Those valve covers are bada$$ and worth some power for sure. Looks like a gnarly think tank to me

Looking good! Out of curiosity what numbers are you seeing, what do you consider bad?

More mock-ups, more 'problems'...

Preditors versus B1? It must be a given the predators could be set up with superior hp potential, yet still run a cam that won't beat everything to death. Also the non paired exhaust is a big benefit i would think, keeping heat more even between the center cylinder exhausts promoting better valve seal. What goals do you have for power, engine size, rpm range? I am guessing a predator motor could be set up to have 1100 hp and yet still have reasonable number of runs between rebuilds/ maintenance?

I have a 54mm Bullet 4/7 swap cam that was in my 588, if your willing to switch bearings. are your running Babbit, or roller?

That's a rowdy looking group of gearheads right there.


The valve covers are a classic institution of the 1970's Direct Connection catalog. While I am sure they won't be used in the final rendition you see them on some bery successful race cars in old pictures.

I really dig that roller lifter lash tool. Can you put some simple blue prints on a napkin and post it?

I think the "just have fun" approach is healthy. Not being the competitive type my time at the track is more of a social event. If racing goes okay that is a bonus lol. Days off of work shouldn't be successful!

Moving forward,.you really need to get aluminum valve covers and trim those studs before dvw does something crazy like install a fiberglass hood. : D

Thanks Wes. I really just need to get the car up and running again to learn and have some fun. These were the pieces I had long set aside when i was thinking "the fastest I'll ever want to go and afford ...8.50 chassis etc" This is your old block from the Dart FWIW. Greg, these are 440-1 Indy's that were cnc'd at Modern many years ago with 2.25" Ti valves and minor hand work. I can't get the Predators up to speed in time with new valves etc. (they need refreshening) and my current PG trans would 'cry like a little girl' if i put an 'easy on parts' Predator combo on it. It'll be legal for NA 10.5 or my local tracks 'all-motor' class which has rules that correct for different combos. The -1 combo can weight 2775 lbs at 480" I'm trying to make as much power as i can with the parts I have, I don't care how high it has to RPM. Speaking of cams I can't find anyone with a wedge 55mm 4/7 swap so, I'll be running this 'less than ideal' cam that has no additional material for regrinding. It only has a .480" lobe on it so, that will be one bottle-neck.