Opened up the engine and realized it needs work. 66 dart 225 with a 904 automatic. I'm better at body work than engines. My son and I would like more performance but its still a daily driver. Planning the 2bbl conversion, but for the engine rebuild what are some suggestions? performance cam? Is there a bore I should tell them to go with? valves?
thanks

What is the car going to be used for? Street? Commuter? Street/Strip? Grocery Getter/College student to class?

Do you know the rear ratio?

What are your goals with this car?

Why does it need work?

CJ

If the block needs boring and new pistons, the machine shop should measure the amount of wear and decide what oversize is needed.
New pistons are available in .020, .030, .040 .060 and .080 there should be no problem getting a set near the needed oversize.
Purchase the pistons and get them "in hand" before boring the block.

The other important parts will be cylinder head work and cam selection.
Knowing the "performance goals" and vehicle useage helps with these decision... especially in selecting a cam.
DD

What is a good source for slant pistons?
I have seen Silvolite and Enginetech mentioned, anyone familiar with either of these?

thanks

What is the car going to be used for? Street? Commuter? Street/Strip? Grocery Getter/College student to class?

street, no racing. daily driver for my son. he's asking for performance upgrade, but probably no reason for it other than he'd like to beat one of those rice burners in a run once in a while

Do you know the rear ratio?

No, but the rear end was swapped to big bolt pattern from a 74 dart by the prior owner.

What are your goals with this car?

Project for my son and I. Like to eventually learn how to make it a higher performance, but for now just want to get it on the road.

Why does it need work?
Good question, maybe it doesn't. Never been started and I was told the engine was rebuilt. It was wisely suggested by this forum to open it up and at least replace the gaskets after sitting for years. It looks like the heads were done, but when i looked in the cylinder bores i can see/feel the carbon build up at the top, and there is actually leaf debris and dirt laying in them. Oh, and two bent push rods.
I figure that can't be good.

Break it down, the slant is an excellent engine to learn on for you guys to learn on. You don't have to get carried away, but plan ahead. The cam is dependant on your converter and rear ratio (or you can run 4 speeds ). So unless the cam is flat move on, and clean the engine with a hot tank and examine the cylinder walls. Big valves and bronze guides are nice and easy upgrades. In fact, if you read about porting on this forum you could let your son loose on the head with a die grinder.
The jist is a basic rebuild can be done affordably or a rebuilt slant and would be a better proactive solution. The next idea would be better rear end gears can really shine on the slant. 3.55's or so can liven her up, I mean I had never heard of anything lower than 3.05's before I got my car. Suspension and brakes are important also, in fact the upgraded brakes saved my car and possibly life yesterday when I was cut off on 99E (60mph).

Thanks for the suggestions. I was considering porting the heads, but will take the block to the local machine shop this time. BUT do want to do some things to start learning more. Maybe tackle the heads and reassembly - expect to hear more from me as I move on!!