was a great article in Drag Racing magazine on stock and superstock ahfs last month. It really shed some light on how the system works, did anybody else read this?

[Jared Jordan]

Originally Posted by Cuda Jockey

I was thinking the street hemi would be alot less then a race hemi, I have heard of race hemis for 50,000 - 60,000. Is the hemi combo a good combo, or has it been hit with horsepower so many times it will take a lifetime to make it competitive? There was a great article in Drag Racing magazine on stock and superstock ahfs last month. It really shed some light on how the system works, did anybody else read this?

The Street Hemi combo is a good combo for those cars, but you're kidding yourself if you think it'll cost any less than the Race Hemi stuff. Only difference is the pistons and the carburetors. All the other stuff is the same $$$.

[Cuda Jockey]

Hey there Mr. Jordan, you are really raining on my parade. Well I would rather be informed now rather than half way thru a project I wouldnt be able to afford. Does anybody have any really enlightening good news.

[Shawn Blair]

I agree with Jared, It has two carters in line and a little less compression. That is really the only difference, but it's a very cool combo though!

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Cuda Jockey

Hey there Mr. Jordan, you are really raining on my parade. Well I would rather be informed now rather than half way thru a project I wouldnt be able to afford. Does anybody have any really enlightening good news.

Go with a 340, 383, or 440. The Hemi is a great engine but VERY expensive. You could also run one of the GT superstock classes with a newer engine combo like the 318 or 360 combos. If your LOADED with $$$$$$$ go with the Hemi.

[W J]

See if you can contact Dave Mann. He has some very good 440's out there.... WJ

[jack arnew]

Ben there don that, If you have unlimited funds go hemi. If you don't forget it. I in the 70's ran a SS/A ,a PRO/STOCK and also a SS/E 70 cuda convertable at 4280#,s got to tell ya it was tought on crankshafts. Leaving at 8000 rpm,s and that weight could twist almost anything in the running gear.So not only would you have to spend large amounts of cash on the engine to be competive you had better have a realy good drive train.In the mid 70,s we set the B/MP record at maple grove with that SS/E car I gota say though a HEMI car is a ride like no outher!!!! Anyhow good luck with what ever class you enter.

[Philip Saran]

You need to take the time to attend a couple divisional or national races and look
at and talk to the guys who race something similar to what you want to do.

I have never found a class racer who is not willing to answer questions about their
car or class racing. yes they may not be willing to tell you the cam specs etc but
that is understandable.

You have been given good advise on this post, if your funds are unlimited go for the
Hemi, if not look at the 383/400/413/426 wedge/440 motors and see what fits your
wants and budget for SS or SSGT.

As an example look at Don Little's Red 1970 Dodge Challenger (out on the west
coast) he has successfully run the car with 383/440/Hemi all as a superstock car
on a 9" stocker tire.

Another item for you to think about, your cars interior will need to be what NHRA
thinks of as "stock", meaning 70's era E-body seats and a dash that is stock, not
some aluminum piece or aluminum door panels.

Another factor to keep in mind as you add up the cost is that even in superstock
you will be competing with the restoration guys for some parts like heads and
carbs.

But if this is something you want to do, then go and enjoy your project.

The hunt is half the fun.

[Eric Bell]

I have a good 440 6 pack short block for sale. It could be used for a single 4 with thicker head gaskets.