Hi everyone,

I'm in need of a starter- I'd like to avoid the cheapo remanfucatured starters from O'reilys, I've have too many of those self destruct on Windsor motors.

Engine is a 428 FE (10.5:1 compression) with a toploader/184 tooth flywheel in a '68 mustang. I'll be using Hooker 6114 HKR Super Comp long tube headers. I've heard there have been fitment issues with these headers and those "clockable" mini starters?

I looked into the stock style Powermaster starters but the summit reviews state that people have issues with the nose of the starter hitting the flywheel.

Flywheel will work, but I think you'll run out of clutch.  That clutch is just a little heavier than stock, rated for 400 hp.

I'd use a RAM 88769HDX, which is an 11" Long, rated for 450 hp.  That would be a good street clutch.  If you think you will be beating the snot out of at all, then I'd upgrade the clutch.

Brent,

Am I stuck using the 3 finger style clutch? I was hoping to stick with a diaphragm clutch, twin disc is out of the budget (and frankly way overkill).

Hi everyone,

I'm coming to the stage where I'm measuring for pushrod length-

Where would one order pushrods from? I'm using Harlan Sharp roller rocker arms, so I believe I'd need a 3/8" cup one one end and 3/8" ball on the other, but what diameter for the rest of the pushrods? 3/8" or 5/16"? I'm assuming I'd go with a solid pushrod? (Stock Edelbrock heads, roller cam)

I doubt there's an off the shelf size that would fit so I'd have to go custom.

Thanks!

All you need is some 1/4" square key stock.  Cut off about 7/8" and save the rest for the next motor.  A good hardware store should have it, or you can get it from McMaster Carr:

https://www.mcmaster.com/key-stock

Hi Jay,

Thank you for the link! Do you have any suggestions on what metal to go with? I see they offer a steel, alloy, and stainless steel key stock in both undersize and oversize.

Looks like I'll be giving FPA a call on Monday, they don't seem to have prices posted anywhere?

I tried taking apart my stock factory adjustable rocker arms, the rocker arms seem to be scored where they lay on the shaft and the stands were all seized on. I managed to get one stand off and noticed heavy scoring on that as well.

With that being said, I'm more or less at square one. I noticed Jegs sells a factory replacement non adjustable set with new shafts and rocker arms, would this be suitable with some end supports? I'd be running a hydraulic roller cam.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/20198/10002/-1?CAWELAID=230006180039292809&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=39714413703&CATCI=aud-295441112107:pla-457013475483&CATARGETID=230006180040357472&cadevice=c&jegspromo=nonbrand&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuafdBRDmARIsAPpBmVVzBjjnq2bpx95EVQwwVG7iZpvME8bYz260P__WeufKpNEAIOVBAbcaAmDJEALw_wcB


Or should I just spend the money on the Harland Sharp rocker arm set and call it done? I rather not do this twice

I just finished assembling the short block for my .030 over 428 FE, these the numbers I got for my ring end gaps:

Piston:     First ring:    Second ring:

#1          .019             .021
#2          .020             .022
#3          .020             .025 (Oops)
#4          .021             .021
#5          .023             .021
#6          .021             .021
#7          .019             .021
#8          .019             .026 (Oops)

They're forged TRW pistons with *I think* plain old nothing special Sealed Power rings. The person who originally assembled the short block had everything gapped at .011-.014 which seems WAY to tight, thank god he/she never finished building the motor/try running it.

New Clevite bearings were installed then plastigage'd, everything came in right around .0015ish. Took it all apart again then reassembled everything with Royal Purple assembly lube. I reused the original main cap bolts and torqued everything down in 3 steps to 105 ft/lbs (I still need to plastigage the rod caps).

I just happened to have a dial indicator laying around (No idea where it came from) and checked the thrust as well, I got around .008 which seems in the ballpark.

This is my first time building a short block from scratch so please bear with me

IMG_7136.JPG-1 by armon7, on Flickr

Hi everyone,

Any recommendations on a pushrod length checker? I'm browsing through Summit and I'm trying to figure out the minimum length along with what end styles I need.

I'll be using factory adjustable rocker arms and Lunati hydraulic roller lifters.