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Tech Question
Wesley Johnson, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 500 stroker
I'm starting to plan a stroker engine build up for my '67 Coronet. I'm
thinking of going one of two ways: #1: a 400 block w/a 4.15 crank and 6.786
rods, or, #2: a 440 block with the same crank/rod combo. What's the better
choice? I'm partial to the 400 stroker due to the stouter block (shorter
deck and beefier main web area) and smaller/lighter package, but am
concerned over the short pistons with the small contact area that their
skirts have and the higher side loading and just how streetable are they
with the oil ring support due to the pin boss in the oil ring groove.
I've also noticed that on certain big block Mopar-dedicated web sites 4340
stroker cranks and 4340 rods are dirt cheap. To your knowledge are these
quality parts or should they be steered clear of?
Wes-
I guess I'd have to say: "It depends". Like many things in life, engine deisgns are, to a certain extent, all compromises. It depends...on how much you want to tilt the paramaters towrads light weight, compactness, HP, etc., and away from longevity, low oil consumption, and durability.
As far as main web area, there's no difference that I'm aware of.
Oil rings in the pin boss area are definitely not a great durability idea.
Long skirts, rods, etc., are all durability and longevity pluses.
You didn't mention the intended application for the engine, but you did mention the word "streetable". Given that, I'd go with the 440 block. Or, build the 400 a bit smaller - 3.75".
Virtually all those low-end forgings you speak of seem to come from the same foundry in China. Some are finish-machined here, some over there. The basic forging quality seems to be quite goood, at least in the last 5- 6 years or so (some of the early stuff had virtual lumps of charcoal visible....)
Rick
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