Total restoration time, input would be great.

[fordman76367]

It's been a good long while since I've visited the site, I know, I've been slacking and I apologize. My 84' has sat for a few years and she's about to get a complete make over, I've got $15k budgeted for the build and my goal is for her to be back up again in early January. I unfortunately won't have time to do the engine work myself and I would like to just buy a crate performance tranny and drop in, I've got a great paint and body man, and I'll be doing the interior myself. Currently she has a 4bbl 351w and an AOD trans, and original rear end, My questions/ talking points are:
1.should I go with the built c6 or try and build up the AOD I have?
2.im looking to get 400hp from the engine, should I build from the block I've got or knock her out to a 408w.
She will be the weekend hot rod, I want power, but I don't want to lose driveability.
3. Like I said I'll be paying to have her built due to my work schedule, what should I expect to spend ball park on the engine to achieve the power I want? I'm guessing 4-5k. The drive train and rolling chassis will be cared for at seperate shops, once paint and body is done, I'll trailer it to my mechanic so he can drop it all in. YES there will be pictures posted(I know how you fellas like truck porn)
4. Recommendations on any parts or additions to the plans are welcomed, (I've been eyeing the edelbrock top end kit, think a stock new bottom end will handle it and keep me around my desired hp mark?)
5. Would a factory c6 hold that power? Would a built up AOD be better in my application? As of right now I'm looking at a MEAN c6 online rated for 800hp, not sure if that's way more than necessary.

 

[jebadiah04]

1. how much highway are you going to do? Lots of highway = AOD, no Highway = C6

2. No reason you cant get 400hp out of 351 cubes.

3.your estimation seems ballpark, but get quotes and compare with crate engines.

4. Recommendation : EFI if you can afford it. Turn key vroom vrooms. Reliable, streetable, powerful.

A GOOD torque converter. I munched through a stock rated one with my Big Block Chevy in about 3 seconds flat. and then i went and munched through a 500hp rated one. I ended up running a "tow truck" converter, lol.


5. Depends on how hard you beat on it. A c-6 can hold up to a 460 pulling things. C6 probably would, however the AOD would be a lot more streetable because of the over drive. They can easily hold up to 400 hp with the right build (check out monstertransmission.com)

 

[jebadiah04]

BTW, im assuming this is a 2wd truck? I hope you have a 9 in the back.

also, if its 4wd, better be prepared to munch through that 208 tcase.

 

[fordman76367]

Not much highway cruising, and I apologize I neglected to mention it is 2wd. Monster transmission has the c6 I was looking at. My rear end is factory original, I'd guess and say a 8.8 ls. There's a good chance I'll swap it out for a 9", I've always heard the AOD trans to be unreliable and unfavorable, I assumed it wouldn't be worthy, I'll explore into a sturdy AOD, that could trim some cash. A beastly torque converter is definitely on the list also.

 

[jebadiah04]

AOD us pretty tough in the lower gears. 4th gear bands go out fairly easily. However they are EASY to replace. But require R&R of the trans. 15 minute job on a 2wd.

C-6 is the safer. Cheaper bet. But the AOD is a nicer trans.

 

[jebadiah04]

That 8.8 rear is easily upgradable. The big advantage to the 9 is the removable 3rd member. So u can swap gear sets in minutes with a couple extra 3rd members. However if you don't plan on doing that pick your gear set and run that 8.8. I ran a 8.8 on a 300/208/t18 combo. I could drop it in low range 1st gear and snap the d 44 outer, but the 8.8 is still fine in it. Remember mustangs use 8.8s. So easily cheaply upgraded.

 

[fordman76367]

Update: engine and trans are coming out this weekend a 408 stroker will be in build process next week, going with a beefy c6 with a 2400-2800 stall, expecting 500 hp from the stroker. Looking at a month build time on the motor, adding a few days to build and install a tranny, during the down time new glass all the way around and new wheels and tires will be installed, interior as well. Looking to have exhaust put on and back on the road by the end of January.