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Just as racers sometimes change engine builders DRO is changing engine gurus. It wasn't that the guys we have had, Don Kirn and Tom Klein, aren't highly competent because they are; it was just that their business wouldn't allow them the time to answer our readers' questions.

So we had to find someone else. We called upon old friend Scott Walker who certainly has the qualifications: he has worked at several name engine shops over the years, worked at the Frank Hawley school, and had his own shops, both engine and chassis. He has recently started a new engine/chassis business with Bob Braun, who is experienced in the sprint car and street-legal racing scene. This guy will be around for a while as Editor Jeff Burk reportedly has compromising photos of Scott Walker in the DRO files.

So, if you have an engine question, just send it to horses@racingnetsource.com and then watch this space for an answer from Scott.

Question 1:
I have a 1972 350 4-bolt main engine and a set of Dart heads, 202-170 valve, angle plug heads with stock pistons, 292 Crane cam and hooker headers, with a 411 pos rear end which I'm putting into a 1988 S-10 pick-up. Do you have any ideas on horsepoewr and anything else I could do to step it up?

Frisco

Answer 1:
This appears to be a good combination that you are building. This should easily make 350+ horsepower. As far as stepping it up, I suggest that you install the proper valve springs that are recommended for the cam, use a Weiand team G intake and a Holley 650 double pumper.

Scott

Question 2:
I have a 1979 formula Firebird with a stock Olds 403. I drive it a lot but my mill is all stock with 4a heads which have about 83 cc's. The bore is 4.351 and the stroke is 3.383. I believe my current comp ratio is 8.0:1, my intakes are 1.875 and the exhausts are 1.502.

Will getting a pair of Olds 350 7a heads really boost some power? It'll change the cc's to about 64 cc's, I believe. I have a stock rear 2:41 posi. Should I up that to maybe 3.73?

As for the cam and converter, I'm very lost there. No one seems to be able to help on that. I know the 403 isn't widely known as drag material, but I only plan to do the occasional drag strip.

Oh yeah, I also have a Q-jet freshly rebuilt, traction bars, battery relocated to the trunk. What modifications should I consider?

M.S.

Answer 2:
The head swap should help because compression is everything!

I suggest the Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold and cam kit. A B&M Holeshot converter with 2500 rpm stall should help. The 3.73 gear swap is also a good step. Keep the Q-jet. I like them.

Scott

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