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New create engine blown...first time at the track

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Old Apr 26, 2008 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Glensgages
The 1/8-mile 'factor', used by NHRA/IHRA is .64 of the 1/4-mile
(1/4-mile x .64 = 1/8-mile..... 1/8-mile divided-by .64 = 1/4-mile)
but with a 1.8x short-time, I believed the car was hurting before it reached the 1/8-mile mark, and that the 9.5x wasn't a true representation of it's potential:
I will ask Red 69, a regular competitor at Orlando Speed World Dragway, what his incremental times are, as I think his '79 runs 14.30s @ 95-ish MPH..... maybe they will help.

I don't think its representative either, at all, but 1.8 60 ft times aren't horrible for a street car (especailly not knowing how it is set up).I had never heard an official factor, but the numbers were closer on one of my cars that has been both 1/8 an 1/4 with my figure (may just be a fluke, not doubting your numbers at all). My conversion is probably less accurate for faster cars though; I was running high 12s in the quarter.
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Old Apr 26, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 76 sting
So you think the set up I mentioned is OK then? What do you think about a slightly larger cam.. as long as I set up my heads correctly?

Your cam is well matched. Larger cam will probably be no benefit. More lift requires stronger springs leading to increased valvetrain wear and issues with no gain in available rpm. You probably can't pull much over 6000 before running into valve float. Your cam probably peaks @ 6200 to 6500 RPM now. Over reving a hydraulic roller is a good way to blow your motor. A rev kit and rev limiter would be a good upgrade. Cheap insurance and more available RPM.

Last edited by 63mako; Apr 26, 2008 at 04:57 PM.
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Old Apr 26, 2008 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 1981Z06Vette
I don't think its representative either, at all, but 1.8 60 ft times aren't horrible for a street car.....


1.8x is pretty-stout for an older Corvette.



This might help..... Forum-member BKbroiler goes 1.85, and runs 12.90s @ 104+

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1746763




..... and his 1/8-mile time (8.234) is almost dead-on the factor of .64 (12.905 x .64 = 8.259)
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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 12:04 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by 1981Z06Vette
Since no one answered your first question, I will. Don't ask where I got this figure, I don't remember, but a good formula for a 1/4 mile conversion from 1/8th is to multiply the 1/8th ET by 1.538. 9.50 x 1.538= 14.611.Its pretty accurate, at least for most street cars.Not too bad for blowing the motor at half track. Just curious...what happened?
With a 1.86 60' that car is definately in the 8's for an 1/8th mile ET and no slower than a low 13 1/4 mile pass. My mildly modified 79 Vette with a 355 ci engine, TH350 trans and 3:73 gear wearing Nitto DR's only gets 2.0-2.05 60' and runs low 9's in the 1/8 and low 14's in the 1/4. I don't have a scanner, but in a recent 1/8 mile contest I had a 2.037 60' with a 9.138 1/8th mile ET. (my car 'dead hooks' with DR's) This comparison would put the posted 1.86 60' time way faster at either distance. I would look to place the ET closer to what BKbroiler's time slip shows.

Last edited by Red 69; Apr 27, 2008 at 12:10 AM.
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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 1981Z06Vette
Since no one answered your first question, I will. Don't ask where I got this figure, I don't remember, but a good formula for a 1/4 mile conversion from 1/8th is to multiply the 1/8th ET by 1.538. 9.50 x 1.538= 14.611.Its pretty accurate, at least for most street cars.Not too bad for blowing the motor at half track. Just curious...what happened?
I am not exactly sure yet as I have not taken off the pan to look at the crank. The only thing that I know of is the block cracked and a small potion of the dome piston broke off and it is all in the same cylinder.

Anybody know where to get a nice complete forged small block?? Don't want to spend more than 3k.

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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 63mako
Your cam is well matched. Larger cam will probably be no benefit. More lift requires stronger springs leading to increased valvetrain wear and issues with no gain in available rpm. You probably can't pull much over 6000 before running into valve float. Your cam probably peaks @ 6200 to 6500 RPM now. Over reving a hydraulic roller is a good way to blow your motor. A rev kit and rev limiter would be a good upgrade. Cheap insurance and more available RPM.
funny you said everything like you already know the car 100%.

Sorry to keep asking questions, but I want to put a lot more thought into this one..no more create engines for me. Now for the question, my builder told me that I need to stay with a 1 pice RM seal if I want to re-use the lifters and cam (as long as they are in good comdition). Does that make sence? He also said that for an extra $25 that I should go with a 6" rod instead of the 5.7"...I do not understand the difference so I just want to make sure.

