Engine Internals

[RET_COP]

Does anyone know what internals were used in a 351w[approx. 450hp] built by South Side Performance from 2002/2003 time period. According to Bryan he built some engines for him a while back and has since gone out of business. The build sheet did not follow my car and I'm at a loss as what I have inside without tearing it down.
Lou

[Wbulk]

Lou,
I have no information on what you are asking, but I am wondering why it's important to you. Is it running bad or having problems?

There are two internal items that are the most critical in my opinion. First is cam selection and the second is pistons for the compression ratio, in that order. The cam selection will set the personality of your engine. Most guys will over-cam the engine. Meaning to much duration for the majority of the use of the vehicle. After all the calculations with rear axle ratios and trans gears, it comes down to what RPM range are you running in. A bad cam selection will make your engine run like a dog at lower RPMs and run great at higher RPMs and visa versa. There is tons of literature on the subject. Comp cams has a free computer program that you can download that can help with cam selection. You can check what cam you have with a degree wheel, piston stop and a dial indicator. There are good articles out there on the subject.

Piston selection with your head chamber CC sets your compression ratio. To high a compression ratio for the street car can cause detonation problems with limited gas octane availability and make AF ratio and timing more critical. To low of compression and you are really giving up power potential. For street cars with a carb I like staying in the 9-10s. Higher compression ratios also cut down on the life of the engine. You can pull a plug and look in the hole to try and see if you have a dished, flat top, or domed piston. That can give you some idea. Good luck.

Wayne

[RET_COP]

Wayne
thanks for your reply and information.
My engine performs great. I recurved the distributor, reaffirmed TDC, set the timing where it should be and adjusted the carb.
I want to know just for my own knowledge although cam information would be nice. What if I need to replace a spring or check pressure. I'm sure most Cobra [replica] guys know everything about their car, and maybe some don't care, and that OK too.
As for me, I've always been this way [the need to know, or find out] if its important to me.
I will eventually find out everything, hopefully its for good reasons , besides its been awhile since I've pulled off an oil pan or yanked out a stick. Maybe next winter
Lou