Ram Jet 502???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 117
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From: Warrenton va
Ram Jet 502???
I would like to get a few opinions on putting the GMPP ram jet 502 in my 79. I am currently doing a frame off rebuild and just begining rebuilding the suspension with the vette brake products max package. I am building the car to drive and have fun with.
I am concerned about the fit, handling, working with AC, and any problems with a 4L60E trans, etc.
Thanks for any information you may have.
I am concerned about the fit, handling, working with AC, and any problems with a 4L60E trans, etc.
Thanks for any information you may have.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,135
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Ram Jet 502??? (mwooldridge)
Would be a nice combo. That intake is very tall so would need something like an L88 hood. But the big issue is that the Ram Jet 502 is not yet available. Don't know what the hold up is but dealers are unable to get them.
By the way, the big block was never certified for your car, so emission wise it would be an illegal swap.
tom...
By the way, the big block was never certified for your car, so emission wise it would be an illegal swap.
tom...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
Re: Ram Jet 502??? (mwooldridge)
Mark,
I seriously considered and researched the same motor. Here is what I came up with.
First of all, there are serious hood clearance problems (even with the L88 hood which I have) because of the air cleaner mounting.
Second, you are limited to exactly what it is (at least for now). In other words, a cam change, injector change, port work, etc. will cause problems for the precalibrated computer.
Third, for the same money or less you can get more power out of a variety of other big block configurations. In fact, you can get the same or more power with less money by putting a blower on your small block and have all the same hood issues.
I decided to go with a .o60 over 454 using the Edelbrock Performer RPM package and Pro Flo multi port fuel injection. It will fit under the L88 hood putting the air cleaner in a near stock location, computer is adjustable, and good for more hsp than the ram jet for less money.
However, the other post is correct about the emissions problem going with the big block. Don't know how you could get around that.
I seriously considered and researched the same motor. Here is what I came up with.
First of all, there are serious hood clearance problems (even with the L88 hood which I have) because of the air cleaner mounting.
Second, you are limited to exactly what it is (at least for now). In other words, a cam change, injector change, port work, etc. will cause problems for the precalibrated computer.
Third, for the same money or less you can get more power out of a variety of other big block configurations. In fact, you can get the same or more power with less money by putting a blower on your small block and have all the same hood issues.
I decided to go with a .o60 over 454 using the Edelbrock Performer RPM package and Pro Flo multi port fuel injection. It will fit under the L88 hood putting the air cleaner in a near stock location, computer is adjustable, and good for more hsp than the ram jet for less money.
However, the other post is correct about the emissions problem going with the big block. Don't know how you could get around that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,563
Likes: 2
Re: Ram Jet 502??? (mwooldridge)
The ZZ/502 will fit under the L-88 hood. The Ramjet 502 won't. The F.I. unit is 11+ inches tall; the L-88 Hood allows about 10" max. Wouldn't recommend 4L60 trans- have to cut floor pan, speedo won't work, lock-up converter problems, shifter fabrication, etc., etc.,.... Use a TH400 for bolt-in HD auto; or, convert to R.O.D. 6 speed like I did in my '79/auto. trans Corvette. I KNOW the ZZ/502 fits because it's under the "long-nose" L-88 hood of mine!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Ram Jet 502??? (MassVette)
If you are going for serious handling -- stay away from the big block motors.
Too much weight on the nose of the car.
Look for a small block, aluminum heads, intake, water pump and remove anything that is not needed.
Besides, the BB may be a little TOO much power for road course racing.
When Motor Trend raced the Z06 against the Viper, the Viper was faster on the 1/4 mile and almost every other test, except the road course.
Too much power, they couldn't keep the Viper under reliable control around the course. The ZO6 had the handling and the power that best matched street / road course racing.
You could go with the ramjet 350 !!
Hope this helps.
Too much weight on the nose of the car.
Look for a small block, aluminum heads, intake, water pump and remove anything that is not needed.
Besides, the BB may be a little TOO much power for road course racing.
When Motor Trend raced the Z06 against the Viper, the Viper was faster on the 1/4 mile and almost every other test, except the road course.
Too much power, they couldn't keep the Viper under reliable control around the course. The ZO6 had the handling and the power that best matched street / road course racing.
You could go with the ramjet 350 !!
Hope this helps.
