So...Got over crying in my sake, and got back on the job.
Got what was supposed to be a low mile 78 creampuff 360 truck motor, from a friend, for 200.If it wasn't so bad it would be funny.Some cro magnon resized the conn rods so they are just about ALL .002 out of round SIDEWAYS!
The crank is cut .020 on the rods only.
(not one but TWO resizing stamps on the crank, one says "R .010 11/87" then ANOTHER says "R.020 1/88", somebody had issues with their rebuild...)
But all is not lost.Block shows very little bore wear, like .001, no ridge. Crank is .020 on the rods, and is spec.
I am thinking S.I.R. rods because it's the least expensive way to go, and try to recycle the stock dish tops with new rings, if they crash in the pin pressing stage, I will go with new std bore pistons like speed pro hypers.Mild cam,small valve heads,melling pump, windage tray, stock pan,
LD340, eddy 750, , factory style hi stall convertor.
Hopefully will result in a durable SB that will get us by for a few years until the Oregon move.
I considered recycling the "ported" heads from the ill fated predecessor, but the porting job is sort of suspect,intake ports are baby-butt smooth, and IIRC they are supposed to be left ROUGH to help keep the fuel droplets in suspension.
On of my consulting machinists is pretty experienced, and reminded me I may kill all the bottom end torque by going that route, too.
Group thoughts?
Vehicle is 73 challenger w/ TCI 727 (used)
currently 3.91s with 28" tall tires, but in deference to the highways you guys have, will eventually get 2.76s with SG.
Thanks, C

either get used stock rods out of a 318, or some SCAT I-beams.

since you're going through the trouble, KB107's are only like $200...

I've got a set of rods from a 73 360 that have std. bore pistons, let me look at them , if they look good I'll let you have them CHEAP ...

Use the ported heads. It will not kill the bottom end.

Patrick,I am thinking the same thing, BUT all I really want is to avoid boring it,and if I can scoop some better compression for cheap that's a bonus. So maybe a std set of KBs...there IS a super deal on sealed power Hypereutectics on Flea Bag with rings ,like 139,free freight but not to hawaii.
but if Johns are decent and usable, a 73 set probably would be flat tops.Machinist says
rods are fairly stable, that is they tend to stay "round" if not traumatized ?

John:
Thank you, I will not say "no", am keeping all options open.

Robert: HI! Yes I am a bigger fool than I thought possible, move tentatively set for about 2 years when Wifie gets out of school.And I get to meet my "customer service" representative in PERSON!!!

Mod 5V: I thought the 360 had enough cubes to do the job as long as I keep the cam specs reasonable, and still make some torque.
My only other head choices are the 78 smoggers that came with the truck motor,or refurbish some small valve 340's which would probably not be cost effective.
Nice to be back and have all the good input, that's why I come here.

Casey I think the 73 pistons have a dish , I'll know later.

Just about ready to pull the trigger on the CP Hypers, rings, and eagle SIRs.
Still researching.(and trying to keep cost down without sacrificing durability)

John's 73 pistons would probably be a set of low-cr smogger pistons. While you have it apart, you might as well take the opportunity to throw in a set of pistons to get your CR to where it should be. Even if it costs you an extra hundred or two, you won't regret it when time comes, especially if you put in those highway gears.

Fix the bottom end using factory parts if possible. Get a Comp 268-280 cam single pattern are cheap. get a dist dialed in for total by 2000-2300 and get a holley the edel will be a disappointment on the street,Ld or rpm manifold and set of headers with a good exhaust and you will have 13s no problem with a heavy car. Faster use a racer brown cam with 68 stick 340 specs with 112 center

FYI, Eagle SIR rods need a LOT of work to make them true and runnable, stick with the Scats, I have used them bunch in a few different builds, and never had to touch much at all, a little small end sizeing, but thats it.

The SIR rods took a LOT, and I mean a lot, every rod was very tight on the specs, and every pin bushing was so tight with light oil the pin wouldnt slide in without some good coaxing.

Kasey

OK moparnut426,I am going insane with this, but I must pause and THANK YOU!I was none too happy to see what your experiences were with SIRs...
BUT I followed up BEFORE I bought, and guess what?
You ain't the only one who has had issues with those
(I know you knew that, I am just being cheeky)
SO, I see a very good price on SCAT I beams from CNC Motorsports, like 290 landed .
CNC only sells KB hypers,STD bore, and they would run about 360 delivered...
I really liked the Speed Pro H116CP which I can get from someone else for about 340 with hastings rings, pins and locks, delivered.
Which piston has a better rep?I hear the KBs like to lose the top ring land, but only when pushed HARD...
Looks like the scat rods are a no-brainer,
but I would like more input on the pistons.
Please?
Case

Paul,I would have like to go stock rods and pistons, but this seems to be going from a "for now" deal to maybe a "for a few years until we get a stroker"deal...what really drove that is the rods are toast, and the pistons are a little worn on the skirts.
The block is nice enough that I feel I should at least take a stab at putting in some decent pieces.I find it interesting you like the 340 stick repro cam too, I always loved the sound those motors had when the cars were stock.
I really do appreciate the input.

The "only" reason a KB piston loses the top ring land is when a smart person like me thinks he can squeeze the piston and decrease the recommended ring end gap. Guess how I know. I ran a 14:1 360 with KB pistons and 70aarcuda ran the same motor never breaking anything for over 10 years.

On the subject of rods. Stock rods are heavier than Scat and there isn't much savings after you align and resize them. That's my

I'm running those Speed Pro's. Street car but abused when it comes out.For the money, I went with those over the KB's & couldn't be happier.

John, PM sent.
C

just make sure you put the intake on rite lol damhik

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