Ernies Engine Blog #2 (Side Oiler).

[Excaliber]

Well I'm running a 292S solid lifter, it's what George recommended for my setup. Top loader with CLOSE ratio (read that HIGH 1st gear) and 3.31 rear gear. It's not a bad choice, pulls good from about 2000, does NOT like much below that. Good 'lumpy' idle. I'm a little concerned the owner will want more 'bottom end' for HIS cam selection. Perhaps something on the order of 1800 or so rpm. Cam profile is SO important it's a really tough call depending on what kind of performance you want.

The current engine with iron heads is OK on pump gas, but the base timing HAS to be around 10 degress or he gets ping. I'm concerned that base timing is not enough if I go to big on the cam profile, could result in a rough idle, poor off idle throttle control. I'll know more when I see his pistons and can determine existing compression ratio.

Tear it down, measure everything, see what we got and THEN start to dial in the 'parts'.

[FUNFER2]

1,800, is pretty low. What manifold, the RPM ?

[Excaliber]

Good question that! I'm just thinking, knowing the owner, he'll like a little more bottom end, a little smoother idle (than I would prefer), a little better pull from around 1600-1800 rather than 2000. Dual plane intake for sure, smaller ports maybe for better low rpm response. I'd be tempted to stroke it, but really like his original 427 crank without that big harmonic balancer you have to run on a 428 crank. Cleaner overall look, that 427 crank.

[jdog]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Paint the engine blue, rather than black. I think the blue shows better and it's easier to spot oil leaks.

Exactly the reason I painted mine black, so it doesn't show oil leaks. I know a 427fe will leak oil, I just don't want to see it every time I open the hood!

That's all good stuff Ernie, George won't steer you wrong. You know I'm a sucker for the 'Old School' look. I went with the chrome pent roof valve covers and the stock black expansion tank. I have a single carb and no turkey pan, & it still looks pretty good under the hood!

Good luck Ernie, keep us posted!

jdog
P.S. My engine is bored & stroked to 474 ci., w/stage III port job, & a mild cam, and 10.2 compression ratio. This thing runs like a scalded ape, idle's smooth and runs on pump gas. Pretty good combo, I must say!

[Excaliber]

Being as it's a customers motor, maybe black is a good call?

Yeah, your motor looks great Jdog, well done. I must control myself this time around, I do tend to favor a 'rainbow' of colors that accentuate each little piece.

[FFR428]

Ernie sounds like a nice build your planning. On the valve covers Blue Thunder has a set of cast pentroofs. They come in a rough cast finish (sort of a wrinkle finish if you will) but polish out really nice! I got them from Barry R at Survival. I can send you some before and after pics if you like. The fit is perfect and they are taller to clear roller rocker setups. I've had problems with the stamped covers leaking in the past so went this way this time around. Just a thought...G.

[FUNFER2]

Hey G- I would appreciate the pics.
Thanks

[FUNFER2]

He may really like the Edelbrock RPM. Good numbers & price plus, it's low profile so he won't have hood clearance problems. I like my Vic jr. but, I had to shave the carb. surface .0250 to clear my hood.

[Excaliber]

Well theres a scary thought, the stamped steel might have a tendency to leak? Makes a strong case for the cast and polish set all right. E-mail me some pics or post some here if you can FFR428.

Good point FUNFER. Hood clearance WILL be an issue and one I've been concerned about.

[FFR428]

Ok I'll get some pics for you both asap. You can get them in a few flavors. First with no breather holes, next with one hole in each, and last the comp style woth two holes in each for either breathers. I chose no holes for a cleaner look. They are cast with the breather bosses inside the cover should I decide I need to add something later.

Glenn

[FUNFER2]

Glenn- I bought a pair of alum. ones from Summit. They said they were "polished" but, only the sides were done and I will do the tops myself this winter. The only problem is, the push in style breathers will not stay in. They are made for twist in caps. I don't really care for the "dome" style breather, I like the open air element. So, I guess I'll just weld in tubes for the clamp on breather. Question- what type are yours made for ?

[FFR428]

Kevin from what I remember they bosses are cast for the twist in style breather. But you might be able machine them for press in i'd imagine. I'm working out of state and don't have them handy. I'll have my son take some pics inside and out of each for you and Ernie. Sorry bout the delay. I bought them from Barry R at Survival. If you go to his site www.survivalmotorsports.com and click on the BT images you see the as cast finish. They are the set I bought and Barry snapped a pic for his site before shipping them to me. Overall I'm very happy with them. I had a set of the FMS polished "Cobra LeMans" covers before these. They were made for twist in breathers also. Same thing only the sides were polished and I did the tops myself. There was a bit of casting slag between the fins to cleanup also. I think the BT covers are cleaner in this area and have an overall better appearance.

G.

[FUNFER2]

The covers look great. I like that the bosses are tappet so the breathers screw in. Very nice. I did not see prices though. Any idea on the covers & breathers ?

[FFR428]

Kevin i think they are $275-300 for the covers and breathers complete. Dennis at DSC and Carl at Carls Ford parts also have them. Barry gave me a really good price on mine so i went with him. He was under what DSC and Carls wanted. I bought the plain covers without the holes and breathers tho...

G.