Power valves: Are they worth it?

Recently got a job at a machine shop, with all the equipment I could ever want. I've got a stunt hull on the way, but I have no motor to put in it :thinking:. I was originally going to buy an Xscream, but it kinda looks like its a little out of my price range. Now that I have all the computerized CNC and Mills I could ever need, I was considering building an awesome stroker engine. My question is, could I just use a 61x cylinder I have lying around, and machine that and the cases to accept a stroker crank, or would I be better off investing in a PV cylinder, since it seems all the bigger engines are using those?
 

Waternut

Customizing addict
Location
Macon, GA
I would think making an engine from billet would be extremely complicated. Sure the machine does all the work but you have to program it all in before it will and that's where the work goes. I'm sure someone like wsuhrur (sp) could explain why billet cases and cylinder are in the $2k+ price range each.

I'm sure you could weld additional metal and then machine power valve slots in a stock 61x cylinder but it'd be a shot in the dark and could be a very expensive mistake if something went wrong or if the tolerances aren't right which I doubt they will be unless you're modeling off a spare PV cylinder. Since you have the equipment, I would think going with a 61x based big bore would be much more feasible and would produce good results for the amount of effort involved.
 

jetski9010

Team RTYD
Location
Lancaster PA
I would say all the machine work is the cheaper part of building a stroker. The engine parts you need, pistons, sleeves, head, stroker crank, etc is where you going to spend most of your money. Your also going to need an engine builder that knows what there doing to set it all up for you and if want it to run right. If its x metal you like give then a call and tell them what you got and see what they can do for you. You dont need billet cylinders to build a stroker but they are nicer. If you one a budget they can use what you got to build you some power.
 
i work in a machine shop too, and i do all the cad/cam work and programing. i would never attempt to create what others have all ready done. you could never economically machine and build a billit engine. you would never get to leave the shop not to mention it costs money just to have those machines on in the shop and if your not going to reimburse the boss for his time on the machines he will probably tell you to pound salt. pluss what happens if you make a programming error and crash a tool. you could end up with a major disaster in a hurry. you need to be extremely carefull doing work for yourself in someone elses shop. i truely believe that it would cost you more to make itt yourself. work some overtime or start a savings account and buy from a builder that is saving you major headaches.
 
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