How to Build Max-Performance

Mopar Big Blocks

Chapter 1: Planning the Engine Build

Budgeting Process 

Power Goals 

Formulas for Engine Design

Mopar-Specific Design Choices

Chapter 2: The Cylinder Block

Cylinder Block Selection

Thin Wall Controversy 

Basic Block Dimensions

Fixes for the Factory Block 

Aftermarket Blocks

Main Bearings

Cylinder Bore Preparation

Decking

Block Detailing 

Valve Notches

Chapter 3: The Oil System 

Oil Pump 

Internal Oiling System 

External Oiling System 

Pump Cover 

The Intermediate Shaft

Oil Pan 

Oil Type and Operation Temperature 

Oil Filter and Cooler 

Dry Sump System

Top-End vs. Bottom-End Oiling 

Extra Lubrication Requirements 

Chapter 4: Crankshafts

Crankshaft Selection 

The Funny Car Crankshaft

Crankshaft Preparation 

Balancing

Harmonic Damper 

Chapter 5: Connecting Rods 

Connecting Rod Selection 

Aluminum Rods 

Connecting Rod Preparation 

Rotating Assembly Balancing 

Chapter 6: Pistons 

Compression Ratio Considerations 

Valve-to-Piston Clearance 

Combustion Chamber Clearance

Piston-to-Head Clearance

Piston Rings 

Gas Ports 

Piston Pin Diameter 

Vacuum Pump Considerations 

Chapter 7: Cylinder Heads and Valves

Standard Port Cylinder Head

Max-Wedge-Port-Size Heads 

Bigger Than Max-Wedge

Head Gaskets

Head Flow and Cam Lift

Valves 

Porting

Chapter 8: The Valvetrain

Rocker Arm Geometry

Rocker Arm Ratio

Rocker Arm Material 

Rocker Arm Types

Rocker Shafts and Supports

Rocker Arm Width and Length 

Side Clearance and Alignment

Multiple Shaft Systems 

Pushrods

Chapter 9: Camshafts and Lifters

Duration

Single Pattern vs. Dual Pattern 

Lifters 

Roller Lifters and Valvetrain Oiling 

Rev Kits 

Lifter Bore Bushings 

Camshaft Bearings

Large-Diameter Cam Bearings 

Roller Cam Bearings 

Firing Order 

Chapter 10: Camshaft Drives and Valvesprings 

Timing Chains 

Roller Cam Thrust 

Timing-Chain Covers

Belt Drive 

Gear Drive 

Valvesprings 

Chapter 11: Intake Manifolds 

Standard Port Intakes, B and RB 

Max-Wedge Port Intakes, B and RB

B1 Intake Options 

EFI

Chapter 12: Carburetors 

Classic 4150 Double Pumper

The 4500 Dominator 

Tuner-Friendly Carburetors

Edelbrock and Carter Carburetors

Carburetor Spacers 

Chapter 13: Ignition Systems 

Electronic Ignitions

Distributor 

Belt-Driven Distributor 

Crank Trigger 

Spark Plugs 

Indexing the Spark Plugs 

Spark Plug Wires

Chapter 14: Accessories 

Water Pumps, Electric and Belt-Driven

Alternator Kits 

Engine Mounting Systems, Motor Plates and Elephant Ears

High-Performance Hoses and Fittings 

Chapter 15: Exhaust Systems 

Cast Manifolds 

Headers 

Picking a Header Size

Relocated Exhaust Ports 

Merged Collectors and 4-2-1 Headers

Stepped Tubes 

Chapter 16: Tuning 

Reading the Plugs 

Wide Band

Dynamometer Testing 

Chassis Dyno Testing 

Chapter 17: The Fantastic 451 and Other Engine Combinations 

Fantastic 451/470 

Two Ways to 512 

Big Bad 572 

Chapter 18: Recipes for Power 

600 HP 

700 HP 

800 HP 

900 HP