|
7/9/04
| |
|
I hope that you can help me out.
I bought a ’69 Chevelle with
a 454 that seems to have a cam with
a lot of overlap. It hits really
well and sounds awesome. I would
not be surprised if it has an Edelbrock
power package since it has an Edelbrock
carb, intake and headers. I have
done the math and confirmed my feelings
that the 600 cfm carb is WAY too
small. It’s redline is 5800.
It really seems that this car, by
sound and cubic inches, should have
a lot more power than it does. It
seems to have enough torque to smoke
the tires, but does not have great
acceleration. I will assume changing
the carb to a 750 will help, but
can you give me any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Steve Smith
|
|
|
Steve, thanks for writing,
I will agree that a 650cfm Holley sounds a
bit small for an engine that big. I would say
a 750 cfm rating would be more appropriate given
the info. you provided. You did not mention
other variables though such as torque converter
type, rear end gear ratio, transmission type
and number of gears, exhaust size, etc. Any
and all of those components and more will make
an impact on how the car performs. My first
instinct to help out the rpm’s above 5800
would be to check your valve spring pressure.
As I do not know what camshaft you have in the
engine, I can’t make any specific recommendations,
but in general I will assume you have a hydraulic
flat tappet cam.
If you can figure out what camshaft you have
call the manufacturer and ask for them to recommend
a valve spring SEAT pressure. Typically, a hydraulic
cam BBC with normal lifters will want a SEAT
pressure of around 120-130 lbs. after cam break-in.
Many people underestimate the importance of
valve springs. I have seen a gain at the drag
strip of almost one full second by changing
nothing other than valve springs! Also, make
sure you are maintaining adequate fuel pressure
at the top end. 4-5 lbs. would be minimum accepted.
Hope this helps,
Jay Roeder
| |
|
Could you please tell me how a
Top Fuel engine keeps cool? I’ve
heard air cooled, but is there also
coolant gel out there?
Thanks,
Brad
|
|
|
Brad, I wasn’t aware Top Fuel engines
were COOL? Sorry, just kidding! I’m a DOOR
SLAMMER MAN! As far as I know, they do not have
any cooling system on a modern fuel car. The
engines don’t run very long in the first
place, and they basically get HOT!
Thanks, I needed that!
When in doubt, DO A WHEELIE!!
|
