fast Cleveland?

Goodwood · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2002, 10:33 PM

I'm rebuilding the Cleveland after a disappointing 100 miles.
An apparent rod knock after some lukewarm open track time (kept it under 5k). I use a 7 qt Canton pan. The pressure runs 70 -80, but the needle vibrates instead of the usual steady read.

Any suggestions on beefing up the lower end to handle some 7000 rpm track time?

Is there a girdle for Clevelands?

I noticed that Canton has a windage tray...good idea?

How about port plates with Webbers? (4V heads)

Thanks, Guys.

cobrajeff · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2002, 10:42 AM

I have had pretty good luck with my Clevelands. Put over a 100k miles on my first one, a factory BOSS 351 powerplant. Never did anything internally, started with the stock 4V, tried a Holley, then 3-deuces, and finally Webers. I used about 6500 for my normal redline - I didn't want to tear-up that transaxle. Shifted at 7500 a few times, but not regularly.

My current 351C started as an Australian block, and has had modifications to the lifter bores to reduce oil volume to the top end - (this only works with solid lifters). I have port plates on the exhaust side - the guy who ported my heads said he didn't recommend them on the intake side.

On the bottom end, you'd want to magnaflux and shot-peen the con rods (as BOSS 351 rods were) and use high quality rod bolts. The windage tray is probably a good idea.

Hope your next Cleveland lasts longer - the other one SHOULD have.

regards,

cobrajeff

CHRIS POTTER · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2002, 01:31 PM

I had a similar problem with my Cleveland. You may have already don this, but here goes. Put allen setscrews in the 3 center main bearing feeds. They need to have a .065" hole drilled in the center. Tap the block so they will screw in, use thread sealant. Also, install the front cam bearing with the oil feed hole offset so that the feed hole in the block is half covered with the bearing. The bearing and block have 2 feed holes, so they won't starve for oil. I have about 7k miles since this oiling modification, and it is fine. Be sure to use a good high volume oil pump. Any other questions, email me. good luck. Chris

Goodwood · #4 (**permalink**) 01-03-2002, 08:02 PM

Thanks guys. Jeff, what hp do you think you are getting? I'd like to think with the right roller cam, 11:1 compression, 4V heads, and the IDA 48s the old Cleveland should put up 425hp?

I have a spare 4 bolt (Boss351) long block that I'm considering building with a stroker kit.
Should be a good combo with the Webers, huh?

GW

cobrajeff · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2002, 08:17 PM

My estimate for my set-up is about 450hp. Sometimes I regret getting in "too much of a hurry" to get the car done by a certain date, and skipping the dyno. I estimate my CR at about 10.5:1 (I have closed chamber heads that have been opened up some to reduce CR).

I have an old hot rod mag somewhere that had a Cleveland build-up that pumped 441hp - and they didn't have Webers!

I've been told that with the aluminum high-port heads (sitting on the shelf in the garage) that I can get close to 600hp - one of these days.

regards,

Jeff

Goodwood · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2002, 11:25 PM

Jeff,

Are those " high port" heads similiar to the Yates heads?

Will your Weber manifold port match the aluminum heads?

If you remember the port plates provider, let me know. Might as well get those on.
I'm still thinking a girdle would be a good idea, but no one came up with any source.

GW

CHRIS POTTER · #7 (**permalink**) 01-05-2002, 06:00 AM

GW, the port plate supplier I used was MPH head service in Englewood, Co. Scott Main is the owner. He is very knowledgeable, and can give you plenty of good info on Clevelands. Chris

Jim Colman · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2002, 01:40 PM

Another good source for Cleveland information and parts is Pantera Performance. (303 660 9897) I think they're located just south of Denver in Castle Rock, at least they use to be. Guys names are Kip and Dennis.

Cheers
Jim