My "new" '74 Duster- or why I need a project like a hole in the head
After adding the frame connectors, torque boxes, J bars, radiator support brace, and reinforcing the torsion bar anchors, I finally decided I was ready to drop the engine in.
I built this 340 originally to go into my Challenger, but since the Challenger is still a ways out from needing a new engine, and will need some body repair before that happens anyway, I decided the place for it to go was my Duster. Better engine for it anyway, the Challenger is probably better suited to a stroker anyway. :D
Some quick stats on the engine
'68 340
.060" over with KB 243 hyper pistons, .018" over the deck, ~9.8:1
Forged crank turned .20/.20
Stock 340 rods, resized with ARP bolts
308 heads, 2.02/1.60 valve, 65 cc's chambers, stage II ported and flowing 264 cfm at .500"
Harland Sharp 1.5 roller rockers, Smith pushrods
Lunati 60404 Hydraulic cam, .513/.533", 276/284 advertised duration
Milodon Road race pan, stock 340 windage tray
Since the '74 Duster has spool mounts, I already knew I had to drop the engine straight down without the transmission to clear the pan. What I DIDN'T know was that not even the flywheel can be attached. So, pay attention 4 speed guys...
Ok, here we go!
Yup, its tight...
But it doesn't clear. Hard to tell from this picture, but the pan is directly above the spool mount. Needs to go back another inch...
So, out it came and back off with the flywheel. Turns out that's exactly the right amount to clear the spool on the way down.
And viola. Told you you'd get the see the J bars soon! :D
After adding the frame connectors, torque boxes, J bars, radiator support brace, and reinforcing the torsion bar anchors, I finally decided I was ready to drop the engine in.
I built this 340 originally to go into my Challenger, but since the Challenger is still a ways out from needing a new engine, and will need some body repair before that happens anyway, I decided the place for it to go was my Duster. Better engine for it anyway, the Challenger is probably better suited to a stroker anyway. :D
Some quick stats on the engine
'68 340
.060" over with KB 243 hyper pistons, .018" over the deck, ~9.8:1
Forged crank turned .20/.20
Stock 340 rods, resized with ARP bolts
308 heads, 2.02/1.60 valve, 65 cc's chambers, stage II ported and flowing 264 cfm at .500"
Harland Sharp 1.5 roller rockers, Smith pushrods
Lunati 60404 Hydraulic cam, .513/.533", 276/284 advertised duration
Milodon Road race pan, stock 340 windage tray
Since the '74 Duster has spool mounts, I already knew I had to drop the engine straight down without the transmission to clear the pan. What I DIDN'T know was that not even the flywheel can be attached. So, pay attention 4 speed guys...
Ok, here we go!
Yup, its tight...
But it doesn't clear. Hard to tell from this picture, but the pan is directly above the spool mount. Needs to go back another inch...
So, out it came and back off with the flywheel. Turns out that's exactly the right amount to clear the spool on the way down.
And viola. Told you you'd get the see the J bars soon! :D