Bigger chambers in the heads, dished pistons, retarded cam timing , Lean carburetor, EGR and slow retarded ignition timing all figure in to the lower hp figures. You have to bring all the specs and parts back to optimal to get back the lost power.
well lets try this out, the block is a 74. now the intake is cast iron but, its for a four bbl with that im setting a 600 cfm holley. then im throwing the comp cam 268H and lifter set into it with stock exhaust. and then down the line im looking into 3.73 gears. now with info in hand is it possible to be in the higher end of stock hp figures? or am i going to have to change pistons? truth be told i cant afford to change them so it dont really matter, just kinda want to know what this lil grabber is going to do. thanks everyone! Rick
I think youll be happy with the power. You can do things with the low comp, like play around with the timing or add a turbo. My old engine had 8.1:1 and i could give it up to 18 degrees initial timing with no pinging what so ever. And that was running 87 octane cheap fuel.
If you really want bang for the buck, go look for a 94-97 5.0 from a truck or van. Swap the EFI intake out with your carbed intake setup, add a set of 1.7 "Cobra" roller rockers, new pushrods, refit your distributor with a steel gear to match the roller cam in these motors. And if you're up to it, port match the exhaust sides, or at least remove the thermactor bump in the ports. Another option is a 5.0 from a 96-2001 Explorere/Mountaineer, these have the same bottom end and cam as the pickup/van motor, but better heads. The EFI cam in these motors works great with a carb and the 1.7's will boost the lift specs by .030 to equal the HO cam. To put one in your car, you'll also need a 50 oz/in flexplate ($85 from Summit for a TCI plate) This combo will yeild a motor with about 250-275 HP and tire melting torque, combined with great fuel mileage. I have one in my 89 Ranger that nets about 16-18 MPG without overdrive. You can do better in a Mav that's a good 500 lbs lighter.
I WOULD LOVE THAT SET UP!!!! but my wallet and my knowledge are much alike "tiny". just trying to figure out where i am now.
You can pick these motors up cheap. Look for a "parts truck" (or van, explorer, mountaineer) with one. Lots of times you can buy one for less than a grand, pull out what you want from one, then sell the rest.
Yeah...thats not going to happen as im unemployed right now. building this car on my $258.00 a week and pay bills. I DONT THINK SO!
Is it just a rebuilt 74? If so i think you can expect 180HP. But you should have at least 230TQ. And in a light street car it should be fun. The HO is also a great option. You can get longblocks at junkyards for just about $150. And theyre plentyfull.
77 model year had FLAT tops. I have a photo somewhere. I used a set in the past for my first Mav build. I hunted for a set for quite a while.
What happened to your E7 heads? E7 heads also have a larger combustion area that will lower compression on the stock block BUT better breathing than the stock heads. A simple and in expensive milling of the heads could get you back into better compression area and help out with a little extra HP. Don't worry about HP numbers, it will be a fun street car. A better engine can always be put in when your wallet allows. And in my opinion gears are alot better investment than another 30HP. More than enough engine than what your looking to get out of it, theres ALWAYS ways to make more power when your wallet is ready. Look at power to weight ratio and gearing. Did you ever get a chance to drive it stock or was it a basket project to begin with?
In your case, the best advice I can give you is put everything on hold until you're employed. I would be thinking about selling, not building.
