Tech Question
Greg Clark, Newark, CA, 85 Dodge B250 van 318/408
I am a regular “Grocery Store” subscriber to your greatmagazine and have learned a great deal from all of the tech articles.Please keep them coming hot and heavy!!
I am in the process of upgrading the power plant in my faithful ’85 3182bbl Dodge van. At 180,000 trouble free miles, the motor is really showingits age.
I am building a 360/408 stroker for it but am in Smog Nazi heaven -California, so I must pass smog tests and look stock. I have no fantasythat this lead sled will do 9 sec. quarter miles. In fact I am only lookingto use this as a 100% daily driven street machine. Budget issues apply ofcourse.
The new mill is about ready to go back together and is bored .030 andusing a Mopar stroker crank with Keith Black 356 9:1 pistons with Speed Promoly rings. I am using a mild generic Summit cam with the recommended Cranesprings and no exhaust valve rotators.
My questions are two –
1. How good is the stock 4bbl manifold – casting # 4173915. Can I port it abit and get good use out of it?
2. What carb is “Appropriate” for an ’85 360 van per smog visualinspection. The local Mopar dealer’s parts catalog says a TQ. The MotorAuto Tuneup and Electrical book for 1985 says a QJ.?? I have 2 rebuildableTQ carbs.
I am trying to really play the smog game here and don’t plan to repaintthe valve covers or the manifold (if I use it) so as to not scream out “Newplayed with engine here”.
Your advice is appreciated and respected!
Greg-
Your plan sounds well thought-out. The stock iron manifold is perfectly OK,in fact, for your usage, there’s not much better. Porting, however, beyondobvious casting-flash cleanup, is probably a waste of time.
As I recall, 1985 was the changeover year from T-Qs to Q-Js. EITHER iscorrect, unless they want to get into build dates, etc. If I had my choice,I’d use the T-Q in a New York Minute. (Big surprise, right?)
One tip on emissions: if you have a choice of several cams, pick the onewith greatest lobe separation.
Rick
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