C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine Temp on HP engine

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2016 | 09:26 PM
  #1  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default Engine Temp on HP engine

I have fresh 383 stroker motor just built and dynoed 438hp/477tq with Quadrajet carb. Sounded grade on Dyno with no spark knock or anything. Install engine in car my 77 vette runs good very strong but when it gets over 180 temp it spark knocks only when secondary's open up and goes above 3900-4000 rpms. When engine is cool no issue at all. It has 041 heads, stock radiator, new clutch fan, stock ram horn mainifolds with true duals.
My question is, is it possible to make it stay cool under 180? If not what may be causing the issue?
34% timing
93 octane fuel with 108 booster
10.041 compression
Cold plugs, had hot plugs but changed
Auto/trans
355 rear
Factory chin molding
Factory fan shroud
160 thermostat

Last edited by edusmc1; Nov 7, 2016 at 09:38 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:34 AM
  #2  
SH-60B's Avatar
SH-60B
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Default

Re-visit the timing. If the static is over 12, back that off. If theres not enough room there, look into limiting the mechanical.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 05:48 AM
  #3  
cooper9811's Avatar
cooper9811
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 89
From: Marysville Ohio
Default

Timing adjustment may be your only easy and cheap option short of a cam or head change. I think your compression is just a tad high for modern gas and older iron heads (less efficient chamber IMO). I don't know first-hand, but have read that the 041 heads are susceptible to ping with modern gas.

I would try just a couple of degrees and see how it runs.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 07:18 AM
  #4  
fishslayer143's Avatar
fishslayer143
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 160
From: new iberia la
Default

what kind of intake manifold are you using?
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 08:02 AM
  #5  
diehrd's Avatar
diehrd
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
Default

34 degrees of timing at what RPM ? Check to be sure heater hoses free flow and are not restricted , make sure no air is in system .

Make sure it is full .. and what radiator are you using
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 11:25 AM
  #6  
REELAV8R's Avatar
REELAV8R
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
Default

When it was dyno'd it was using headers on the dyno and not the ram horn manifolds I'm guessing?
Corking up the exhaust by going through those ram horns could be creating a problem.
Have you tried using a different hanger or needles on the secondaries to enrichen the mixture?
Are you using CAI or under hood intake air?
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 12:13 PM
  #7  
gkull's Avatar
gkull
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Default

Originally Posted by edusmc1
I have fresh 383 stroker motor just built and dynoed 438hp/477tq with Quadrajet carb. Sounded grade on Dyno with no spark knock or anything. Install engine in car my 77 vette runs good very strong but when it gets over 180 temp it spark knocks only when secondary's open up and goes above 3900-4000 rpms. When engine is cool no issue at all. It has 041 heads, stock radiator, new clutch fan, stock ram horn mainifolds with true duals.
My question is, is it possible to make it stay cool under 180? If not what may be causing the issue?
34% timing
93 octane fuel with 108 booster
10.041 compression
Cold plugs, had hot plugs but changed
Auto/trans
355 rear
Factory chin molding
Factory fan shroud
160 thermostat
Since I'm not right in front of the motor, i'd like to ask a few basics.

how did you get 10.041 C/R? What is your neg piston cc, head compressed gasket height, piston to deck, your heads should be 64 cc.

What is your total timing without the vac advance hooked up and what is the max advance with vac hooked up.

You have more than enough octane with just 93 and your temp is low. real performance and thermally efficient motors run in the low 200 degree range.. who ever talked you into 041 heads was not a friend. poor chamber design, pressed in rocker studs, very low flow even with 2.02/1.6 valves installed
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 12:32 PM
  #8  
REELAV8R's Avatar
REELAV8R
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
Default

If everything, ran fine, as you say, on the dyno. And now once installed in the car it isn't fine, I would tend to focus on the differences in the dyno environment vs the installed environment.
Has anything else changed since the dyno other than installation in the car?

I would agree with the opinion on the heads, but it is what it is unless more time and $$ are going to be spent to change it.

Last edited by REELAV8R; Nov 8, 2016 at 12:33 PM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 01:58 PM
  #9  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,703
Likes: 2,572
Default

what manufacturer and part number plug are you running?
The comment above about whether the dyno test was run with headers or the ram horns should be answered.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:09 PM
  #10  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Originally Posted by fishslayer143
what kind of intake manifold are you using?
Eld RPM
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:13 PM
  #11  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Originally Posted by diehrd
34 degrees of timing at what RPM ? Check to be sure heater hoses free flow and are not restricted , make sure no air is in system .

