DeTomaso Mailing List: January 00, Message #16

Dave, Nolan, and Co:

Depends my good men! I'm satisfied with the possibility of getting about 400
horses out from what essentially is a factory "stroked" Cleveland. Dozens of
reciprocating assy's available almost for the taking. Just the usual balancing
may be the value added part. But shoehorning on Cleveland heads is fine (I'm
almost wondering about the aluminum heads and how they will work with the 400M,
probably better. I'm jazzed that there are plethoras of 400's out there for
almost the taking. Probably the best kept secret (until now!) about the 400. The
big hurdle is getting the bellhousing, something that just isn't made. I like
the idea of getting a 400C but they will take a little more time to find. I just
happened across a balanced recip assy that is cheap! Motor mounts? I
investigated that. That's not a problem (easy to make, wow, do I like welding!
No fab problems with the 400 set up).

I haven't toyed with any Windsor set ups but my guess on the the stroker kits
might be at least $1k. For 30 more cubes over the 400, I'm not so sure I'm
inclined (let me know if I'm wrong, thought. I'm still open to suggestions).

In any event, Nolan, I hope that answers your questions. Don't apologize for
asking any of these questions. And, no! I did'nt know that there was a new hydro
roller/cam kit coming out for the Cleveland stroker (that will definitely
benefit my 400M project).  Thanks for that info!!! Cal #2428r.

David Doddek wrote:

> It might actually be easier to do a Windsor 427 from a 351W than it woujld
> be to do the 400M motor.  More parts available and lower cost.  Also you do
> not need to change motor mounts or bell housing.  Just a few worries with
> belts and exhaust flanges.
>
> Dave "might do a W someday" D
>
> At 02:48 PM 1/1/00 -0500, you wrote:
> >Hello Cal.
> >The reason I asked about the bellhousing was to help decide which way I
> >should go with an engine. The car I am getting has a good engine now, so I'm
> >not in a rush. I am leaning toward building a stroker Motor about 430 C.I.
> >
> >I spoke with Steve Wilkinson about my supercharger idea. He convinced me
> >that it didn't meet my criteria of possible daily driver with no fuss. I
> >have decided to win this game with displacement.
> >I also had a good conversation with Mark Oneil at Coast Hi Performance. They
> >make stroker kits for the 351C and M motors.The C motor kit is more
> >expensive than the M. The difference is just less than the cost of the
> >bellhousing. With the taller deck height of the M, there is room to get
> >about 30 more inches. On the + side for the C engine, Mark told me that
> >Competition cams is about to introduce a new Hydraulic roller cam with good
> >specs for a stroked Cleveland. I'm sure you know this stuff. I'm learning.
> >I think it boils down to the question of where I want to do the fabricating.
> >I am planning on making an individual runner intake manifold for fuel
> >injection. I am still undecided on how to control the air into the motor. My
> >choices are Individual throttle bodies from TWM Induction, 1 large throttle
> >body on each side half of the intake  plenum  or a slide plate. I have a
> >friend that really wants to make the slide, but it is looking like a bunch
> >of work for a non competition vehicle.
> >
> >On the other end of the engine is the exhaust. I have always loved the look
> >of the 180 degree headers that wrap up the back of the Pantera motor. I have
> >collected almost enough stainless bends to do a set.
> >
> >I am new to Panteras. I hope I don't offend anyone with 20 obvious
> >questions. If anybody has suggestions on engine choices, or input on fuel
> >injection, I would appreciate every word.
> >
> >I have been reading your postings about modifying your bellhouse and had
> >wondered why you hadn't purchased the bellhouse for your swap.
> >
> >Perhaps one of the old times should go over some details with D-Mann. Doesn'
> >t he know Ford makes a better motor?    :)
> >
> >Regards to all,
> >Nolan Scheid
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: <catman351@themost.net>
> >To: Multiple recipients of list <detomaso@realbig.com>
> >Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2000 1:03 AM
> >Subject: Re: 351M bellhousing cost?
> >
> >
> >> Hi Nolan:
> >> Don't know why you want to install a 351M but your better off sticking
> >> with the C-block or most of the other small block stuff. Expect to pay
> >> $800 for a used big block bellhousing to ZF. I'm having mine fabricated,
> >> but because the nature of the engine I'm installing (400M) and Hi-po-ing
> >> that, that will be worth it. I will have to take my ZF, old bell housing
> >> and engine plate for the 351C, the new 351M/400/429/460 engine plate and
> >> C-6 xmission shell, and have my fabricator cut the bellhousing off from
> >> the C-6, weld, and drill out a plate to fit the ZF. That the other way
> >> you can do that. Or, do what Ted Mitchell did and redo a flathead to ZF
> >> adaptor and drill out accordingly. Or, you can contact www.wilcap.com,
> >> grab their Chevy to ZF and have an adaptor plate made up to do that
> >> (BTW, the cost for a Chevy to ZF bellhousing to ZF is about $300-400.
> >> You can use this as your D-Mann alternative but you'd have the rest of
> >> the Power by Ford group spitting fire at ya....;^). In any event, good
> >> luck! Let me know how it goes. I expect to throw the parts to my fab man
> >> and let him do the work. Cal #2428r.
> >>
> >> Nolan Scheid wrote:
> >>
> >> > Hello All
> >> > Happy new year.
> >> > Does anyone want to sell a used bellhousing for a 351M engine swap?
> >> > Who has them new?
> >> > How much do they cost?
> >> >
> >> > Thank you,
> >> > Nolan #2772 should have the car on Monday!!!!!
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >