I have been thinking about building an E85 283-327 small block chevy.  I am strongly considering using stock vortec heads on a 283.  But any chevy small block burning E85 would interest me very much, as long as it was a performance oriented project.  It is available at my local gas station, and would afford me the luxury of giving OPEC the finger.  

GMPP has a new HT383-E, emissions legal replacement for 96-99 trucks and SUV's.  It would be cool to see you try to one up GMPP using their 383 shortblock. You never see anyone build a strong midrange motor for typical driving conditions.  

You know, there have been numerous builds based upon GM designs and for the most part Ford get's it's share of coverage.
But you guys don't seem to go over the Mopars all that often. I'd like to see a little more coverage on Mopars now that they're starting to build some machines that are generating alot of interest. Maybe do something with the 4.7L V8? You'd be surprised at the number of fans this motor has backing them. If not a small block, what about the "new" 500 Wedge block that has been out for a little while now? Everyone seems to be talking about the "Hemi", but in the dark regions of the Dodge dealership, lies that 500cid. I got a good feeling about that motor and for the cost, it's probably one of the biggest bargains out there.  

I second the idea of building a high horsepower Ford four cylinder. Technology has come a long way since the original SVO Mustang, and there is good aftermarket support. One can build a 400+ horsepower 2.5 turbo now with Crower or Manley rods, stock crank/block, and either stock/ported heads or the Esslinger aluminum performance piece. Hot Rod did an article like this back in '81, but roundy-round racing has brought a lot of parts for the builder since then.

There are scads of Rangers and '79-'93 Mustangs waiting for a hot powerplant like this.

I'm betting high compression, turbo, and E85 would make a V8 killer.  

I'd like to see something with a stroker crank. Like a 4.250" in a 3" main Pontiac block. Or maybe a 400" mopar block with a 440crank and rods. Everything else, be it a Chevy, Ford, mopar has been done to death. No replacement for dispalcement. 500" is an average motor. Stroke the snot out of it and make stupid horspower levels on E85. Anyone can build a pump gas motor.  

Why don't you get creative?

How about a 3400 or 3500 GM V6 build-up?
Put it into a small 2-door classic or kit car.
The revisions done by GM are excellent. This engine can put out 400 hp with a turbo, upgraded injectors, a turbo cam, and upgraded MAF. These are high production engines and be bought cheaply. There are also rear-wheel drive conversions for engines.  

Why dont you guys do a 350 Buick? CC was supposed to do it in their "The Other 350s" and never did. I am planning a 350 or 430/455 Buick into a chevy Astro van. Should be pretty nice, strong suspension up front with leaves out back and rear wheel drive. I will have 4 captain chairs and open space in the back for bags of food or luggage. Should make a nice daily driver or a vacation mobile.  

I vote for an Olds project. And not the enviable, predictable lovable 455........how about something like the 330.....say a 1966, with factory forged goodies, some good head work, with a good breathable intake and carb? Sounds really interesting to me............  

papabearxl:
I vote for an Olds project. And not the enviable, predictable lovable 455........how about something like the 330.....say a 1966, with factory forged goodies, some good head work, with a good breathable intake and carb? Sounds really interesting to me............

why do i get the feeling you know someone with that setup?  

Why dont you guys FINALLY lay to rest the theory of drivetrain losses in a typical street car? some people think they lose 25% others 15% while others think its closer to being a set number. Try to find out if drivetrain losses are higher as RPMS go up,or maybe they get more efficient. Theres different ways you can do this, you can take two 500HP engines (engine dynoed verified of course) with peaks at different RPMs and throw them in the same cars and see what the RWHP is, also you can do it with a 300HP engine and a 500HP engine to see if it really is a percentage loss. Published results would clarify lots of things. tHis is not only interesting but very important,and if you google it,theres no definitive word on whats right.Wouldnt it be cool if Popular Hot Rodding was the one who laid myths to rest??

if not,my votes on a big block buildup into something thats not a mustang,chevelle, or camaro  

How about a buildup that showcased engine compression? Something that showed what the actual compression limits were on pump gas and how other engine factors could be altered to increase it (cams,heads, etc.). Also, was it advantageos or detrimental to the over all hp/torque by altering these things and how did it affect it.  

I would also like to see a small block Olds build up. 362ci, 10.94:1 compression, 4.125" bore, worked heads with big valves 2.07/1.71, solid flat tappet cam ect. Can you say 500hp  

I know E85 hasn't showed up too much in CA. but a series starting at an E85 carburated conversion to performance build ups to all out purpose built engines would interest at least me.

Do this in a car not just a dyno flog.  

I too would like to see a e-85 build up. I think a big or small block chevy with 13-15:1 ( or higher )compression, maybe do a carb vs F.I. with e-85 as well as fuel economy ( not a concern among hot rodders but like you said the principals can be applied to other engines )would be interesting. I think with the current fuel problems we are experiencing a build up using alternative fuel would be something new and of interest to your readers. All of the problems I have read about with e-85 mostly center on the point that it takes so much more e-85 to produce the same amount of power compared to gasoline but, no one (that I have read about anyway) has tried using e-85 WITH higher compression they're all trying to do multi-use engines that can run gas or e-85 and in doing so must compromise on the compression, you could do a engine built only for e-85 and see if the benefits of higher compression would increase power and fuel milage.


gearhead3  

Thanks gearhead3.
I'm with you on a purpose built e-85 engine,High C/R, cam picked for real world RPM ,Carburated,dual plane intake.

Don't forget fuel systems,tanks,pumps,fuel lines.
This,in a way,could be cutting edge new technoligy.

Time to show the way PHR. You got G-machines,real world drivers,now lets power them with a new(well not NEW,but new to us)fuel that with a real purpose built engine will make great power and be affordable to drive.
In time 450-500hp and 20mpg on e-85.
Maybe us hotrodders can lead the way in getting this "green" fuel flowing across the US.Wouldn't that be a switch hotrodders pushing enviromental issues!