[DeTomaso] New Here...

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/29/13 17 38 33, niserybumchuckely at gmail.com writes:


> 
> I have read about the mythical status of the Australian cast 351C heads 
> and I have been given a green light for a new motor but would prefer to get 
> off as cheaply as possible on this fix so that I can spend the remaining 
> funds on other upgrades.
> 

>>>Perhaps a wise move.   When I had my Pantera restored, I had the engine 
built fairly cheaply, concentrating on all the other systems first.   Years 
later, when funds allowed, I had a monster motor built.

It sounds like you definitely have a problem.   JUST fixing the problem 
should be fairly straightforward, assuming it's just a blown head gasket (we 
hope!).   The problem comes from the fact that you have to tear the heads off 
the engine to fix the gaskets, and once they are in your hands, it makes 
sense to rebuild them.

Except it doesn't, because your car (presuming its stock) came with crappy 
open-chamber heads that gave something pathetic like 8.2:1 compression, down 
from the almost-as-pathetic 8.6:1 of the 1973 cars.

Aussie 2V heads are a good choice for a 351-inch motor (they actually came 
from the 302-inch version of the Cleveland, found only in Australia; the 
Aussie 351 used US-style big-port heads).   If you have visions of stroking 
your engine later on, you would probably want a set of closed-chamber 4V heads. 
  Of course, what you REALLY want is good aluminum heads....

...and on and on and on.   Given that Aussie heads are so good and so cheap 
(there's a set on E-bay right now, ready to be rebuilt, for under $400), if 
you want to just take baby steps right now, I'd opt for a set of those, 
properly built with new one-piece stainless valves etc. and installed with a 
new aluminum 2V intake and a good 650-700 cfm carb.   Even if you don't touch 
the cam/lifters, the stock timing chain is probably junk so you might as 
well take the opportunity to install a new, quality double-roller chain.   And 
since the water pump will have to come off to do that, you might as well 
pitch that and install a new, quality aluminum pump, i.e. Edelbrock or 
Flowkooler.   Since you're busting into the cooling system, either reuse the 
existing thermostat if you trust it, or make SURE your replacement is a proper 351C 
unit and not a 351W unit.   (I happen to prefer the Robershaw/Flowkooler 
180-degree thermostat, part number 333-180, available directly from 
Flowkooler, or from Summit Racing).

When you're done, the car will likely be much faster and more responsive 
and the total investment will be fairly minor.

Well, minor compared to having a complete new stroker engine built, which 
is at least a $10-12K proposition....

Welcome aboard!   When do we get to see photos and the VIN of your car?

Mike