Hi all, thought it would be a good idea to start my upcoming 445 build with presenting my plans and asking some questions in this forum.
First of all, I know that topics are better served in small portions on the forum so my apologies on beforehand for doing this………
As I mentioned in my thread about oil pressure I’m planning to build (or have it built may be more correct) a 445, but before ordering parts I would really appreciate some input from the great knowledge bank of this forum.
My initial plan was to have the engine built by Survival and I received a suggestion and quote from Mr. Rabotnick which was really tempting. (Sorry for wasting your time, I will order the 445 kit from you though)
Unfortunately, while I was being a coward and having problems with coming to a decision, the Swedish Krona lost so much in value against the US Dollar that this no longer is an option for me. With the import fees and transport etc it would just be too expensive. So now to plan B.
The engine will be placed in a 68 Torino GT with C6 tranny and 3.25 rear end and what I’m looking for is drivability and maximum vehicle utility during the short season over here.
It will be used in the summertime and mostly to get me around the closest area, 10 miles radius maybe, on roads with speed limits from 30-50 mph and with the occasional trip on the highway to the closest towns.
I would like to be able to use it for the odd longer trip with the family though. Maybe a 1000 mile roundtrip once per season or so (otherwise the missus will never understand why I spend so much money of ours on an old car
)
It will probably not see the track, at least not in its first version. But it is always funny to do some moderate (yeah right) revving when pulling off and since overtaking is a risk situation we should always try to minimize the time spent in the opposite lane, right
So in big pictures, the budget orientated plan now is as follows.
Original 68 block, with minor oil mods and drilled, honed, parallel decked etc.
Stroker kit from Survival with I beams.
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake and heads from the box (plan on adding restrictor though)
Hydraulic roller cam and lifters (would be worried to death about the break in process on a solid)
Original rockers, initially at least - for budget reasons, but with POP end stands and DSC shafts (by the way are the rocker spacers sold by DSC money well spent?) The valve train is based on Wade “65er”s engine, would be interesting to hear if it has worked ok.
750 vac sec carburetor
MSD ignition and distributor (which I have already).
FPA Headers (on order)
And now time for some questions.
1. Is my plan reasonable or should I go back to the drawing table and start all over again?
2. What kind of pistons and compression should I go for in the Stroker Kit?
3. Suggestions on cam, 1500 – 5500 rpm or so,
4. Is mechanical fuel pump ok and if so, which one do you recommend? Do I need a return line for fuel?
5. What converter should I match the engine with? (I plan to have enough money next winter to do a gearvendor job and some steeper gear in the back, maybe 3.70-3.89)
6. Any other must dos/haves?
Hopefully, if get it as I want it, this can be an engine which I can continue to improve over the years to come but without having to touch the bottom. I'm thinking porting heads and intake, valve job, roller rockers, bigger carb etc.
Once again sorry for the word-diarrhea but I felt I had to try to show the whole picture from the beginning to make it easier to come with suggestions.
Looking forward to hearing from you / Jan
