And for what it's worth we are spending the coin on aftermarket block yeah your right on all accounts as far as I'm concernesf
So you're gonna be running aluminum heads and a computer-controlled engine?? My buddy's 1970 Olds 4-4-2 with 455 big-block had 10.25:1 compression and pinged like a S.O.B. unless he backed the timing way off. With the budget that you seem to have (based on your comments right after that current motor blew up), I don't see 11:1, or even 10.5:1 working out for you on "pump gas". There's a reason that none of the new cars, except for the most expensive and sophisticated sports-cars/muscle-cars have more than 9.5:1 engines. In fact, 9.75:1 is just about at the limit for today's "pump gas", unless you back the ignition timing off to even less than the factory setting.
I never said anything about computer controlled unless you mean the MSD 6 AL-2 that's programmable with a Laptop and as for the money notice I said next spring when finished and if you notice several on here are running higher that 11:1 on pump gas and our budget for the motor/trans is $15,000. Can I do it right now, no! But by next March, most likely done deal
Like I said earlier.. you're getting all caught up on textbook cookie cutter SCR recommendations here. Today's engines have higher DCR's than they've ever been. Even in the muscle car days. Camshaft and tuning is the key. Here's a quick link I found before heading off to work.. hopefully to garner a better understanding of the matter. There are tons of others out there. Also.. food for thought. Even BLOWN engines can run 10+/1 SCR on pump swill. And N/A goes much higher than that. http://classicinlines.com/CompressionRatio.asp
This is the most intelligent thing you have posted about your desires but I would let him assemble it that way you know it will be done correctly
While I understand your thought process, the building of the engine is a lot of fun and not rocket science especially with Woody a call away......trust me when that motor failed it shook my confidence to the core, however upon review and multiple knowledgable persons looking into it nothing I done could have Caused the failure, the only reason I may let him assemble the short block is for the warranty
As you work motors, long enough , the stories will be amazing. Like brass fittings that arent drilled all the way through! 302s that can break blocks, and front mains, from timing chains breaking! Experience is some times priceless. Dont give up ,Master the knowledage.
Sorry if I came out sounding like I doubt your abilities it was not meant that way as I know the enjoyment of building an engine on my own is priceless and doing it with your son makes it even that more precious but the fact that if something is wrong upon assembly they have the ability to take care of it and no hassle on your part to correct it. FWIW I had Jim (Woody) build my engine completely and could not be happier and way below your stated budget and has more than enough horsepower to put a smile on your face but I would never spin it up to 8,000
