I'm wanting to get a game plan together before I even attempt my next build.
The only thing I'm 100% sure on is the Trans (th400) and rearend (MWC 9")
I don't necessarily have a HP goal but I'm wanting to hit 8.3x - 8.8xs with ease on pump gas.

I'm not doing this to be in any kind of class or anything like that. I just want a badass street car that I can have a lot of fun with.
I'd want to turn it down a bit to keep me at 8.50s at the track since I'm only doing a 8pt cage but if I wanted to turn it up a bit and go faster, I want to be able to.

Here's what I was thinking

390ci
9.5:1 CR
-15cc Diamond Pistons
TFS or Allpro Heads 70cc
Vic Jr
4150 TB
Custom Cam by Martin
th400 (Converter?)
MWC 9" (Gears?)

What are everyones thoughts?

 

Gt55-94

 

Would the 408 be enough cubes to stay reliable or would I be pushing its limits?

 

408 is fine; call F.I. amd get a GT5518 88mm ETR HO Turbo... Flows more than a GTX5533.

 

What size ar housing etc?

 

Ask Martin when you talk about the cam, max effort the 1.58, not so much 1.2X

 

I dont think he would need a billet wheel for his goals, but it wouldent hurt.
I think a 1.0 Housing would be decent

Also do they make heads with that big of chambers?

 

Trick Flow comes standard in a 70cc and All Pro has the 72cc

 

After reading through a few more threads I think I might end up going with a 390. AES uses a -15cc piston in the 390, so what size CC would get me around 9.5-1 CR with a .041 thick head gasket?

 

Come on guys help a newb out...

I've also heard that you want to go with the smallest dish piston as possible because they tend to have a thicker ring land... So I was wondering why AES uses a -15cc? Would it be better to go with a -5cc and use a 68-72cc Head?

 

The 390 will give you greater journal overlap than a 408 which will help in the boost reliability depaetment. I have always been told, all things equal, if you're going to be using both a piston and a head use the smallest dish you can and allow the heads to set your CR. I myself will be using a flat top -2cc and choosing my head accordingly to achieve desired compression.

 

If you want a stronger motor do a 370". People have been having problems with AES. Do the GT5518, and which AllPro heads are you looking at?

 

Why do you suggest the 370 over the 390? Have people been having problems with the 390 or just AES as a company? I can have anyone build the motor, it doesnt have to be built by AES if thats the case.

As for the heads I was thinking about the 250cc, thoughts?

 

haven't really heard of any Engine issues with AES. Just customer service issues. i have an AES390, so they better not have issues lol. ill b pissed

 

So people arent going with a 390 just because one company has customer service issues? That doesnt make any sense. I think id just buy the parts and have a reputable shop build me one.

 

No one has given me a really solid answer on which Turbo would work best with the 390... Does anyone have any numbers to back up their reasoning?

 

I'm not positive but unless you buy the crank and pistons from AES, they will be custom units and drive your price up a bit to build a 390. A 390" motor will not be built with your normal aftermarket off the shelf parts. My opinion would be either buy from them or build something else to meet your goals. To run high 7's you will need a very well built setup, and probably be pushing the limits of a 4 bolt block....My suggestion is to build a 6 bolt block and be done with it. Then size the turbo accordingly to the cubic inches.

 

Well, if thats the case then I'll build it to run around 8.3x-8.8x
Plenty of people run those numbers with a 4 bolt block.