Thanks again to all!!

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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Glensgages


1.8x is pretty-stout for an older Corvette.



This might help..... Forum-member BKbroiler goes 1.85, and runs 12.90s @ 104+

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1746763




..... and his 1/8-mile time (8.234) is almost dead-on the factor of .64 (12.905 x .64 = 8.259)
OK that seems a little closer to what I expected...thanks. I am sure that I still have a lot to work on (tuning) to get a low to mid 12 out of it...maybe? Then if I use the NOS high 11's likely.

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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 08:39 PM
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$25 more to go with 6" rods is too good a deal to pass up!!! sounds cheap. Make sure the material composition of those longer rods is equal to the task required..... you are aiming for 650HP+ with N2O

The extra rod length reduces the angle that the conrod swings through for the same stroke. It helps in reducing lateral (sideways) forces as the piston goes up and down, and should make the buildup better able to handle higher cylinder pressures.... as long as the material they are made of is good.

In regards to 1 piece rear main seal... yes. Your current cam and valve train is for the later style 1 piece rear main block which has provision for the roller cam. The 2 piece rear main seal original period blocks require different modifications to retro-fit a roller cam. Your engine builder is advising correctly.

By the way, those 6" rods may require additional clearancing of the block, so count on some additional labour cost factor there.

Last edited by OzzyTom; Apr 27, 2008 at 08:43 PM.
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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 09:54 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by OzzyTom
$25 more to go with 6" rods is too good a deal to pass up!!! sounds cheap. Make sure the material composition of those longer rods is equal to the task required..... you are aiming for 650HP+ with N2O

The extra rod length reduces the angle that the conrod swings through for the same stroke. It helps in reducing lateral (sideways) forces as the piston goes up and down, and should make the buildup better able to handle higher cylinder pressures.... as long as the material they are made of is good.

In regards to 1 piece rear main seal... yes. Your current cam and valve train is for the later style 1 piece rear main block which has provision for the roller cam. The 2 piece rear main seal original period blocks require different modifications to retro-fit a roller cam. Your engine builder is advising correctly.

By the way, those 6" rods may require additional clearancing of the block, so count on some additional labour cost factor there.
Thanks Ozzy... everything is forged so it will be the same quality.

Honestly, I am only shooting for 600-625 with a 125 shot, but longer goals of a 200 shot max!

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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 76 sting
funny you said everything like you already know the car 100%.

Sorry to keep asking questions, but I want to put a lot more thought into this one..no more create engines for me. Now for the question, my builder told me that I need to stay with a 1 pice RM seal if I want to re-use the lifters and cam (as long as they are in good comdition). Does that make sence? He also said that for an extra $25 that I should go with a 6" rod instead of the 5.7"...I do not understand the difference so I just want to make sure.

Thanks again to all!!

With Ozzytom on the 6"rods, Less side loading on the piston. A $25 upcharge is cheap. You went Hydraulic roller so your looking at street use, low maintainance and longevity and still pull respectable power when you want it. If you use a rev kit you can probably pull an extra 500 RPM before valve float right at your peak power. A rev limiter is cheap considering what a blown engine cost. Valve float at over 6000 RPM is death to your motor especially with the nitrous flowing. Spent the last 2 years designing and builing a similar 383 with a 150 nitrous shot. My specs are real close to yours. Been through most of the questions you have now. Plenty of help here on the forum. Forged bottom end is the only way to go with 500 HP and Nitrous. Check on the low expansion forged pistons. Mahle makes a nice one for a 6" rod 383 and they will handle a 200 shot.

Last edited by 63mako; Apr 27, 2008 at 10:28 PM.
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Old Apr 27, 2008 | 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by 63mako
With Ozzytom on the 6"rods, Less side loading on the piston. A $25 upcharge is cheap. You went Hydraulic roller so your looking at street use, low maintainance and longevity and still pull respectable power when you want it. If you use a rev kit you can probably pull an extra 500 RPM before valve float right at your peak power. A rev limiter is cheap considering what a blown engine cost. Valve float at over 6000 RPM is death to your motor especially with the nitrous flowing. Spent the last 2 years designing and builing a similar 383 with a 150 nitrous shot. My specs are real close to yours. Been through most of the questions you have now. Plenty of help here on the forum. Forged bottom end is the only way to go with 500 HP and Nitrous. Check on the low expansion forged pistons. Mahle makes a nice one for a 6" rod 383 and they will handle a 200 shot.
Again 100% correct. Street use yes, track yes 50/50. One weekend track the next cruise weekend, maybe 2 times per month at the track if I am lucky.

