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Roger D
11-04-2006, 09:27 PM
Finally got to drive my 388 stroker Friday - however briefly - Left side upper control arm is being installed. The engine resides in my '63 Biscayne (orig. V8 3spd std., No radio car).

The major parts are:

655 block .060 over, 409 crank.010/.010; 6.135 Forged Eagle Rods, Clevite's, Aubrey Bruneau's /Ross Pistons .. working out to about 10.5:1 under a set of 333's Aubrey did up and assembled - those heads are "imported"! 409 Oil pan. Rotating assembly balanced.

The heads with 2.06/1,72 (sic) valves are port-matched to the 881 intake w/ 2 1963 AFB's.

Aubrey also provided the solid-lifter cam - which SURPRISE, is perhaps somewhat more than "adequate" . . . duration at .050 is 242/246 - gross lift .595/608, 110 LSA - I think. 1.7 Crane Gold Rollers; Cloyes DblRllr; Mag Rods. Should shift up to 6,000.

How does it idle? >>>> with a pronounced gusto at 1,100, and a NOTABLE distemperate attitude at 900. And the sound... ahh yes, the infinite sound ...........

Doug's Headers and Delta 50's; Elec fans, alum rad, Rebuilt Cast Super T10 4spd (2.64 1st), w/ 4.10's in a posi unit, Alum. Hayes FlyWhl. Dual-friction clutch - Hurst shifter.

Runs VERY HARD ... Revs climb fast!!! Torque is pretty stout ... even down low (a relative term to be sure). Timing is 33/34 all-in by 2,200. It is just a blast to drive. I would be surprised if I can't go l13.2's perhaps 1 or 2 tenths less in 3,700 lbs of rolling mass. The guys that bolted it all together in CT were VERY IMPRESSED with the results - a fact which is a direct result of Mr. Bruneau's great efforts and, all valuable hours I spent on this Board.

Once I have about 500 moderately brisk break-in miles on it, I'll get it all dialed-in a little better and dyno tuned/ sorted-out .. and post the dyno sheet. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy some of that dense November air .......... and plan the next build for 2007!

Roger D

Ronnie Russell
11-04-2006, 09:49 PM
Congratulations Roger, Sounds like a dynamite engine. Many fun years on the way. Good luck.........

oldskydog
11-04-2006, 10:50 PM
Anybody can build a 409 but it takes real character to work a 348. Sounds like a great engine in agreat car.:bow

CDNpontiac409guy
11-05-2006, 12:18 PM
Here's a picture of Roger's car:
http://www.bruneauperformance.ca/roger63biscaynerr.jpg

I wanna see the ENGINE !:deal :dunno

Phil Reed also helped by providing Roger with an excellent block and I believe as well as the 409 crankshaft. :bow

wally409
11-05-2006, 01:48 PM
How were you able to port match the smaller head intakes with that of the larger #881 aluminum intake?
Please let me know because I have a set of 333's that I wouldn't mind doing the same thing with.
Thanks.

CDNpontiac409guy
11-05-2006, 04:25 PM
Here are a couple photos of Roger's heads:

Roger D
11-05-2006, 06:25 PM
Thanks for posting the pics Aubrey. I'll try and get a few pictures of the engine tom.

Phil Reed did provide the block, as well as a std. 409 crank - he also provided great advice and encouragement on the build.

This was my first W engine build-up and it was well worth it ... with the ease of making HP from smallblock/bigblock strokers today, it was very satisfying to do something different with 40 + year old parts that can perform.

It is also worth it to see the smiles of recognition on the faces of some of the guys who have been "around a while" when I pop the the hood. It does tend to generate a walk or two down memory lane.

jim_ss409
11-05-2006, 07:14 PM
Sounds like a killer combination! :deal

RCE1962
11-06-2006, 01:13 AM
Roger D


Car is presented very nicely. A good throw-back in time. By your description, the sound and performance of the engine will turn some heads and nearly snap our own neck! If that's what you were going for...mission accomplished. Looks like it means business already from the exterior with no "cheesy" add-ons. :cool:

Great start with basic engine parts and encouragement provided by Phil Reed. The rest of the "W" components / consultation / assembly, by Aubrey, ranks this project as one classy 60's Muscle Car. Hang on to the "paper/work history" whenever/if ever, you decide to sell, since this can form part of the car's value. (It doesn't always have to be "numbers..numbers".) There's a place for that...but there is an equally desirable place for a really decent "build" like this.:deal

Congratulations!! (I bet you can't wait for summer 2007 eh?) :beerbang

RCE1962