[Steve C.]

Thanks Tom.

Not the same, but somewhat related. We know that when changing from a hydraulic roller cam to a solid roller cam you typically add additional duration. But it has been suggested that even in doing so the solid roller might be more street driveable.


.

[tom s]

When I changed the springs and lifters in the 421 I was really surprised how the idle changed and also the lope on the cam.I had to kickup the idle on the carb.We went from 200 on the seats to 160 when we changed the lifters.Cant remember which way we went on the pushrod length but I know we had to change them.Tom

[TransAm 474]

Anyone know if you typically gain or lose a bit chamber volume by using Ferrea valves instead of the factory valves? I noticed the Ferrea F5143/5144 valves we bought for this say they have a 9° Dish head. I wasn't sure if they typically make any difference in the Chamber volume or not.

[TransAm 474]

Just picked up a set of 4340 H-Beams straight from Eagle Specialties on Ebay for this engine, for a price I couldn't pass up, they were advertised as New Return/New Old Stock, and have been inspected to be sure they are in spec. I feel much more comfortable with those over the 5140 rod, which I'm sure would have worked great, but I got them for about 40 bucks cheaper than the 5140.

[Cliff R]

I'd spend some time checking those rods for fit and finish. Most of the time they are just a little too tight on the small end. You can purchase a ball hone and fix that deal in about 20-30 seconds per rod and up with a really nice set.

Most folks who sell those parts do NOT check them anyplace, so they are likely to get returns.

I can't remember a single set of the knock-off "H" beams that came thru here that didn't need a little attention to get the pins to slip thru them.

Moving up from the 5140's was also a good idea, especially if you were looking at the pressed pin variety. I've seen just enough of those allow the pins to slip and get into a cylinder to avoid them completely......FWIW......Cliff

[STEELCITYFIREBIRD]

What's your plan on pistons?
Are those rods set up for floated pins?

I like to see exactly what we have with heads, block, crank (and rods if reusing)...before we buy any parts. That allows you to get exactly what you need, and combine(free?) shipping deals... so you don't have lonely parts flying expensively....either direction. Shipping can get expensive, but is a true cost of doing business today.

Most times machine shops can get better deals than you can on engine parts, allowing them to make a profit and stand behind those parts, handle defects, etc.You have the same cost, they have easier time getting what they need in their hands.

I always explained it to customers like this:
You wouldn't bring your own steak/s to a restaurant would you?
..... then ask them to cook it
...then possibly blame or complain to them if you don't like the taste or worse, it ruins your meal!

Food for thought!

[TransAm 474]

Ok guys, I recieved my CC'ing kit today, and even though I haven't had the heads rebuilt with hardened exhaust seats and a valve job yet, I played with them this evening, and put our new Ferrea valves in them and checked them 3 different times. The first time came out at 70cc, the second time came out at 69.5cc, the third time it came out at 70.5cc, so I am gonna call them 70cc. Now like I mentioned earlier, this is before the geads are rebuilt, but I was just curious what they measured. Calculating Compression with the 14cc Icon piston, .039" gasket, Zero decked, it comes out 9.82-1. I feel that it will be much more managable for pump gas than the Flat Tops 10.6-1. If may come out even a hair less than than that ifbthe heads gain a couple cc after being rebuilt?

What do you all think? Would you feel safe?

[TransAm 474]

Just as a side note, I used the Diamond Pistons Compression Calculator....

[TransAm 474]

So... Y'all think 9.8 compression will work out good for this on pump gas? If so, which camshaft for this compression? Crower 60916 or Summit 2802? The look on paper, it seems the 2802 would make it even more pump gas tolerant, do too its later Intake Closing, but it may be a bit more soggy down low in normal driving conditions over the Crpwer 60916, but then again, even the specs of the 2802 doesnt really look that big for a 400 CI motor with it's 114 LSA.