Sure, a race-compression 542ci engine could produce 800+ horsepower, but what we wanted was street reliability and torque. Opening the Lunati catalog to camshafts, Ken chose Lunati's hydraulic PN 33706. Technically, it has the look of an MP Purple Shaft cam with a generous 110-degree centerline. Specs are .507/.534-inch lift, intake and exhaust, respectively, with an advertised duration of 285-degrees on the intake and 295-degrees on the exhaust. Duration at .0500-inch lift is 235/245, intake and exhaust, respectively. Ken chose to install the cam 3-degrees advanced, reducing the centerline to 107-degrees. For those of you with 383s, 400s, and 440s who think this cam is a bit too aggressive, remember, our displacement is 542ci. Ken says, "With that kind of displacement, you don't even hear the cam at idle."
A Lunati 3-position cam chain and sprocket set is used as a Roller thrust button to reduce friction. Here, Ken readies the thrust button for installation with a liberal coating of lithium grease for startup and break-in. No oil is squirted to this location.
| The Parts |
| Part |
| Description | Source | Part No. | Other Info |
| Cylinder Block | Mopar Performance | P4529851 | Water Wedge Block |
| Crankshaft | Lunati | | 4.5-inch inch x |
| | | 2.375-inch journal |
| Pistons/Pin | Lunati | LT3810X45H-–10 | |
| Piston Rings | Speed Pro | R9799-5 | |
| Main Bearings | Federal Mogul | 119M std. | |
| Rod Bearings | Federal Mogul | 8-7300SHA | |
| Cylinder Heads | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-S/R | Super mod porting, |
| | | 2.19x1.81-inch |
| | | diameter stainless |
| | | steel valves |
| Valvesprings | Lunati | 73124 | Double hydraulic |
| | | springs |
| Retainers | Lunati | 75702 | 7-deg., steel |
| Keepers | Lunati | 77034 | 7-deg. |
| Cam Button | Lunati | 90004 | Roller bearing |
| Timing Chain Set | Lunati | 9 33125 | True roller |
| Camshaft | Lunati | 33706 | Hydraulic |
| Lifters | Lunati | 71977 | Hydraulic |
| Head Bolts | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-16 | |
| Rocker Studs | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-11 | |
| Rocker Shafts | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-14 | |
| Oil Line Kit | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-10 | |
| Pushrods | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-9 | 9.50-inch length |
| Valve Covers | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-7 | Indy logo’d |
| Intake Manifold | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-20 | Dual plane |
| Gasket Set | Indy Cylinder Head | 440-33 | |
| Oiling System | Indy Cylinder Head | | Indy MAXX street |
| | | system |
| Spark Plugs | Champion | 404 | Gapped @ .025 inches |
| Ignition Wires | Holley | 50-9807 | |
| Distributor | Mopar Performance | P4120942 | Locked out advance |
| Carburetor | Holley | 80497 | 950cfm Pro Series |
| | | w/ vacuum |
| | | secondaries |
| Ignition | Holley | 800-300 | Holley Pro Annihilator |
| Coil | Holley | 820-100 | Laser Shot |
The overall simplicity of...
The overall simplicity of the top side of each cylinder head adds to the durability and reliability of our 542ci combination. The 1.5:1 Indy SR roller rocker was chosen here, but remember, any aftermarket adjustable rocker system will fit, including the stock 1.5:1 rockers.
For the ultimate in street...
For the ultimate in street performance, what else would you choose besides a dual-plane intake, Indy style? This manifold (PN 440-20) offers better throttle response than a similarly-sized single plane, but with the amply-sized runners, there are few single planes that actually displace more air for Chrysler B/RB engines. The efficiency of the dual-plane design assists to make the 542 a clean burning engine, even if it is a thirsty one. The throttle response is staggering and the wide power band from 1,500 to 6,000 rpm makes this the perfect manifold for big-inch Wedge engines. If you are looking for a universal B/RB manifold, this is it! It fits 906 castings as well!
To ride aboard the giant dual...
To ride aboard the giant dual plane, a carburetor capable of 900+ cfm of airflow was necessary, but not of the racing variety. Ken Lazzeri swears by the Holley Pro Series List 4150, especially PN 80497. "The Pro Series vacuum secondary carb is super responsive," says Ken. "On a street car, you want controlled secondary response and that is what the vacuum secondary carb offers."However, if you needed large cfm air/fuel flow, you were out of luck as it came in sizes only up to 750cfm. Now, Holley has addressed that with this "made-for-strokers" 950cfm carb. The radiused venturies offering smooth airflow are what distinguish a Pro Series carburetor from other Holley list 4150s.