DeTomaso Mailing List: September 98, Message #252

Steve wrote,
> Well, I don't know what mods Dick and John have in detail - you'll all
> have to ask them directly. John's has what he stated as 2500$ or less
> mods to a stock Cleveland. Dick has a nasty stroker. Unfortunately Dick's
> motor broke the crank today - so - it was the highest HP, but zero
> reliability. John's motor sounded great throughout the RPM range -
> smooth! Whatever he did works!
>
HI all, 
	Dicks motor (and I know he'll correct me if i'm wrong) is an iron head
stroker 3.9" @396ci. 12 to 1 compression. He runs a dry sump system.
titanium valves, solid roller cam in the 270deg range @.050". The
intakes have  port stuffers in conjunction with a Roush intake manifold
and an 850 double pumper and probably a host of other little tricks ,
he's not letting out the bag!
	My own motor build can be read in the POCA newsletter for July in  Jack
Stand. Randy and myself shared the philosophy that in order to get an
affordable, high horespower, reliable daily street driver, then all we
needed was cubic inches and a good , well matched selection of parts.
	So, take a 351c motor, install a 4.0" stroker kit, massage the exhaust
ports,and build an exaust that can breathe, assemble and install in car.
Done. Anyone can duplicate this.
Even using a flat tappet hydraulic cam( a regrind at that) so no high
maintenance valve adjustments or high spring pressures to degrade
reliability, and power right wher you want it!

I'm going to take this opportunity to get something off my chest! If you
want the biggest/prettiest/most expensive/etc ,dont read on.

The numbers here do tell a story. (Dick i'm not picking on you ,but I am
using you for reference to make apoint) :-)

Dick got over 460hp
I got over 430hp

Dick has to run on race gas . Always.
I drive daily on pump gas.

Dick is probably into his motor for over $10,000
This one was modified for about $2600!

I'm not picking on Dick, Dick's is an all out racecar. 
But I am trying to make a point that unless you want an 8000rpm+ racecar
you do'nt have to go exotic /aluminum head/ portplates/ roller
cam/titanium valves/ high rpm's/ high maintenance route to have a great
performing street car!
Look at the numbers, and dollars, and projected usage time here and
figure out for yourself where is the bang for the buck?
	I see a lot of posts on this list regarding engine build tricks, but
for all you street drivers, lets get things in perspective! Driving on
the street, how often would you use 7000rpm?  wouldn't you be be better
of having the ability to floor the pedal at 2500rpm and having it pull
like a train? thats Dodge's philosophy with the Viper. You may notice
that it's plenty quick on the top end too. so yes, make gobs of
horesepower, but keep it simple and make it where you can USE it, that
will work out less expensive and more reliable!
	I got EXACTLY what I wanted and in spite of the naysayers, I have a
great performing daily driver,and as you have seen, a veritable weekend
warrior!   
Strokers rule, eh MD?

Randy Gillis built my motor and played a major role in developing Dicks
too. Randy is willing to help anyone who wants advice, and can be
cantacted at J.E. pistons @714/898-9763

OK stepping down off my podium ,and looking for the flame suit! :-) 
John P