Pure stock type rebuild: Performer 340 heads or J-Heads
#1570130
01/28/14 03:11 PM
01/28/14 03:11 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267 Connecticut
1972CudaV21
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267
Connecticut
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Hi,
I've been trying to stick with the numbers-matching game with my 1972 340 'Cuda. I planned on a FAST-style motor or pure stock/stock appearing with 500 HP. Now, my plan is to have 400-425 Hp and 400-425 Ft. Lbs. Torque with the original steel crank (don't really want to bother with a stroker motor right now). I'll be doing a camshaft, higher compression pistons and the rest will be pretty much stock. My Thermoquad was restored by Scott Smith.
Anyway, I'm kind of getting tired of spending big money to restore parts back to assembly line condition and with the correct dates and what not (my fan clutch, wiper motor, exhaust manifolds, carb, and most other parts under the hood have been correctly restored or are NOS).
Now, I'm staring at these 1972 J-heads and I'm just not feeling much love for them. If they go to Shady Dell, I'm guessing it will be pretty expensive to have them flow to the max with new valves, springs, etc.
So, I'm thinking about picking up an old LD340 intake manifold and just run the Performer RPM 340 E-heads. Paint them blue and go from there. Maybe TTI headers down the road if I decide to remove the stock exhaust manifolds. But, that would be it. Just the internal mods I mentioned above and what I just mentioned.
Any thoughts? BTW, I'm not interested in competing in FAST or Pure Stock. This is just for my own pleasure.
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Re: Pure stock type rebuild: Performer 340 heads or J-Heads
[Re: 1972CudaV21]
#1570133
01/28/14 06:11 PM
01/28/14 06:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 549 Bristol, Va
fasteddie
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 549
Bristol, Va
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If you are talking about a complete rebuild of the J heads, don't do it. The cost would be not much less than the Edelbrocks, and the Edelbrocks ootb will out perform the Js. If the Js are in pretty good shape, guides ok, seats not too recessed, etc, I would go with them. I would lap the valves to see what the seat and valve surface looks like and I would mill them to get good quench. The amount to mill would be determined by your piston to deck number and which head gasket you choose. Good quench is .035 to .045. You can go tighter, and many do, but these are safe numbers. If you mill more than .020 to .030, you will need to space up the rocker shafts or buy custom pushrods of the correct length. The intake manifold surface must be milled as well. It cost $145.00 at my local shop to mill my heads.
The deciding factor is going to be the condition of the Js, or the condition of your bank account. The quick and easy way is the Eddies.
2003 Bristol Dragway Sportsman Champion
2016 Bristol Dragway Power Hour Champion
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Re: Pure stock type rebuild: Performer 340 heads or J-Heads
[Re: ademon]
#1570141
01/30/14 02:38 PM
01/30/14 02:38 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267 Connecticut
1972CudaV21
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267
Connecticut
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Quote:
I was going your route with the stock looking 340 but it's become common. I also was going to stick a ton of money in the J but now going 6 PAC and also thinking about those Indy X heads mainly for the cost and the quench, plus they look somewhat stock.
Sounds like a good plan.
Anyone know if the RHS heads are an overseas casting?
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Re: Pure stock type rebuild: Performer 340 heads or J-Heads
[Re: 1972CudaV21]
#1570142
01/30/14 03:51 PM
01/30/14 03:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,376
dogdays
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,376
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Re: Pure stock type rebuild: Performer 340 heads or J-Heads
[Re: dogdays]
#1570143
01/31/14 02:08 PM
01/31/14 02:08 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267 Connecticut
1972CudaV21
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267
Connecticut
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Quote:
Oz or Kiwi, IIRC.
R.
I know Engine Quest are from New Zealand....Wonder if they make the castings?
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