Make sure it is full .. and what radiator are you using
34% at 3000-3500
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:16 PM
  #12  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Originally Posted by REELAV8R
When it was dyno'd it was using headers on the dyno and not the ram horn manifolds I'm guessing?
Corking up the exhaust by going through those ram horns could be creating a problem.
Have you tried using a different hanger or needles on the secondaries to enrichen the mixture?
Are you using CAI or under hood intake air?
Yes Sir it was on long tube headers, and engine builder told me it mite be the manifolds plus temp because he ran it and never got over 170 with Dyno machine.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:17 PM
  #13  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Originally Posted by edusmc1
Yes Sir it was on long tube headers, and engine builder told me it mite be the manifolds plus temp because he ran it and never got over 170 with Dyno machine.
And I did change the metering rods and still does the same thing
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:19 PM
  #14  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,703
Likes: 2,572
Default

try a different hanger to enrichen, Edelbrock sells them or tighten the secondary air valve by an 1/8 turn

Last edited by MelWff; Nov 8, 2016 at 04:20 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:20 PM
  #15  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Yes sir I am, the only difference is the headers and 15-20 degree temp difference.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:36 PM
  #16  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Originally Posted by gkull
Since I'm not right in front of the motor, i'd like to ask a few basics.

how did you get 10.041 C/R? What is your neg piston cc, head compressed gasket height, piston to deck, your heads should be 64 cc.

What is your total timing without the vac advance hooked up and what is the max advance with vac hooked up.

You have more than enough octane with just 93 and your temp is low. real performance and thermally efficient motors run in the low 200 degree range.. who ever talked you into 041 heads was not a friend. poor chamber design, pressed in rocker studs, very low flow even with 2.02/1.6 valves installed
Heads were port and polished some, blended and 5 way value job. Flow test after work was done and I believe I remember him saying 254 he was able to get them to flow to. Yes 64 cc heads and block was 0 decked and used H beam rods all eagle stuff. Piston were used to ensure no more than 10:1 ratio so no problem using pump fuel. Only spark knocks when secondary's open up and rpms start to climb over the 3900 to 4000 range. Timing is 34 at 300-3500 rpm and mech only but I did try the vaccum advance also but same thing. I've even retart timing back a little at a time back to 30% but same.

I'm thinking after talking to you Gentelmen the headers is what I'm going to have to do! I appreciate you reading my post and helping.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:37 PM
  #17  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Originally Posted by MelWff
what manufacturer and part number plug are you running?
The comment above about whether the dyno test was run with headers or the ram horns should be answered.
He change to colder NGK plug!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Engine Temp on HP engine

Old Nov 8, 2016 | 04:41 PM
  #18  
edusmc1's Avatar
edusmc1
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 12
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Originally Posted by MelWff
try a different hanger to enrichen, Edelbrock sells them or tighten the secondary air valve by an 1/8 turn
Yes Sir I will try that tomorrow. Thanks a lot for the much need information.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 05:12 PM
  #19  
NewbVetteGuy's Avatar
NewbVetteGuy
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 332
From: Woodinville WA
Default

Summit painted steel headers are dirt cheap; FlowTech (Holley) coated can be had for $319 @ Advanced Auto with coupon. Headers will get you more torque, more hp, and 2 mpg better fuel economy.

Does your C3 have a cold air intake? With your CR on iron heads, you'll probably want a CAI of some kind. Per David Vizard each 8 degrees intake temperature drop will gain you the equivalent of 1 octane detonation resistance. -You'll get more power and more detonation resistance.

You could also retard your cam timing by a couple of degrees to delay your intake close event, which would reduce your dynamic compression ratio / cylinder pressure. You've got plenty of torque so you might as well trade some of it for more HP on the top-end and more detonation resistance.


Adam

Last edited by NewbVetteGuy; Nov 8, 2016 at 05:13 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2016 | 07:07 PM
  #20  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

Tune was probably optimized to be used with headers putting in a colder plug lost me power...every motor has different needs though.

If it were me Id get an 02 sensor (check AEM at summit for example) in your collector and see what the car is doing;h opefully you can tune around it id think you could

Or if you dont mind the funds get a better radiator/fan combo and bring your running and air inlet temps down.
If you got a cool stat get a better fan (flame suit on)and put the clutch deal off to the side I hate those things

Not saying that is THE solution but you wont regret it for sure. Bigger motor/power means more heat needs more cooling capacity.
Sounds like youre happy with overall power shame someone talked you into dumping all that money into old iron heads.

Keep us posted

Last edited by cv67; Nov 8, 2016 at 07:10 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:43 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE