Help with race engine

[Big_Boyz_Toyz]

I am trying to build a quarter mile car. I want it as radical as possible, but do not have the funds for roller cam and liffters along with everything else.
( roller cam and lifters $2,000 ) anything goes!!! Will a crank offset ground to 2.200 hold up if I use H-beam rods and alluminum pistons? Stroke would go from 4.3 to 4.58 and tought of boring to a CHEV. 502 piston. Any thoughts or input would be nice.

[dave_brode]

Big_Boyz_Toyz,

There are 4.58" stroke engines out there. However, most experts feel that offset grinding that much with a 2.2" journal weakens the crank too much. The journal overlap is greatly reduced with that much stroke. Expert opinion is [afaik] if a 2.2 journal is used, the increase should be less than the max amount available, so journal overlap isn't decreased too much.

Most real heavy hitters use a 2.375" Mopar journal, and widen the caddy crank to fit them while the offset grind is done. Afaik, figure $600-$800 for the machine work on the crank for that.

Fyi - the factory 4.446" bore 502 bbc pistons [JE700] have a very small dome that can be whacked off. The 502 pistons are the same hiegth as a 454 piston, and will work perfectly with a stock 500 crank, and a 7" rod [factory Olds, or the Chinese rods from Al, etc]. That'd be a simple n easy 535". The aftermarket offers 4.47" in dished and flat.

Imo, a 1/2 block fill would be a good idea, if it's going to be a stout piece. Copper gaskets and o-rings, or possibly pricey big bore composite gaskets would be a must, as Felpros or Cortecos will not work for that large a bore.

Btw, I have a new set of factory 502 bbc pistons for sale if you're interested. I also have a new set of 6.8" Eagle bbc rods like the set used in the "big inch caddy" stroker engine for sale.

More fyi - [assuming you are serious and will have the porting work to support a serious piece], from what I've seen,you can make decent power with a good solid lifter grind. The heavy hitters bush the lifter bores, or at least groove the stock lifter bores for better oiling to the lobes, to prevent wiping.
Dave



"]I am trying to build a quarter mile car. I want it as radical as possible, but do not have the funds for roller cam and liffters along with everything else.
( roller cam and lifters $2,000 ) anything goes!!! Will a crank offset ground to 2.200 hold up if I use H-beam rods and alluminum pistons? Stroke would go from 4.3 to 4.58 and tought of boring to a CHEV. 502 piston. Any thoughts or input would be nice.[/quote]