Yep, the computer might yet "disappear."

I have been mullling this engine rebuild over in my head and I can't decide if I want to just go with .030 oversize pistons (I choose that number since I have a set uf used slant .030 oversize pistons in my garage) or build one of Doug Dutra's 260 stroker slants. My goal here is to build a motor that will lug my 5300 pound van around and still get good gas mileage and be able to pass people on the highway.

What do you guys think? Is the custom crank worth it?

no

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Maybe not, in $$$, but......

For the sheer "mess with their heads" factor, I'd like to figure out how to build a 273 cubic inch slant-6, and be able to answer truthfully "It's got a 273" when people ask (and then open the hood).

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Well, Doug Dutra got 260 cubes by stroking the crank to a 4.5 inch stroke and using 1mm oversized 2.2 turbo pistons. Is it possible to pick up another 13 cubes with bigger pistons? My math works that out to be a 3.588 inch piston bore with the 4.5 inch stroke. That is .088 inches bigger than the "upper limit" .10 overbore slant sixes can take. (Don't say it, I know bigger has been done, but I am not racing).

If you see ths Doug, how is your 260 holding up these days? Any advice from the Mad Doctor who brought this beast to life? Do you think a crank that was .010 undersize from the factory is able to be re-welded to the 4.5 inch stroke or should I find a better forged crank?

Sandy, you said no, why not? Is it merely a matter of $$$ vs. expected performance gain?

Thanks guys!

This is the reason you should have stayed with the V8. I have the same problem with the 3.0l in my wife's Plymouth mini van. Load it up with the family, and going up hills is a pain. If I buy another one, it will have a bigger engine.

While the \6 is a great little engine, when it comes to large, bulky vehicles, size does matter.

I hear you kesteb. The Dodge is only the family carrier temporarily though. I have my 84 Ford E-150 with its 351Windsor four barrel engine that is the standard family van. I am driving the dodge right now while I restore the interior and exterior on the Ford. As soon as the Ford is done the Dodge will be my daily driver and will only occasionally haul more than me.

If the goal is to move the van and get good economy then the expensive and relatively untried stroker crank is not a fit.

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Okay Sandy, you convinced me. I'll stick with th estock crank and .030 oversize pistons. Thanks for the reality check! As any on eof you guys who have known me for awhile know, I tend to dream beyond my means when it comes to cars (and the reasources I have to play around with them)....

3.500 bore 4.730 stroke 273.0cuin
3.530 bore 4.650 stroke 273.1cuin
3.540 bore 4.625 stroke 273.1cuin
3.550 bore 4.600 stroke 273.2cuin

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Don't we all? That's half the fun!

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.