273 Build

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Way to go Mike! enjoy. As soon as I get my 65 buttoned up it's off to the exhaust shop. (headers installed).
 
It was a lot of fun. Hope it helps! tmm
 
Mike,

How much would you say the overall build cost you. You can pm if you want. I'm thinking about my 273 rebuild. Still all original with 191,000 on it for a 1965 Barracuda. I'm not having any engine problems, but I am debating between getting a paint job and doing an engine rebuild. Thanks Bill
 
I spent just over $3,000.
 
Nice Doco toolmanmike taking all of us on a journey !!! very impressive and there is a happy ending aswell !! Great Reading
 
toolmanmike said:
3:23's Once it's broke in it should be good to 6,000 or so. Here's a link of the first start. The exhaust isn't loud and the new starter really spins her over in a hurry. I squirted a cup of gas in the bowl vents of the carb but it wasn't enough. Those things must hold quite a bit. Good thing I pre-lubed it. Mike YouTube- First time starting the Dart
Click to expand...

You've done a great job on the engine tmm! Looks awesome.
 
It was fun! Lots of photos I didn't take and a lot I didn't post. tmm
 
ToolmanMike!

A few ??? You mentioned you would have gone with flat pistons if you did it over again? Is that right? Do you still feel that way? I'm curious as I have a 66 commando engine that I'm about to have rebuilt (long block). The builder recommend going away from the domed pistons. His reasoning is the gas in Hawaii is poop and the engine would run better without the extra compression. I'm inclined to follow his advice.

Also, what paint did you finally use for the engine color. (I saw on another thread...Dupli-Color Chrysler Red # DE1632) Mahalo

Mahalo for your 273 Build!
Aloha Mike
 
How bad is the gas in Hawaii? Premium in California is only 91 octane, and that's with up to 10% ethanol. But my Commando runs OK if I retard the timing just a bit. High compression is inherently more efficient, and I'd hate to give up the HP. Sure, premium is expensive, but so is regular these days. Anyway, I'm just saying I would stay with the domed pistons. Why have a sheep in wolf's clothing?

Either way, thumbs up for rebuilding a 273.

Cheers,
Max



Dfnsmn34 said:
ToolmanMike!

A few ??? You mentioned you would have gone with flat pistons if you did it over again? Is that right? Do you still feel that way? I'm curious as I have a 66 commando engine that I'm about to have rebuilt (long block). The builder recommend going away from the domed pistons. His reasoning is the gas in Hawaii is poop and the engine would run better without the extra compression. I'm inclined to follow his advice.

Also, what paint did you finally use for the engine color. (I saw on another thread...Dupli-Color Chrysler Red # DE1632) Mahalo

Mahalo for your 273 Build!
Aloha Mike
Click to expand...
 
MVH~ I hear you...thats what make the commando so appealing. My Duster has the same compression and it runs great. So I'm confused. I trust the builder completely and his advice....that why I'm wavering.

Still plenty of time to make it right...just don't want a beast of a 273 (lol) to start and keep cool.

Aloha Mike
 
I was also wondering what kind of gas you need to use? Have you tried to run it on regular or mid-grade?
 
Greetings guys. I have tried 91 octane with no problems. I usually put in Shell 93 octane super. I used the domed pistons because they were as close to originals as I could get. I have read a lot of positives about flat top pistons since I built mine. That's why I mentioned using them instead. I haven't talked to anyone that has built a flat top/ zero deck 273 though, just 318's. I would like to ask Egge how the compression height of their HP pistons compares with the stock HP pistons. I milled the heads some and ended up with 9.6/1 using fairly thin head gaskets. I'm sure they purposely build them with lower compression so they don't have unhappy customers.
 
I ahve a build that is pretty much the same as yours. I used the 8.8cr flat tops. Used the E4, Accurate exhaust etc. As a side note I used a Flowmaster for the muffler going into the resonator. Really mellow sound.
dart-on-friday-cruise-jpg.1714506498
 
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Nice 64 vert! That E-4 is a nice cam. It makes the little 273 run well. I was thinking about a different muffler than the LTD one. It's pretty quiet. tmm
 
Mike! You've done an amazing job on your 272. It had kept me going, especially when I did my engine for my project. Congrats and good luck woth your car. Can hardly wait til I can try mine two years from now.
 
Thanks. I really enjoyed doing it. It was exciting for me to build another engine after so many years of being out of the hobby. You my friend are doing a "over the top" job on your car. Everything is so well documented with photos and descriptions. This thread of your restoration will be used as a go to guide for future enthusiasts to follow. I enjoy following your progress and I'm sure the FABO members that have helped with your build are very proud to be a part of it. Mike
 
i have 10 or 10 .5 to 1 and it screamed the original valve covers for that motor mine was a 273 h/po i was 17 then 50 now never got over it had 9 of themnow down to 3 1 for parts along with a garage full of parts have some 2.02 j heads for yah but dont know if they would deck out correct ask around if interested metal beeaded and ready to build also a set of manifolds for 64-65 barracuda matal beaded and super scean and smoooth gl MOPAR ON
 
toolmanmike said:
Got my clutch put in yesterday. It works great, nice and smooth and not much petal stiffness. It was a 10" conversion clutch from Brewers. Works great! I put a few miles on it yesterday afternoon and drove it today for an hour or so. Big smiles! toolman
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Toolman: Three questions: Looks like you were able to use the original bellhousing with the 10" clutch, right? I've just pulled out a 9 1/4" clutch from my Formula S, will a 10" clutch fit in there?
Second: Did you put the heat riser thermostat back on the bottom of the exhaust manifold after you painted it?
Last: How's that chain tensioner working for you?

Thanks for your thread, great read, man!
 
Mike! Have you read the last iswue of Mopar Action? They have some nice upgrades on the distributor and I was thinking of you and your build of the 273! You might find some great input there.
 
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