Engine specs for an RCR GT 40
Need some guidance!
Awaiting the arrival of RCR GT 40 Number 40 is a good time to sort out the engine details. With no experience in building an engine, some tips and guidance would be welcome. I don’t want to make any costly blunders. The GT will be set up for decent street and highway use, not racing, so something in the 350 horsepower range is plenty with a modest cam and good reliability.
A. For the basic engine my current preference is for a crate engine from Ford. I know Ford is replacing their current line of crate engines with the new “Boss” engines in the current quarter, but I suspect they will be mechanically similar to the existing lineup. Current options are:
1. M-6007-XE3M. Rated at 345 HP and 305 ft/lbs. Uses a X303-GT4 head. Compression 9.0 : 1. Cost is around $3500. But would consider as an option the following;
2. M-6007-Z50E. Rated at 360 HP and 330 ft/lbs. Compression is 9.0:1. More significantly, uses a Z304A high flow head and some better components. The thought would be that if we wanted to upgrade to Weber carbs or a more aggressive cam, this might be a better platform. And a couple of grand more money.
B. Plan to use an Edelbrock Dual Plane “Performer RPM” intake manifold. Ford #M-9424-E302. My Cobra with a 427 side oiler has the same style manifold and runs great, so I have some loyalty to Edelbrock.
C. Oil pan, Canton T Style, 7 quart, 15-610. What type of windage tray should one use, louvered or screen type? Give our modest set up the 9 quart pan would seem to be over kill.
D. Short water pump: Ford #M-8501-E351S. Are there any additional components that need to be used in conjunction with this water pump, or is it just a straight swap?
E. MSD Ignition, 6AL. Familiar with MSD since my Cobra uses this unit which is the reason I am leaning toward MSD
F. MSD Distributor, Street Pro Billet (includes vacuum advance) Figure the vacuum advance will give the engine a bit better 'street manners.'
G. Holley 670 CFM, electric choke, Street Avenger carburator.
H. Plan to use an Audi transmission and Kennedy Engineered Products transmission adaptor plate, clutch kit and starter.
I. Electric fuel pumps, likely Holley “Red” or Mallory Comp-110, or similar.
Now some more questions:
1. Alternator. Plan to use a GM style “one wire” unit. Will it fit? What about a support bracket?
2. Pulleys. With the short water pump, are special pulleys required? What is a good source?
3. Are there any other issues which need to be addressed for the basic engine set up?
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. If I am missing the boat on anything, let me know.
Chuck
Need some guidance!
Awaiting the arrival of RCR GT 40 Number 40 is a good time to sort out the engine details. With no experience in building an engine, some tips and guidance would be welcome. I don’t want to make any costly blunders. The GT will be set up for decent street and highway use, not racing, so something in the 350 horsepower range is plenty with a modest cam and good reliability.
A. For the basic engine my current preference is for a crate engine from Ford. I know Ford is replacing their current line of crate engines with the new “Boss” engines in the current quarter, but I suspect they will be mechanically similar to the existing lineup. Current options are:
1. M-6007-XE3M. Rated at 345 HP and 305 ft/lbs. Uses a X303-GT4 head. Compression 9.0 : 1. Cost is around $3500. But would consider as an option the following;
2. M-6007-Z50E. Rated at 360 HP and 330 ft/lbs. Compression is 9.0:1. More significantly, uses a Z304A high flow head and some better components. The thought would be that if we wanted to upgrade to Weber carbs or a more aggressive cam, this might be a better platform. And a couple of grand more money.
B. Plan to use an Edelbrock Dual Plane “Performer RPM” intake manifold. Ford #M-9424-E302. My Cobra with a 427 side oiler has the same style manifold and runs great, so I have some loyalty to Edelbrock.
C. Oil pan, Canton T Style, 7 quart, 15-610. What type of windage tray should one use, louvered or screen type? Give our modest set up the 9 quart pan would seem to be over kill.
D. Short water pump: Ford #M-8501-E351S. Are there any additional components that need to be used in conjunction with this water pump, or is it just a straight swap?
E. MSD Ignition, 6AL. Familiar with MSD since my Cobra uses this unit which is the reason I am leaning toward MSD
F. MSD Distributor, Street Pro Billet (includes vacuum advance) Figure the vacuum advance will give the engine a bit better 'street manners.'
G. Holley 670 CFM, electric choke, Street Avenger carburator.
H. Plan to use an Audi transmission and Kennedy Engineered Products transmission adaptor plate, clutch kit and starter.
I. Electric fuel pumps, likely Holley “Red” or Mallory Comp-110, or similar.
Now some more questions:
1. Alternator. Plan to use a GM style “one wire” unit. Will it fit? What about a support bracket?
2. Pulleys. With the short water pump, are special pulleys required? What is a good source?
3. Are there any other issues which need to be addressed for the basic engine set up?
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. If I am missing the boat on anything, let me know.
Chuck