engines

I'm thinking about HA/GR engine options. I like cheap. A Falcon 170 would be nice and cheap. Should the trans be 61 or older, too? A Hudson six or eight would be great, but I imagine they're expensive to buy and rebuild. How pricey are slant sixes to hop up? What's a good trans for a slant six? I'm leaning toward a slant six at the moment.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

Slants can be hopped up pretty reasonable for a six.
Right now I am running a bone stock slant with a super six set up (two bbl carb) and a split manifold. I'm running a truck four speed and using 2nd, 3rd and fouth gear.
Best time so far has been a 14.41 at 96mph.
I plan on building a slant for next year.

 

I am running an chrysler a903 3 speed manual behind my slant six. it seems to work pretty well. I am running a 4.62 rear end, so I am able to use just 2nd and high. Saturday it ran a 13.45@99

 

Kurt,
For what it's worth I'll give my opinion. I decided to to build a 302 GMC since I felt it would give me the best performance for the pre 62 engines allowed by the HA/GR rules. Looking back, I'm not sure it was a wise choice. Granted the GMC at 321 cubic inches will make lots of power but, the cost and availability of parts becomes a problem. To make the engine "live" at the power it will be making and RPM it will be turning required some expensive parts and machining.

If you do a normal hop-up of the 170 Ford (cam, intake, header, increased compression, cylinder head porting, etc.) you should expect about 1.3 HP/cubic inch and realize about 225 HP at 6000- 6500 RPM. That engine should easily take that power level without expensive parts. That will put the average weight HA/GR car in the 12 second range and be very reliable.

The secret to going fast with what you have is to make sure all your parts work together.

I hope this helps. If you need more specific info you can call me at 816-436-6108.

Ron

 

the ford 170 is a great motor i'm building one right now the way i figure about $1500 or so can get you a real strong motor (over 250hp) BUT you have to do some crazy **** like remove the cast in log intake manifold port her way out make an intake and run about 400 cfm of carb threw her. there are about 20 or so cams to choose from rangeing from about $150-$380. mill the head a max of .090'' but mill the head the stock head gasket is .025'' and replacements are at about .055'' if you have any questions i will be happy to help