It's coming along!

You know, I was a little doubtful when they told me by September, but I think they might actually make it.

Well, I went to Hotchkis's Cars and Coffee this weekend and saw the car. Almost nothing was done since the cage got back from being powder-coating. The mechanic was straight with me and told me it's because the shop manager has been taking in a lot of small, 1 week projects which have been preoccupying the mechanic. He told the shop manager that my car and the Porsche race car, both of which have been in the shop for about the same amount of time, need to be finished and out asap. The Porsche has a race coming up in 2 weeks so I think all of that time will be devoted for that, but afterwards I believe it should be shifted more towards my Dart. We'll see, I'm not too worried about it as I'm a patient guy, but I'll check up on them soon.

Car looks really good, even if it isn't done yet!

So, Hotchkis made some progress on the Dart. It seems the roll cage is almost done. It just needs me to sit in it to get the side impact members mocked up. So, I'll probably do that before the end of the week. At the same time, I'll be taking my engine to IMM to get looked over. I'm still not certain yet, but I may be removing the supercharger and either just building a 360 or 408.

I also purchased some goodies. I was able to locate a pair of use MP offset shackles. That will help with my rear wheel rub as I can take off the 5mm spacer that's currently their. I also found another pair of wheels that I liked that are 18 x 9.5" and what I believe to be the perfect offset to fit a 275/35/18 tire all the way around without rubbing and at a point where I could actually rotate them. If I find a buyer for my current wheel setup, I might just pounce on it.

Well I guess the puppy can only ride shotgun as the bars go thru where the back seat should be. If this is more a street car why didn't they put the bars thru the package tray?

I bet Brian could make that 273 scream!

That's what I was expecting, but I didn't want rear seats in there since it was getting a cage. The two don't click with me. But, I kind of like it as now it's easier to put a sound system back there.

The 273 is going to be my project after the Dart is up and running.

Did they make that cage specifically for your car or is it some kind of generic kit that they installed? I can't say the I have ever come across another one done like that.

They based it off the 4-point cage on JEGS website. (http://www.jegs.com/i/Jegster/550/941701K/10002/-1) They said it'll be quicker and cheaper for me to find a cage with an already bent roll tube than them charging me the labor for making a custom one. I'm not sure if JEGS roll cage was designed to go through the back seats or the speaker holes. The diagonal tube that goes from the driver's top to the passenger bottom was added for extra rigidity. The boxed section at the bottom of the roll hoops were custom in case I flipped so the tubes wouldn't go straight through the floor. There will be a little extension added to the rear window cranks so the rear windows can still roll down. There will be an added side impact member with a swing-out since it's very difficult for me to get into cages do to my size and hip problems.

Thanks for the reply, it's always interesting to see people do things a bit different.

Went and visited Hotchkis yesterday. I dropped off some parts and discussed the game plan with them. We also measured and mocked up my side impact members and they should be pretty neat. Then I took the engine and drove it all the way to IMM engines. Unfortunately, I didn't realize there was coolant still in the water pump. So, once I made the first stop leaving the driveway I heard a stream of coolant dump onto the floor of the SUV.

Looks like you learned something!

Weight transfer? Always bring rags? Or that the 273 isn't in the back of the SUV?

So, another bit of an update. I just talked to Brian at IMM engines. When he tore my engine apart, he was surprised that it had all stock internals. He said the block was good but was in need of a rebuild as all of the bores were about 0.003" out of round. Anyway, we talked it over and speculated what would be the best method to pursue for this engine (supercharger vs. stroking) and we decided stroking.

Here are some specs on the engine: 408, forged SCAT rotating assembly (4.00" stroke, 0.030" overbore), EQ Magnum Cylinder heads adapted to the LA block, hydraulic roller cam and lifters, ARP fasteners, Milodon Road Race oil pan and pick up, 1.6 aluminum rocker arms, Marley 5/16 push rods, 750 DP carburetor w/ 1/2" carb spacer, MSD ready-2-run distributor, match-ported Edelbrock LD4B etc.

It should make about 500-575 hp according to Brian. ETA on dyno day is going to be sometime around mid-January.

Obvious that it is a 360 because of the external balance flexplate!

I like what you're doing if your blower needs a home we'll find it one (Some might say bolt it to your 273 )

I'm thinking about canning off all the extra parts I don't need. Just less space in the garage, more money in my pocket, and it won't tempt me to get another vehicle (I was thinking about a '72-75 truck, maybe not so much now). I'm not sure if I have the energy (or money) to do another old vehicle. If I get a truck, I might just get a newer 1500 with a 5.7L Hemi.

But if I were to do it (and I was planning on it initially), I was thinking about finding some old TRW 10.5:1 pistons, forged crank and rods, a set of 360 heads with 1.8" valves (already have from a crate engine and would bring the engine down to about 9-9.5:1), just plopping on the M1 intake (already have), and add supercharger with 7-8 lbs of boost. That should of made a high revving screamer with at least 300 hp easy. Or, I could throw it on the 408 in the future, but that would be scary. Probably be pushing around to 600-700 hp.

Ever since I announced I was going stroker in my Stroker vs. Supercharged thread I've gotten countless people messaging me on my threads and pm's asking how much I want that supercharger for. It gets pretty annoying after awhile.

Small update. Talked to the engine builder yesterday. He's a week behind so Dyno day will be January 22nd.

Thinking about the timeline and how long it takes for them to get work done, I highly doubt my car will make it to Mopars at the Strip. I'm going to really push for it though since the guys at Hotchkis usually hold the autocross. It would be great if I could get a lot of practice in it giving people ride alongs all weekend long.

Just sent a message to Hotchkis with regards to when they plan on having my car done. They said the plan is for the end of February. So, there may be a chance I'll end up making it to MATS.

You will make it to MATS and the autocross!!! The most frustrating part of any build is delays that come from things outside your control. But book your room, schedule vacation from work, plan your route, and make going to MATS your attainable goal.