yassrey
January 10th, 2004, 11:05 PM
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone01z.jpg
Longtime PHR readers should know this car simply from seeing how tall the valve covers stick up under the hood. No, that engine isn't raised in the chassis--it really is that tall. Where a normal big-block Chevy has a deck height of 9.8 inches, and a "big" big-block measures 10.2 inches, what do you call one with a height of 11.7 inches?
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone07az.jpg
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone04az.jpg
The project started with a visit from yours truly, where Tony and his younger brother Michael asked what would re-set the curve for street machine excellence. Since their race shop is near Bill Mitchell's Hardcore Racing Products and World Products engine facility, we went down the street to see the inspiration, aluminum Merlin Superblock. This wasn't to be a racing engine, but a true street engine that could tear the driveline out of any ride on the street. Using a Callies 5.300-inch crankshaft, Crower's 7.750-inch forged billet rods, and a set of Lunati's 4.600-inch pistons, the foundation was laid for a $30,000 dream engine that makes 893 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm and 829 hp at only 5,300 rpm. The engine only revs to about 5,500 rpm on its best day, since those heavy parts are hard to get moving and the Brodix -4 cylinder heads (which start with a giant 390cc intake runner before porting) just can't keep up with such a giant port. The giant intake valves, measuring 2.350 inches, are a major hindrance, too. Would they go this route again? Though it's not the most efficient engine around, the "wow" factor makes it worthwhile if you have the means.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone06az.jpg
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone10z.jpg
Under the hood you'll find the industry's best parts, like Aeromotive's fuel pressure regulator, 1000hp/45psi electric fuel pump (a must for an engine this big), and two of Aeromotive's billet fuel filters. All the fuel lines and fittings are from XRP, and the FAST computer for the EFI is mounted along side a FAST transmission controller for the TCI 4L80E electronic automatic transmission. When this engine was carbureted, it had a Hogan sheetmetal manifold with two Hardcore Dominators on top. Now, it has a similar Hogan manifold that's chopped five inches and routed Viper style, with a front inlet featuring two Holley 90mm throttle bodies. March Performance pulleys are everywhere, with the kit including the alternator pulley and bracket, A/C pulley and brackets, idler pulleys, front crank pulleys, and the rest of the parts that make up March's serpentine belt system. Flex A Lite's dual fans keep down the heat, as does a TCI transmission cooler.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone02bz.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone08z.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone11z.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone13z.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone03az.jpg
Longtime PHR readers should know this car simply from seeing how tall the valve covers stick up under the hood. No, that engine isn't raised in the chassis--it really is that tall. Where a normal big-block Chevy has a deck height of 9.8 inches, and a "big" big-block measures 10.2 inches, what do you call one with a height of 11.7 inches?
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone07az.jpg
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone04az.jpg
The project started with a visit from yours truly, where Tony and his younger brother Michael asked what would re-set the curve for street machine excellence. Since their race shop is near Bill Mitchell's Hardcore Racing Products and World Products engine facility, we went down the street to see the inspiration, aluminum Merlin Superblock. This wasn't to be a racing engine, but a true street engine that could tear the driveline out of any ride on the street. Using a Callies 5.300-inch crankshaft, Crower's 7.750-inch forged billet rods, and a set of Lunati's 4.600-inch pistons, the foundation was laid for a $30,000 dream engine that makes 893 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm and 829 hp at only 5,300 rpm. The engine only revs to about 5,500 rpm on its best day, since those heavy parts are hard to get moving and the Brodix -4 cylinder heads (which start with a giant 390cc intake runner before porting) just can't keep up with such a giant port. The giant intake valves, measuring 2.350 inches, are a major hindrance, too. Would they go this route again? Though it's not the most efficient engine around, the "wow" factor makes it worthwhile if you have the means.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone06az.jpg
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone10z.jpg
Under the hood you'll find the industry's best parts, like Aeromotive's fuel pressure regulator, 1000hp/45psi electric fuel pump (a must for an engine this big), and two of Aeromotive's billet fuel filters. All the fuel lines and fittings are from XRP, and the FAST computer for the EFI is mounted along side a FAST transmission controller for the TCI 4L80E electronic automatic transmission. When this engine was carbureted, it had a Hogan sheetmetal manifold with two Hardcore Dominators on top. Now, it has a similar Hogan manifold that's chopped five inches and routed Viper style, with a front inlet featuring two Holley 90mm throttle bodies. March Performance pulleys are everywhere, with the kit including the alternator pulley and bracket, A/C pulley and brackets, idler pulleys, front crank pulleys, and the rest of the parts that make up March's serpentine belt system. Flex A Lite's dual fans keep down the heat, as does a TCI transmission cooler.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone02bz.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone08z.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone11z.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone13z.jpg http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0305PHR_Bartone03az.jpg