stroker question

[Dave Weckl]

My engine has developed a knock..Took off the vavle covers and ran it..it doesnt seem to be valvetrain.IT only makes noise when its hot.

Im expecting a rod loose..ideas

At worst I probably need a rebuild..Assuming that my rods are OK.Can I just get a 4.25 crank and pistons and stroke the 454?

I have a 5445 casting 454 and 781 heads..ITs a daily summer thats built for reliabilty..(didnt work this time..lol)..A lot of people said that clearancing is usually not necessary.I dont need to use cap bolts do I?

[Maximum Race Engines]

Ideas? Yea, take the engine out, take the pan down, and look for a spun bearing. No sense in trying to guess...right? It has to come apart anyway. Reason it happens only when it is hot is usually due to the fact that when its cold, oil is thickest, so it may be hiding it. When the engine heats up, oil thins out, and noise returns. As for the stroker idea, Yes, you can just get a piston for the added pin height that will be needed with the extra stroke. While you are at it, if it is a stock rod deal, why not just go with a complete rotator? If it is a rod bearing that has spun, usually due to detonation first, then it spins, you will need to recondition the rods as well. And you need pistons, rings, bearings, crank, just get a rotator. I have them if you need one. The good part about going this route is that the rod can be longer by .250", resulting in a 4.250" stroke, with a 6.385" rod, and a 1.270" pin height which allows the piston to be lighter as well.This is the same combination I use in my 496 crate style engines. Some minor block clearanceing might be needed, but its no big deal. The new rods, if you choose to go that route will have cap screws. Another advantage is that you will have a more reliable setup with the longer rod, lighter pistons, and a rotating assembly that can handle up to 800+hp if you choose to upgrade at any time as far as camshaft, heads, intake, etc..The bottom half will be done , done once, and done right. If you need any assistance, let me know, as I not only build and sell complete engines, I do shorts as well for the guys who like to do most of it themselves, yet are not sure of themselves when it comes to bottom end building..Hope this helps

[Dave WEckl]

Thanks Joe,

That makes a lot of sense. Can you send me via email a list of what you have available with the prices ?. I looked around the net and the prices vary by a lot. I dont know which one is best for my application(I dont want to spend too much than I need)The application is basically street/strip.The car has power brakes.I want the compression so that I can use 89 octane or higher gas

5445 2 bolt block
110cc 781 casting heads

Thanks for the reply..I
Dave Weckl
[e-mail]

[Maximum Race Engines]

I will get some prices and options together for you, and I will email you. As far as price goes, I am very reasonable, and I am not trying to sell you anything you wont need. I will give you options, with prices, and you choose what you can afford. Talk to you soon.

[Dave Weckl]

I found a tall deck 427 for $70 with the heads.I wonder if it would be better to use that?

[Maximum Race Engines]

The tall deck will not be needed. I would rather have the short deck for your application. The tall deck does not offer any performance gains, and will also be a heavier block. The reciprocating weight is also greater, either the need for longer rods, or lower pin height pistons, it will not be beneficial. Use the block you have and prep that one. Send me your email address and I will get some prices out to you.

[Dave Weckl]

thanks for the advice.

Im also interested in some roller cam and lifters that might be good for my combo.I dont mind adjusting valves 3 or 4 times a year as long as it idles around 8-900 RPM and still operate my power brakes.

my e-mail
[e-mail]

[Maximum Race Engines]

Dave-
email me at [e-mail] or call me at the shop 866-470-7223, its toll free. I will need all of your specifications on the engine and drivetrain so I can get a better idea of what we are dealing with. Thanks.