EC’s Pinnacle Connecting Rods – Installation & Information Guide
EC's Stage 4 Wildcat 223 built by Red Beard's Garage
Wildcat 223 Stage 4: A New Benchmark in Budget Performance
This blog revisits the Road to Horsepower journey for the Wildcat 223 engine, introducing the long-anticipated Stage 4 kit—a high-performing, cost-conscious upgrade designed to outpace Stage 3 results without the complexity of advanced valve train builds. Featuring the CNC-ported WC946-3 cylinder head, a newly developed .268 Reaper camshaft, and the high-flow PWK24 flat slide carburetor, the kit delivers a substantial power increase: 18.01 hp at 7700 RPM and 13.9 ft-lbs of torque at 6300 RPM—surpassing Stage 3 by 2.5 hp and offering a broader powerband.
The blog also explores why the Wildcat 223 remains a top choice over the Predator 224 Hemi and explains how EC’s Stage 4 setup rivals more expensive builds in power, while retaining stock-style components for easier assembly and affordability. Engine comparisons, dyno results, and tuning insights round out this deep dive into building a competitive, user-friendly engine for the 223/224 class.