I have a rev limiter set at 5800. I hate taknig chances on this engine and would rather be safe than sorry. However, I will push it slightly higher (RPM) on the new one.

What do you think of the cast steel cranks from Eagle? Could they handle 650HP (with NOS)? I don't think so, but I want to be sure.

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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by 76 sting
Again 100% correct. Street use yes, track yes 50/50. One weekend track the next cruise weekend, maybe 2 times per month at the track if I am lucky.

I have a rev limiter set at 5800. I hate taknig chances on this engine and would rather be safe than sorry. However, I will push it slightly higher (RPM) on the new one.

What do you think of the cast steel cranks from Eagle? Could they handle 650HP (with NOS)? I don't think so, but I want to be sure.

No way would I use a cast crank in a 650 HP application.
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 12:43 AM
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Throw the cast crank in your lawn mower not in a street -strip car with nitrous.And i no your gonna be hitting it with 200 alot sooner that you think.It always happens.Just make sure you have a separate fuel system for the n2o when approaching those levels,and a fuel shutoff switch-just in case.[IMG][/IMG]
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 12:49 AM
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1 more thing if your running n2o in your vette i hope you have blow off valves running out of the car.You cant run at the track if you dont-I ran a bulkhead fitting out of the car with some nice lines i made.Make sure bottle pressure is atleast 900 psi and you have a purrge valve also.[IMG][/IMG]

Last edited by corvette744; Apr 28, 2008 at 02:03 PM.
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by corvette744
1 more thing if your running n2o in your vette i hope you have blow of valves running out of the car.You cant run at the track is you dont-I ran a bulhead fitting out of the car with some nice lines i made.Make sure bottle pressur is atleast 900 psi and you have a purrge valve also.[IMG][/IMG]
I agree I need the blow off valve and a fuel shut off before proceeding.
All else is set, bottle pressure heater set to 900, rev limiter, WOT switch, RPM window switch etc.

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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 08:43 AM
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Originally Posted by 76 sting
I was looking to use the same came that I now have in it so I can save some money. I don't have deep pockets on this one.

Valve lift:.530/530 (int/exh) 234deg/242deg Dur @ .050
Rocker arms- 1.6:1 ratio complete Hyd Roller


are you building another 383? You don't use 400 mains in a 350 block.
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by gkull
are you building another 383? You don't use 400 mains in a 350 block.
Thanks... I have not bought anything yet as I am still looking for a short block if I can. However, if I can't find one in the next 2 weeks than I will have my builder start from scratch.

As you can see I am not up to par with most of you folks here. What size mains should I be looking at?

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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 06:04 PM
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A well-built motor w/ a good iron crank can endure quite a bit.
Seems virtually all the newer LS series motors are OE w/ nodular iron cranks ... including new LS3 ... even GMPP LS376/515hp has nod iron crank & hypereutectic pistons too. Of all the LS series, about the only one w/ OE steel crank is LS7/505hp (also hyper pistons). But hypers not recommended w/ lotsa nitrous.

If it's rev-limited to ~ 6K, forged may not be necessary.
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by jackson
A well-built motor w/ a good iron crank can endure quite a bit.
Seems virtually all the newer LS series motors are OE w/ nodular iron cranks ... including new LS3 ... even GMPP LS376/515hp has nod iron crank & hypereutectic pistons too. Of all the LS series, about the only one w/ OE steel crank is LS7/505hp (also hyper pistons). But hypers not recommended w/ lotsa nitrous.

If it's rev-limited to ~ 6K, forged may not be necessary.
Its possible the chevy crank in a ls2-ls6-ls7 would hold up its a 6bolt main.For the cost of a good steel crank on a 4 bolt main why take the chance.
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Old Apr 29, 2008 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by corvette744
Its possible the chevy crank in a ls2-ls6-ls7 would hold up its a 6bolt main.For the cost of a good steel crank on a 4 bolt main why take the chance.
A cast crank will take a lot but a 500 HP Gen 1 plus a 200 shot of nitrous is asking a lot. I respect Jackson's opinion but I wouldn't chance it. I would go forged bottom end and ARP studs throughout. I used billet main caps too. The weak link always breaks. The way my luck goes the one thing I try to cut corners on or say "that should work" is always what screws up.

Last edited by 63mako; Apr 29, 2008 at 12:17 AM.
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