Engine Recommendations...

[aarvig]

Ok guys, I'm wondering what size engine will power the Hurricane good for street performance/cruising.  It will not be raced.  I was thinking about Gordon Levy's 306.  It puts out 390HP but the I asked myself, if I'm spending the dough why not go 347?  It's about 440HP.  Then the testosterone starts flowing and I say...well heck, why not just go to a 408? (540HP). 
Budget is somewhat of an concern but not to restrictive.  I don't want some ridiculously overpowered car but I also want it to be able to go like heck if I push her down to the floor.  So I ask:
1.) What is a good reasonable motor for street performance/cruising?
2.) What gear ratio would you recommend?
3.) Does the 302 block make the foot wells less likely to overheat than the 351 block?
4.) Are there any foot well issues with 351 block?
Thanks a bunch-
Aaron Arvig, MN

[Bob Worley]

I think its strictly a personal preference kind of thing. Some people want a big block FE for the originality factor, torque, sound;  some like 302/347 for the weight and cost savings.   I'm right in the middle - I plan on a 351W/408/427 small block of some sort.   The one thing I was advised of was "horsepower envy".  You should get more than you think you will need, you can always de-tune but will be much harder after if you find you want more down the road.

Just keep in mind you want to decide before you order your car.   There are differences in the big block, and small block set up - engine mounts, transmisison mount, cockpit footbox size, brake/clutch pedals, etc.   The trans mounts are obviously different for top loader, T5, T500/600, etc.

Gear ratio would depend on many factors: if you choose IRS or straight axle (not sure of the gear choices for IRS) - the trans type (top loader or 5-speed with overdrive), tire size/height, driving style, etc.      For me I went with 3.50:1 in 9" solid axle, 15" wheels with Goodyear Billboards, TKO600 w/.82 5th gear.

[Dan]

Hi Aaron.  We met last year when you stopped by to discuss my Hurricane build.   I was wondering if you decided to select door #2 (Hurricane).   

If you'll recall, I used a 351 block, stroked to 395.  No size or heat issues related to the footboxes.  In fact, I put in foot box vents and blowers during the build, but I don't recall if I've ever used them, really no need.  I think a 351 based motor is the best bang for the buck, relatively low cost to build and maintain, lower in weight compared to a big block, and you can build a lot of horsepower.  I agree with Bob, once you get used to the car, you'll likely want more hp, so why not start with a motor that can deliver up front at the same cost?  I had mine dialed in on a chassis dyno this past summer after I installed a different intake and better set of headers, and it made 404 hp at the rear wheels, and that doesn't feel extreme to me.  It's otherwise a docile motor cruising around town.  After our test drive last summer I discovered that I had forgotten to replace the distributor advance springs after i replaced the vacuum canister, so the the engine wasn't getting any advance. I wondered why it felt a little flat!  Now that it's dialed in, it's got all the hp I'll realistically ever need.

I used a 3.55 rear-gear with the TKO five speed.  If I had it to do again I'd likely drop it to a 3.25.  For cruising around town I could use a little more headroom in terms of mph in all gears. With the ease of swapping gears in a Ford 9" I'll likely make the change at some point.   

Assuming you take the plunge, feel free to reach out if you need anything during your build.  I'll send you a PM with my contact info.  Good luck.

Dan

[aarvig]

Thanks for the replies guys.  I've pretty much convinced myself that I'm going to run a 408 stroker in this car.  The Hurricane I drove had a 560 HP 427 in it and it handled the horsepower just fine.  I have been talking to Gordon Levy with Levy Racing in Maricopa Arizona, I'm going to meet him next week when I'm on vacation down there.  He's got a stellar reputation amongst the FFR group so I think that speaks well for him.  He has a reasonable priced 408 that puts out 540HP.  I think I'll mate that to a TKO600 trains with a 3.50:1 rear end.  Any thoughts on trans gearing?  The car will be primarily used for cruising.

[Paul Proefrock]

I'm running a big block, W/ TKO600 .64OD and a 3.55 gear. It is great for cruising and enough torque that I rarely need to downshift when cruising. If you were going to track the car, the .82 OD might be a better choice since the .64 takes the car outside its powercurve. 3.55 is a good match for the rearend.

Works fine for cruising.

Paul