331 build plan questions
 

I am a regular on the 80-86 forum, but I have a couple of questions for the small block experts here.

I am planning a full custom 331ci build for a fuel injected engine based in the ATK 331 short block. This block has the stroker kit installed and the cam bearings as well. I plan on using a Billet Specialties serpentine kit for the front end as that includes a new front cover and water pump. I want to use Trick Flow Specialties cylinder heads. I have found an OBDII compatible EFI kit that gives the engine an old school look, mainly by using a carb-style throttle body and round air cleaner.

My goal is to hit 400ft-lbs of torque between 3000 and 4000 RPM. My question are what size chambers and valves do I need to get on my heads to reach this number? And what camshaft and timing set will bring out the torque this low? TFS offers a top end kit that should get me to 400, but at 4500 rpm. I would like the peak point moved down in the rpm band. I want to avoid having to spin past 5500.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

A cam with 250-260 deg total duration will put the powerband (both HP and TQ) in the 5000rpm and below range.

I know this may not relate to your efi build but the 331 I have has a very broad powerband from 1500-6500. This is built around an Eagle 331 kit with SRP flat tops, 10.4 to 1 comp ratio with Canfield heads that were the equivalent of ARP 165 heads (1.94/1.6 valves) with 57 cc chambers. The cam is a Ford Z303 run with 1.7 rockers (.587 lift, 228* @ .050). I've never dynoed it but it makes tons of torque all though the rpm range listed with a dual plane 3x2 carb setup.

If you're going to stoke it you might as well go 347 cubes, it will help pull the peak power rpm lower with the same cam too.

Barron- I'm trying to stay away from the 347 for longevity issues. I'm not wanting to have to purchase a new block right before I give it to my kids.

Baddad- not a bad plan. I was considering the Trick Flow 179 twisted wedge heads and want to keep compression down to about 9.5. Pump 84-86 octane.

I did email Stroker John Nijssen about my ideas to get some feedback from a stroker engine expert. He suggested trying to squeeze a 434 (351W block) in there. Since the bay is designed to accept either a DOHC I4 or SOHC V6, it might fit. Good news in that area is that I have to custom fab the engine mounts anyway, and I can lower as necessary. I might have to with the ZF anyway.

I'm assuming you're talking about an engine for the 81 F250 ? If it's got a 400 in it, the 351W stroker will fit with room to spare. Lots of em came with 351W's from the factory. 460's too.

Still looking at the Nissan for the stroked small block. The Xterra is different in that the front crossmember is actually the radiator support. The engine mounts are attached to the frame without a crossmember, allowing for a lower engine mount. I'm going to look up the available space an let you guys know.

I just rebuilt the 400 in the F250, so no plans to change that anytime soon. When I do, it will get a built 460. Or another TMeyer 400.