408 Stroker Engine Build Up Part 2

This is part two of the 408 stroker build up for my 1998 Dodge Dakota. Last month I talked about the machine shop process. This month we will talk about the short block build up.

First, let’s talk about the parts list. The only thing that will be previously used is the block. Everything else will be new. Here is the parts list:

Mopar Performance 360 Stroker Crank
CAT H-Beam Connection Rods
Diamond Racing Forged Flat Top Pistons
Total-Seal Gapless Piston Rings
Federal Mogual Main and Rod bearings
Federal Mogual Cam Bearings

The first step was to get manufacturer’s paper work together. It is very important to read over it very carefully to make sure you do everything they suggest. The manufacturers of these parts know what needs to be done to make them work properly.

The next step was to clean the block and all the parts. We did this wiht warm soapy water, and blew it dry with compressed air. Another tip: be sure to follow any manufacturers’ cleaning suggestions.

Next, we laid out all the parts to that are being installed. Before doing that, the bench was cleaned to get up any old oil and dirt. We also laid down lint-free paper towel to be extra careful. You always want to make sure everything is as clean as possible when you are building an engine. This includes your hands.

Now it was time to install the parts. First, the ARP main stud kit was installed. Next, the main bearings where installed, and then the crank was installed in the block. The main caps with bearings where installed next and torqued to specifications.

Now it was time for the pistons. First, we file fit the rings to the manufacturer’s specifications. After all the rings where done, we installed them on the pistons. The pistons where then installed into the block. Once the pistons where installed, the rod bearings and rod caps where installed and torqued to specifications.

The last item was to turn the crank to make sure there where no clearance problems. We did not go into a lot of detail on how to install everything. The reason is that there are a lot of different ways to do this. If you are interested in building your own engine, I would recommend checking out some books on the subject. You could also as a machine shop if you could watch while they build an engine. Some machine shops will be more than happy to have you help especially if you tell them that you will help do some grunt work for free.

This will be the last installment for the 408 stroker for a little while. We will continue to write other articles, but need to put this project on hold. Next month, we will discuss detail air ride information. I know we talked about this before, but this will be more detailed than before.

CYA next month!
Vincent Wright
sales@kmwperformance.com
http://www.kmwperformance.com