MikeB
Member
Hi everyone,
I've been hanging out at ChevyTalk.com for 7-8 years and just ran across this forum. I decided to join it since I've always seen Grumpy as a very knowledgeable hot rodder without an attitude or big ego.
I've built many small blocks over the years, starting when I was 17. Amazing that the first couple ran and didn't spin bearings or break valve train parts! I was away from hot rodding for 25+ years, then jumped back in with a 69 Chevy truck and then a 55 Chevy sedan. In 2002-2004 I worked on Saturdays for Dick Allen at StrokerMotor.com in Dallas, where we specialized building 383s. There I did block clearancing, deck milling, balancing, and some boring. Dick always did the final honing! If the block needed line boring, we sent it out. I also assembled several engines, the most powerful of which was a 383 that dynoed at 460HP. We mostly used pre-assembled AFR and Edelbrock heads, but I got to assemble a few sets of bare heads, so learned about spring selection and clearances. IMO, the biggest pain when building a 383 was making sure the cam lobes didn't hit the rods. We didn't use many small base circle flat tappet cams, because Dick didn't like making the already small base circle any smaller.
My last engine project was building a 327 for my 55 sedan. Started with a late 70s 350 block, added a 307 crank, SCAT 4340 rods, and Speed Pro hyper pistons (all balanced). Blew through my budget with a pair of Brodix IK-180 heads, and finished up with a CompCams 224/230/110, .477"/.488" solid lifter cam. Even at .016" lash, it's a little on the noisy side. From what I've heard, it's probably due to Comp's Xtreme lobe profile. I may eventually go to a hydraulic cam, and already have a set of real USA-made lifters.
I feel like I can put together reliable, torquey street engines and I always try to err on the small side when it comes to cams, heads, and carb. What I hope to learn here is details about carb and ignition tuning and the finer points of camshaft selection. I look forward to exchanging ideas with you all and learning new things.
Mike
I've been hanging out at ChevyTalk.com for 7-8 years and just ran across this forum. I decided to join it since I've always seen Grumpy as a very knowledgeable hot rodder without an attitude or big ego.
I've built many small blocks over the years, starting when I was 17. Amazing that the first couple ran and didn't spin bearings or break valve train parts! I was away from hot rodding for 25+ years, then jumped back in with a 69 Chevy truck and then a 55 Chevy sedan. In 2002-2004 I worked on Saturdays for Dick Allen at StrokerMotor.com in Dallas, where we specialized building 383s. There I did block clearancing, deck milling, balancing, and some boring. Dick always did the final honing! If the block needed line boring, we sent it out. I also assembled several engines, the most powerful of which was a 383 that dynoed at 460HP. We mostly used pre-assembled AFR and Edelbrock heads, but I got to assemble a few sets of bare heads, so learned about spring selection and clearances. IMO, the biggest pain when building a 383 was making sure the cam lobes didn't hit the rods. We didn't use many small base circle flat tappet cams, because Dick didn't like making the already small base circle any smaller.
My last engine project was building a 327 for my 55 sedan. Started with a late 70s 350 block, added a 307 crank, SCAT 4340 rods, and Speed Pro hyper pistons (all balanced). Blew through my budget with a pair of Brodix IK-180 heads, and finished up with a CompCams 224/230/110, .477"/.488" solid lifter cam. Even at .016" lash, it's a little on the noisy side. From what I've heard, it's probably due to Comp's Xtreme lobe profile. I may eventually go to a hydraulic cam, and already have a set of real USA-made lifters.
I feel like I can put together reliable, torquey street engines and I always try to err on the small side when it comes to cams, heads, and carb. What I hope to learn here is details about carb and ignition tuning and the finer points of camshaft selection. I look forward to exchanging ideas with you all and learning new things.
Mike
Howdy, Mike! So glad you made it to Grumpy's forum here! Hope to see you here often.