Autocross/Road Race Motor
 

Hi,
I am looking for a little friendly engine advice. I have a 65 Mustang Fastback that I would like to build a motor for. I am looking to do some autocross and road racing with it from time to time. I found a guy with a motor for sale and I wanted to get some advice on whether its right for my application.

Below are the specs, tell me what you think! Thanks in advance.

Dart 9.5-inch deck Aluminum Block
Pro-Machined 4.125-inch bore
Lunati Pro Series Forged Crank 4.00-inch
Lunati 4340 Billet Rods 6.125 with ARP 2000 Bolt Upgrade
JE Custom Pistons 13:1 compression
Comp Solid Roller - 272 @ .050 int, 279 @ .050 ext duration; .696 intake lift, .672 exhaust lift, 112-degree lobe seperation
Designed for 7,500 rpm shift point
Total Seal Rings - “CML Premium” .043/.043/3mm
Clevite Bearings, Fel Pro MLS Gaskets, ARP Bolts, Mellings Oil Pump
Comp Race Double Roller Adj. Timing Set
Comp Double Bearing Cam Retainer
Ford Timing Cover
TCI Balancer Rattler and TCI Billet Timing Pointer
ARP Oil Pump Bolts & Oil Pump Shaft
Trick Flow CNC-Ported High Port Heads by Total Engine Airflow, titanium retainers, setup for solid roller.
335 cfm intake, 255 cfm exhaust
2.08 and 1.600 inch valves
Comp Endure-X Solid Roller Lifters
Comp Ultra Gold Rocker Arms
Comp Pushrods
Trick Flow Sheetmetal Valve Covers
Wilson Ported Edelbrock Super Victor, Full Competition Porting

That is a lot of motor, especially for a Moosetang. Seems its a big more drag race, may be able to cam it down a bit. What type of gas does it use?

13:1.....at least C-14

Would I be able to reduce the compression ratio down to 11:1 and be good? What is C-14?

So you think its to much motor?

That's a rowdy combo and likely a poor autocross engine. You need the most average power for both venues. Race gas isn't worth the cost unless you need every last bit of performance.

yes its to much engine for your application. c-14 is VP race fuels 114 octane. If you took some of that cam out you could use a 108 octane fuel.

If you change the compression and cam then sure its OK.....but then the heads have to much intake port for lower rpm power.

I don't think you could get the compression down for pump fuel with thicker gaskets. you'd likely need new pistons.

that does look like a drag motor. reminds of the majority of motors for sale on racing junk and yellowbullet. a ported super victor intake is popular for drag racing as well.

all that said, that thing sounds bad ass! should easily be over 700 hp.

I started reading the specs and thought ..... sounds like the motor in my Mustang..

My motor is 12.5:1 and the cam is smaller.. If I remember right it has .650 lift and more like 263/258 duration @ 50 etc -- and requires 110 octane... It DOES NOT like to be lugged....like anything below about 3000 rpm it's not real happy... but is wonderful on the road course.

The problem with going to a smaller cam is that you may actually end up raising the cylinder pressure. I seriously doubt you could ever get it down to pump gas level with 13:1 CR pistons.

Hey everyone. Thank you for the advice, I see that this is not the right motor for me!

Can anyone give me advice on what kinda motor I should be looking for. Any suggestions on good crate motors out there that would be good for Autocross and Road Racing.

Thanks again.

Ha. I was right. This motor did just show up today in the classifieds of a site I mentioned... sounds about right, and it is/was indeed a drag motor.

For a nice autoX/road race motor, here's what I would want and I am looking for in my next generation of powerplant and I have the same/similar goals.

650-700hp to peak at no higher than 7k rpm, and still maintain solid mid range torque and decent enough low end for drivability and autoX. You can get there with enough cubes and a big solid roller if you want a small block such as the one you posted.

Thanks for the advice. Do you have any suggestions of any crate motors that fit this bill or anyone that has one for sale?

Honestly I would not recommend a "crate" motor for what you are looking for. I am assuming your motor/power goals are similar to what the ad was for, or was that not pretty close to what you are looking for?

If you truly are looking for close to 700hp out of a 400+ cube stroker Ford motor, I would talk to a reputable engine builder to build one for you. Most of the stroker small block "crate" motors I've seen are not value priced enough (vs a custom spec'd motor) and do not make the power I want, and presumably you want.

If 700 hp isn't a # you are shooting for, what is your target range?

I would be fine with something around 500HP and 500 ft/lbs of torque. So you think an engine builder would be a cheaper route to go than a "crate"?

For a street motor - a crate motor is fine.... but if you want to really track the car... and you want the motor to live - you'll be money ahead to have it built. That is IF you choose a builder that builds the type of motor you want and is a quality builder.

The motor in my Mustang - is a 355 stroker SBF - based off a R302 Ford block... and makes 590hp. The car weighs 3015 pounds. AND the builder says to bring it back for freshening every 40 hours.... IF you're going to wing it to 7000+ regularly. The motor was specifically purpose built.

I can't imagine a crate motor taking that kind of flogging and making it half as long even if you cut the rpms to 5500...

The bearings - the springs - the "weight of the reciprocating assembly" etc is just going to work against you.

Bighead,

Do you plan on driving this mustang on the street? Will this car be a decided auto-x/road course car? Also, what city are you in? There are some awesome engine builders all over.

Hey thanks for the response. I will be a street car but would like to take it to the occasional Auto Cross/Road Race. I am located in Eastern NC.

See...you have some good engine builders near you.

If it was my car, I would look either at a newer fuel injected ford motor or a simple 351 carb motor. You can always stroke the 351 for more cubes. You don't need a "race motor" for what you want to do. I think you need a well build motor to reach your goals.

I agree -- your statement "from time to time" is the big "X" factor.... Many here will tell you that "from time to time" has turned into "ALL THE TIME" :lol:
And weekends sitting in lawn chairs behind their car has turned into wrenching and sitting behind the wheel foot to the floor.

Whether you use a crate motor or a custom built motor, one thing won't change.

As power goes up, motor longevity usually goes down. If the motor has to work hard to make the power you want it won't last as long.

Do you have the names/phone numbers or websites of these "good engine builders"?

Thanks!

Wegner Automotive Research
N2258 Hilltop Road
Markesan, WI 53946

main 920 394-3557
fax 920 394-3555
www.wegnerautomotive2.com

I'm not a Ford guy, but if I was I would have to give Roush a good look over.
http://www.roushperformance.com/engines/
Also Fastlane Motorsports in Benson,NC has a good rep for building quality engines. You might give them a look. Melvin has been involved in drag racing since the sixties but can build whatever you want.
www.fastlanemotorsports.us.

You would until you coughed up your lunch when you saw the ridiculous prices!


:cheers:

I would look into:
http://www.kurturbanperformance.com/

He is the man with LS builds...I'm sure he can take care of you with a ford build.

That high huh?
Maybe not from Roush, but from what the man seems to want I would think he is looking to spend 8 to 10. You can spend less or a whole lot more.
Mike

Just pick up a used Nascar motor from Roush Yates for about $12.5k :unibrow:

http://www.roushyatesparts.com/Used-...ines-s/532.htm

8-10 won't buy the induction on a Roush engine.