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If Mike is retired Eric weingarter is a Brodix dealer with great price and porting service. If you decide to use Brodix heads.
 
Discussion starter · #42 ·
Ah that’s too bad, what other engine builders/parts distributors would you guys recommend calling for all my engine part needs?

Browsing marketplace which I never ever use but you can’t find anything elsewhere anymore, theres a gen 6 motor about 40 minutes from me for cheap. The only downfall of these is they don’t have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump right? It’s said to be standard bore as well.

 
Ah that’s too bad, what other engine builders/parts distributors would you guys recommend calling for all my engine part needs?

Browsing marketplace which I never ever use but you can’t find anything elsewhere anymore, theres a gen 6 motor about 40 minutes from me for cheap. The only downfall of these is they don’t have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump right? It’s said to be standard bore as well.

If we can be of help let us know. www.straubtechnologies.com I've worked with Mark Jones for many years and he has had several customers call and get parts from us and ship to his shop.
 
Discussion starter · #44 ·
If we can be of help let us know. www.straubtechnologies.com I've worked with Mark Jones for many years and he has had several customers call and get parts from us and ship to his shop.
I browsed your site earlier today and didn’t see much in the way of internal engine parts besides cam kits. Do You carry rotating assemblies and such?
 
Ah that’s too bad, what other engine builders/parts distributors would you guys recommend calling for all my engine part needs?

Browsing marketplace which I never ever use but you can’t find anything elsewhere anymore, theres a gen 6 motor about 40 minutes from me for cheap. The only downfall of these is they don’t have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump right? It’s said to be standard bore as well.

The engine in your link is a gen V, better to start with a mark IV if you want mech fuel pump. Gen V doesnt have provision like you say. Imho gen 5 is the less desirable block to start with. Gen VI is at least roller.
 
I browsed your site earlier today and didn’t see much in the way of internal engine parts besides cam kits. Do You carry rotating assemblies and such?
I'm old school, I prefer phone calls and talking to customers then we quote you on what you need to meet their goals. Shop number is 423 391 7774
 
Mike has officially retired. He sent a customer to me the other day that had contacted him about a top end kit. He copied me on the reply and told the customer that he retiring and to contact me. Honored that I have earned his trust over the years to do something like that.
Hi Chris
Close but not totally correct,, "semi retired" ...... or retarded not sure which :)

I posted this a while back but here it is again
Parts like, cylinder heads, cams, lifters, shaft rockers etc... custom balanced rotating assemblies & some lighter machine work I am still doing on a limited basis but unfortunately at this time I am not taking on any new engine projects & I don’t really have a date when or if I will be returning to full time work
 
Hi Chris
Close but not totally correct,, "semi retired" ...... or retarded not sure which :)

I posted this a while back but here it is again
Parts like, cylinder heads, cams, lifters, shaft rockers etc... custom balanced rotating assemblies & some lighter machine work I am still doing on a limited basis but unfortunately at this time I am not taking on any new engine projects & I don’t really have a date when or if I will be returning to full time work
Well I misunderstood your email below...

Thanks for the inquiry.

At this time I am not taking on any projects & will be unavailable for a few months at the least so I would suggest you contact Chris Straub he should be able to help you with a complete kit

Thank you,
Mike
707 984-6103
10am - 5pm Pacific Tuesday - Friday


Thank you for the referral on this one. We were able to get him what he needed. Thank you for the trust in Straub Tech. Enjoy the time...maybe see you at PRI this year.
 
Discussion starter · #50 ·
It took me a couple months to find the block/motor I was looking for but I drove about 4 hours to Maryland today and picked up this very nice Mark IV 454 with 4 bolt mains and a standard bore. It doesn’t appear to have many miles on it as the cylinders are in great shape with no scoring or ridges. The rest of the motor is equally clean and well cared for top to bottom. Pretty happy for $750.

I’ve also acquired a complete TKX setup and picked up another A body chassis to box and build off so I can keep driving my car in the meantime.



 
rick, if you wouldnt mind share a little info about drilling the coolant passage? never heard of that just curious
I had never heard of it either till I posted some info about my 454 block machine work and Mark Jones "Vortecpro" asked if it was drilled? I didn't know what "Drilled" meant and he said for water passages, IIRC that was his reply, it was a cpl yrs ago, Parallel VS Series ?
 
I would go the LS route, a 6 or 7, my buddies Camaro blows the doors off my Chevelle. It’s not even close, hell most modern six cylinders car make more power then a stock 1966 Chevelle. My car is mostly all stock 1966 138 car and I am in the middle of gathering parts for a swap. Just the weight difference between an aluminum LS6 and the cast iron 396 is worth it. Your car your choice.
 
Discussion starter · #56 ·
I would go the LS route, a 6 or 7, my buddies Camaro blows the doors off my Chevelle. It’s not even close, hell most modern six cylinders car make more power then a stock 1966 Chevelle. My car is mostly all stock 1966 138 car and I am in the middle of gathering parts for a swap. Just the weight difference between an aluminum LS6 and the cast iron 396 is worth it. Your car your choice.
Clearly you haven’t been paying attention, I’ve listed the 6.0 for sale and a few days ago picked up a donor 454 to build a 489/496.

If I wanted the fastest car out there I wouldn’t be starting with a land yacht Chevelle. While I like the idea of a boosted LS it just wouldn’t have the raw feel of a violent big block. I’m also a sucker for manual transmissions so keeping it a carbed big block just makes more sense.
 
It came with rectangle ports but at your recommendation im going with Brodix race rites. 4.25” stroke.
I bought my Brodix Race Rite 294 R ports with CNC option from Mike Lewis, they also came with some Comp Cams parts, better guide plates etc., 650-700 HP/TQ is doable from a 489/496, might not run ac though
 
Discussion starter · #58 ·
I bought my Brodix Race Rite 294 R ports with CNC option from Mike Lewis, they also came with some Comp Cams parts, better guide plates etc., 650-700 HP/TQ is doable from a 489/496, might not run ac though
That’s about the same setup he quoted me with some of his upgrades. I’m not looking to squeeze every hp out of this motor, I can get 600 or close to and still keep it mild with good street manners and no problems with AC. That’s why I’m opting for more cubes instead of wringing a 454 out.
 
I have bought several sets of race rites from Mike Lewis all has worked flawless. Oldest set is 15+ years.
 
I have the combo you want. 496 Scat forged lower end, 049 iron heads with 2.19/1.88 valves with very minor port work, mostly just cleaned up. Straub roller "Old School cam" , AED 850 carb on Performer RPM intake. 585hp @5400, 640tq @3500 rpm in my 70 SS with Tremec TKX. A barrel of fun. An easy build that can be driven every day in traffic with the a/c on if you choose.
 
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