Engine and Transmission Tech

Good points all. And not trying to change your mind, it sounds like you know what you want. 52/48 is actually very, very good. We also added weight to the rear of the 455 GT, to be fair about it. (IRS)

Probably not relevant but the Buick 300 and 350 blocks are nearly identical with refinements more in the form of removing more weight in the later years. Some minor changes, relocating the center tappet centerlines to accommodate the new port layout, and all cam bearings the same bore which allowed a slightly larger base circle. The late 350 was the lightest iron SBB. But there are still no aluminum heads for it. The BOP is generally quoted as weighing 318 lbs, the later Rovers are several pounds heavier. The 300 block is 80 lbs heavier, crank is the same, other parts within grams. The 340 block is 82 lbs heavier, and not sure about the 350.

So taking the 300 as 398 lbs (or 395 if we use your numbers) that is only 72 lbs heavier than stock and roughly centered over the front wheels. You say your IRS will add 100 lbs which will be roughly centered over the rear wheels. It sounds an awful lot to me like you would be very close to retaining your 52/48 weight balance or maybe even improve it a little.

We think the SBF is about 6 lbs lighter than the 300 Buick due to the extra weight of the skirted block, so it is entirely possible that what you are talking about here is a shift of an extra 35 lbs to the rear of the car WITH the SBF engine. Can't really see how that is going to make it plow, and the up side is that you already know how to get up to 500 hp out of that engine. Plus you stay in the Ford line which probably doesn't matter to you but it sure does to most enthusiasts.

But again, not trying to talk you out of it, and as these guys will tell you I'm not a Ford enthusiast so it's a little out of character for me anyway. It's the solution that makes the most sense to me, but who says any of this is about being sensible?

Jim

"This one's in a Healey". Robert, What if the Healey motor was in the Pinto ? Jensen Healey that is, about 285 lbs, with accessories. Fred Key, of this forum reportedly made 400 hp. with a turboed version,(Lotus 907-912). Because of the Jensen volume, these engines are relative cheap, to get hold of. Good Luck, roverman.

Roverman

The Jensen-Healy has a really bad reputation, I don't know if it is deserved or not. If I wanted to go the four cylinder route I would be looking for either a Cossie or a Volvo-2.3 hybrid(A Folvo?). In six cylinders there is the Duratech(up to 3.5) but a problem with manual bellhousings. The Mazda motor in the MX5 is another option. I'm just trying to use what I already have, so the choices are the Rover or the SHO V6. Much as I want the SHO, it just wont fit(mainly because of the oil pan/height problem). If I had money, I would get a Jaguar AJ-V8(either the 3.9 in the Thunderbird/LS, or any of the V8 Jags). It's oil pan is near perfect to fit over the front cross member.

Grumpy

Just to mess everyone up what about the Merc Marine 3.7L 4 banger?
It's made out of low speed torque and bad attitude.
Really common engine, keeps it all Ford and parts are cheap, it's 1/2 of a 460.
Run a blower on it for show and low end torque and your good to go .
If you want to race it ,that's been done and there is tons of info available.
Cheers
Fred

Messed up! First of all, I think "Mercruiser" sounds pretty cool. I just read this description: "The block is aluminum with iron sleeves and it uses a Ford cylinder head. Freshwater cooling was standard. The alternator is built in to the harmonic balancer and the water pump is driven by the camshaft so no belts are used except for power steering." Imagine that... no belts!

It's a pretty cool motor, there is a thread on this site about it. It does have some issues. It is tall. The water pump seal will flood the crankcase if it goes out, and it is fairly common to see external alternators. But a very powerful engine with great breathing potential, and with a turbo it would be killer. Very hard to fit in an MG, but it just might fit a Pinto like a glove.

Jim

Wow! It uses 460 heads, rods and bearings. Even some of the new Boss 429 heads might work.

Clan, I think a I see a 45deg. int. mounting surface on this head ? So... custom pan and pick-up, motor mounts and "lean" engineering , to get the hood clearance ? Sawed-off shot gun motor ? Cheers, roverman.