Seen the light

[John k]

Hi guys,
I've just sold my 4.6 V8 Dax Rush to build a proper car.I'm going to Dax in a couple of weeks to have a blast in the Tojiero with Gary,if this does'nt make my mind up nothing will, having been out a few times before with him in various Rushes
At the moment I'm thinking of using the Ford Cleveland , so I need to source a half decent engine as a base .
As I am a mechanic I'll do the engine myself but could do with some ideas on where to source an engine.
Cheers
John

[Purple AK]

Adrian (Adricar2) on here is probably your best bet http://www.americanv8engines.co.uk/shop/

[dinosoar]

If you are looking at cleveland enegines. You should be aware that there is a smaller capacity cleveland block, 302, that originates from australia. The block casting code on these will suggest that it is a four bolt cobra jet block. It isn't.
These have the best factory heads but would require stroking back to 351 or beyond to get the best from the engine.
So watch out what you are being sold.

Andy

[John k]

Thanks for the advice,I'll bear it in mind.I thought I'd go for the Ford to try and be a bit different but after searching on the web I may be better going with the Chevy,cost,availability,etc.
Still theirs no great rush so I'll look a bit deeper.
I'm going to an American car meet on wednesday night so I'll pick their brains as well.

Cheers
John

[Louise]

Originally Posted by John k

I've just sold my 4.6 V8 Dax Rush to build a proper car.

Well that was your mistake; you should have had a Caterham Seven :rotfl:

Good luck with the build, John

[wilf]

John - nothing wrong with Fords, and don't believe the Chevy bs about relative costs or parts availability either.

Any reason why you dropped onto a Cleveland? They are not the easiest of egnines to find, and there are not as many aftermarket tuning parts as for the Windsor small block, but they are a great engine all the same. However, few folks in the UK really understand them. They are almost as big as a big block, and not particularly light, since you can't get really heads etc for them. However, find someone with one, and you will find an enthusiast who would not have anything else. They can be made to rev to 8000 if that is what you want!

Most folks going the Ford smallblock route would look to the Windsor series of engines - the 289, 302, and 351.

351 gives you more bang per buck, and can easily be stroked out to 400+cu in and 450BHP. Rev limited to 6000 tho', because of the larger mains dia over the clevelands.

Whatever you choose to do, don't be afraid to ask questions on this forum, there are no stupid questions. (so long as you master the search facility first).

Try to get rides in as many different cars as you can to compare things, and build up your own specification with care. Take your time, ask lots of questions, and all will be fine!

PS - there is also another engine which is externally indistinguishable from a Cleveland, the M400 - avoid like the plague!

[John k]

Louise,
Thanks for the reply but I beg to differ, the Cateram may be for the purist but park my Rush next to the Cateram,no contest, and with 300bhp and 300lbs of torque it took some catching (IMHO). Anyway it does'nt matter now,its gone although Which Kit took a few photos and words last year and said it would be in the mag soon.( think i've heard ducks break wind before)
Wilf thanks for the advice, the reason for the Cleveland was to try and do something a little different, good point about the Windsor though thats got me thinking.
I go to Dax in August and they tell me the waiting time is about 3 months so I.ve got to make a decision soon .

Many Thanks
John

[Purple AK]

John. The Cleveland is only 25lbs heavier than the Windsor at 550 lbs opposed to 525 lbs. Both are lighter than the Chevy at 575 lbs AND..... Edelbrock now do Performer heads for the Clevo :thumb:

[dave]

Wilf.
paragraph 1. ford parts are easy to get
Paragraph 2. Ford parts are not so easy to get.

Make your mind up man.

Expect a stroker Ford W to cost around £500+ more than a comparative stroker SB Chevy.


Just bought one.

[don 50]

hi john the 351c is a great engine,parts are easy to find if you look on the right sites, one on ebay now right parts but to dear, the heads to look for are ard 1ae aussi 2v make good low down power with duel plane manifold and right cam, they look good too