SPLIT MY WINDSOR ...very painful !!

Wazza · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 07:05 AM

Despite all my careful driving......

That's only tyre smoke from some very late braking....not the engine blowing !

Somehow, I have managed to "once again" split a Windsor block.

It would seem clear to me that if one is to stroke a 302 to a 347, then one should also invest in a Dart block..or similar...at least for racing purposes.

It seems the additional lateral stresses caused by the wider swing of the crank, does not play well with a standard block.

I have decided not to be a TOTAL darksider...and although I'm still looking forward to the LS7 in the new street car, I've decided that the Ford engine in the race car was too good to abandon...it just needs stronger support by way of an UNBREAKABLE ( Did I just say that ? ) Dart Block.

I know I'll be told it was from over revving, or badly balanced engine, but I can (almost) assure you it was neither.

The engine was so smooth, and well balanced it was brilliant...
and I had a 7000 rpm rev limiter, which has never been hit ( With this engine), and it made power to 6,500 rpm....

I recon it's just that Race tracks are not very kind to metal bits...and the engine block was not up to the game.

I've now pulled it to bits, and was EXTREMELY happy to fine not a scratch on anything other than the block...PHEW !

Gotta get it ready for the next A Series sprints, and of course the Nats a week or so after that.

Anyway I thought I'd chuck a few pics on the gallery for anyone who's interested.

Cheers,
Warren.

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 07:16 AM

How much horsepower do you think you're making?

I agree....if the rest of the components survived, swapping them to a Dart block would be well worth it. Even the SHP block would offer tremendous strength.

lovehamr · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 07:22 AM

Warren I've gotta hand it to you. That's a properly trashed block! I can't believe you didn't hurt anything else. Talk about lucky.

Wazza · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blykins

How much horsepower do you think you're making?

I agree....if the rest of the components survived, swapping them to a Dart block would be well worth it. Even the SHP block would offer tremendous strength.

Not HUGE h.p.......It was 360 R.W.H.P......plenty ( almost )... in a car that only weighs about 990 k.g.

Cheers.

blykins · #5 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 07:34 AM

So probably around 450-475hp at the flywheel then. Do you have a supplier for Dart/Ford Racing engine blocks down there?

BTW, why were you still using the lifter spider when you were using flat tappet lifters?

Philm · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 07:38 AM

Thats better wazza,
With a dart block all your troubles are over, my engine is 6 years old, limiter is set at 7400 rev it often to 7300 and it makes 490RWHP.

I have it out of the car and have put a set of rings and bearings, other than a loose harmonic balance doing some damage it was pretty healthy.

The ford gods will be pleased with you.

Phil

vector1 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 08:50 AM

just curious, but were you using main studs?

blykins · #8 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 08:53 AM

His gallery pictures show that he was.

Wazza · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 02:59 PM

So probably around 450-475hp at the flywheel then. Do you have a supplier for Dart/Ford Racing engine blocks down there?

Yeah...Block ordered yesterday...will be delivered in the next couple of days.

BTW, why were you still using the lifter spider when you were using flat tappet lifters?

No idea...I "found"that when I was pulling the engine down,
I didn't build the engine myself, so don't know why it was left there.

Wanna buy it ????...Every dollar will help with the new build cost...all donations are welcome

blykins · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 03:24 PM

I think I'll pass...

But if you would have bought a machined block from me, I would have taken it in on trade....

Dimis · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 05:13 PM

Wazza,

That's 4 of the wildest photos I've seen for a while, thanks for sharing
1st one for its visual appeal and the next three b/c, well...

I'm sure if all reports are correct, I bet you wont be able to split the dart block, not matter how hard you try under 6500 rpm.

Gav · #12 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 06:01 PM

Good work Waz, I am sure that block is a coffee table in the making!

stiffy · #13 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 06:18 PM

WAZZA,

I need a coffee table for the shed .......

STIFFY

KVenom · #14 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 06:40 PM

How 'bout a girdle?

Wazza · #15 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KVenom

How 'bout a girdle?

Had one on it.... Saved going looking for the two halves, but didn't stop it splitting unfortunately. I was told this morning by a guy who spent sone years on the v8 Supercars that it's not because I stroked it that it split, it's just that the standard/ normal 302 block is not overly strong. Built to cruise not to race ..... Now I know!

RICK LAKE · #16 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 04:14 AM

Wazza I have worked on and seen 600hp stock blocks and seen failure just like this. Why are you banging this motor to 7,000 rpms when it is out of power? Your motor got cap walk. With only 2 studs holding the main cap in place. 6,700 is about max for any stock block windsor without alot of filling, 4 bolt mains, girdle and valley support. I would not be surprised to see if the crank is not bent or out of phase, (twisted). The other issue is piston speed, If you are hitting 7,000, your speed with a stroker is out the gate with a stock block.
You built a good motor, but didn't over engineer it. Build more torque. Build a lower rpm motor and lower the ratio of the rearend. You will go just as fast and extend the life of the motor. Just a thought, I have been doing for many years. Some times you need more gears to do this. I have a 6 speed and a 5 speed. Small tracks get 5, big track get overdrive. Good luck with your next build. Rick L.

Wazza · #17 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 05:07 AM

The 7000 rev limiter was "just in case"....missed gear or whatever...usually changed at 6000, and sometimes took it to 6,300/6,400....Red Mist takes over sometimes !!
Thanks for the heads up on the other stuff...I'll take that on board.
Cheers,
Warren.

BMK · #18 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 06:17 AM

Wazza

Pity about the block. Just means you may miss a race day until the build is redone.

Rick L. Good to See you ar still about. Yes I saw your Cobra at Run N Gun and know you can build a great motor. Doing Run N Gun this year or Nebraska to far away? Think Clois will be going.

Bernie

Wazza · #19 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 10:41 PM

I think I can see the crack in the block a little clearer now !!

Took the old block off the stand when the new block arrived, and it couldn't hold itself together any longer...

I've cleaned all the parts and ready for the new block...
Shouted myself a cheap set of Rocker covers while we were at it....

New Dart Block arrived, and ready to start deburring, and machining next week.

The new block looks way stronger than the old block....a lot of extra "meat" in those Dart blocks, ( Should have started with one of these in the first place...lesson learned )

and those 4 bolt mains look a bit more substantial than the old 2 bolt cap (sitting on top)

Hopefully next week I can report that it's all back in place and running....
Ready for the next race...and of course , the Nats.

Cheers,
Warren.

Gav · #20 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 11:08 PM

That is unreal!!!
I have some cable ties you could use to hold the old block together Waz.

The new block looks the goods, the dart stuff is like night and day with the stock gear.
(How many Ford bits will be in this engine?)