ANybody here ever work on one? I know its just an early big block I was just trying to find parts for one. Pistons? ANybody have an idea for stock replacements that are not customs...
Todd

That was a 1958 only engine wasn't it, Todd?

it has the same 440 stroke 3.75 but a small block size 4.03 (?) bore. So we know we're looking for a small block size slug that is Ideally a 2.20" Compression Height. No small blocks have anything close to that tall a deck height so.....

I'm thinking out loud here but maybe a 400M Ford (which was a tall deck 351 cleveland) might be close, or possibly a 390 FE...or maybe a 400 Olds? Now if you go to a longer BBC big ended 7.100 rod and bush the small end you can probably find a small block slug that might work (like maybe a 360 SBM which is around 1.83-ish)

That'd be a tough gig. But i'll be there's something out there that could work, but Hey, at least the rings will be easy

Did some digging, none of the 3 I mentioned have anywhere near the compression height you'd need

There may be some odd ball out there that may work though....or maybe the bore in that old block can go out to 413 size?? good luck!

John,

Yeah but I looked at everything I could think of...most are in the 1.7 to 1.8-ish range, but another alternative is to use a BBC journal crank and look at a 7.1 rod to make up the difference, adjust the final stroke to make it work Even a hemi rod gets you a tenth closer.

come to think of it......I think the 361 had a 4.125" bore which might be in the ballpark.... those pistons are probably in the 383-400 1.8 to 1.9 CH range too Doesn't hughes list a 361 piston?

That was an odd ball motor to be sure but an interesting conversation piece if you can make it work....for what it's worth

Yeah well I don't think this guy is interested in Chevy journal cranks and h beams. Strictly stock rebuild. Oh yeah and he is in NEW ZEALAND! I also have to be sure that his specs on his motor are the same as the ones here in the states. The Aussies did some different deals with some Chrysler engines. Thanks for the input though. Todd