MCK's Challenger engine is ready...

[MetalChuckKey]

I'm sure I won't draw the same manic attention that Si and Wendy's engine builds do, but I've been having a motor of my own built. And it's done!

I had a bit of bad luck in the engine side of things, but I'm over it now with only the new motor to put in and start up. Believe it or not this is engine block number 6

The first (383) engine I bought was ruined. The second 383 block was OK but the area around the crank was overheated, looked like it had been run with no oil, so it was decided to move on. Ironically with hindsight, this may have been the one to use but it's done now!

Then a 440 block was purchased, which was cheap but bored .065 over. Next were two 440's with severe corrosion. Finally, a sixth (440) block was OK! Let the build commence!

Then the economy problems in the US bit, with seemingly the last set of piston rings in the USA being argued over before being shipped over. I hope those that know me read this and understand why I've been out of the game for so long (well it seems like a long time!)

This week, I got the call I wanted - it was ready! The new 440 looks the nutz, now to get it in and get it going

I'll post some more details about the motor as I get em, suffice to say it was built by an engine builder who offered to locate the block, as by this time I'd given up on finding anything decent.

Pics before you all get bored - I'll see you in the summer!

[bananaskin]

Nice Whens this planned to be ready by? Or is it just the engine?




What did you do with those 5 other engines

[starsk's]

wow metal that looks fantastic when is it going in?
sounds like you have had a nightmare,but it's over now really looking forward to seeing/hearing it at the nats??
starsk's

[Dave-R]

Who is building it?

What is the spec?

Projected power output?

[steveo]

nice looking motor looks like the inside is painted with glyptal from here looking down the distributor hole

[latil]

That's looking good What hassle though.

[Anonymous]

Orange , would of thought matt black , tis the 'in colour'.

Only messin , looks nice & good luck with the rest of it.

[Anonymous]

Who is building it?

What is the spec?

Projected power output?

that looks like its at carolina classic imports [where i had the dodge interior done] not sure if its the same guys doing the engine


looks great steve well done cant wait to see this thing back at the sun inn

[MetalChuckKey]

Who is building it?

What is the spec?

Projected power output?

that looks like its at carolina classic imports [where i had the dodge interior done] not sure if its the same guys doing the engine

thanks Simon, well you're right, the engine is now at Carolina Classics, where the Challenger has sat since losing its last engine. It wasn't them that did the build though, that was http://www.knightracingservices.co.uk/

Spec wise, I gave em the usual rubbish as to my requirements (must have 1000hp and be street friendly and costing 10p) but I really just gave them a budget and let them get on with it, they're the experts.

However, there's a build sheet and internal photos, and a blueprinting plan with it, so if you're interested Dave I'll scan it all in when I get back up there. Maybe you might be able to predict the power?

Power output? I'm hoping for "somewhere slightly above stock"

[MetalChuckKey]

Nice Whens this planned to be ready by? Or is it just the engine?

What did you do with those 5 other engines

The car'll be done in a few weeks - not "finished" how I would want it due to budgetary concerns, but enough to enjoy the summer before saving some £££ and getting stuck back in after the season.

The first "ruined" 383 engine has been stripped as the block may well be good - I'm going to get it inspected soon. All the usable bits I've kept as spares or to finish the 440 (pulleys etc). The bottom end and valvetrain wanted throwing away. There was quite a bit worth keeping - look for some bargains in the For Sale section soon!

The second 383 (a Jensen lump) is sold. The two corroded 440 blocks were scrapped.

The overbored 440 block is being converted into a coffee table! Incidentally, the six-pack rods and 906 heads (now unleaded) from this one went into the build as that was all that was good.

[MetalChuckKey]

nice looking motor looks like the inside is painted with glyptal from here looking down the distributor hole

Cheers, yeah they did a real nice job, painted inside as well as out. You could eat your dinner off it.

It also came with a set of running in instructions (topical ) and a warning NEVER to use British oil in it. That shouldn't be too hard - soon we won't be able to find any anyway!

[Blue]

I don't understand the "No British oil" bit. The Americans have been busily removing addatives from their oil for some time, this has led to a real problem with solid lifter cam failures due to the lack of Zinc. I am led to believe that oil available in the UK still has these addatives. I have never used anything but "British" oil in any engine ever, and have never had an oil related failure, don't know anyone else that has either.

[MetalChuckKey]

That may be, but having paid a fairly vast amount of money for this motor and being told that by the bloke who built it, I ain't gonna risk filling it up with Castrol for its maiden voyage just to be able to say to him 'See? You're wrong!'

Of course, the fact that he sent a load of Kendall down on the pallet with the engine kind of makes the decision for me.

[latil]

Good stuff that Kendall

[Jeff]

GTX for me all the time! Used to use the Kendall, till I spoke with Dave Powell. Then junked it.

Nice to see a readable engine build thread though! Well done, looks great!