In dyno testing the different intake manifolds on various engines, it’s found that the intake runner and plenum designs are main players in determining what the power curve for a particular engine combination will look like.
Category: Engines
Y-Block, 585HP without a supercharger or other form of power adder
While a dynamometer is a great tool for sorting out engine combinations, there are those instances where some of the data provided conflicts with other data also being recorded. A case in point here is where the EGT’s (exhaust gas temperature) do not match up with the results of the oxygen sensors. Continue reading “Y-Block, 585HP without a supercharger or other form of power adder”
Cylinder Head Milling for a 1cc Reduction
In the course of milling cylinder heads for a specific decrease in combustion chamber volume, it becomes necessary to know exactly how much a cylinder head must be milled for a 1cc (cubic centimeter) reduction. Continue reading “Cylinder Head Milling for a 1cc Reduction”
Milling Heads for a Horsepower Gain
Over the years I have heard a variety of numbers from 2% to 10% for what a point in compression ratio is worth in regards to horsepower output. The ten percent value obviously sounded a bit exaggerated while the two percent value sounded a bit on the small side. Continue reading “Milling Heads for a Horsepower Gain”
Camshaft Balancing
I’ve always said, “If it spins, then it likely needs balancing”. When going for that last bit of detail in blueprinting an engine, then camshaft balancing comes into play. How much is it worth you ask? Continue reading “Camshaft Balancing”
Camshaft and Lifter Failure Causes
Here is a list of items that are contributing factors for a flat tappet camshaft (new or otherwise) and/or lifters to experience a premature failure. Continue reading “Camshaft and Lifter Failure Causes”
Carburetor Spacer Testing
While Glen Henderson’s 337” Y was on the dyno, a variety of two inch tall carburetor spacers were tested. The results were more than interesting and re-enforces why different combinations of parts are tested. The baseline test for this was no spacer and then there were three different styles of 2” tall spacers put into place and evaluated. Continue reading “Carburetor Spacer Testing”
Head Gasket Volume Calculation
Because an engine may be borderline in regards to the compression ratio when it comes to ignition timing or fuel octane requirements, it’s important that all values used in the compression ratio calculation be as accurate as possible. This includes the head gasket volume which many times isn’t stated on the package or in any reference material. For a conventional or mainstream engine where the fire ring in the head gasket is perfectly round, the hole size in the gasket can be measured and the volume calculated appropriately. But the Ford Y-Block has an irregular shape to the fire ring seal which throws special nuances into the measuring of this volume. But there’s no need for guess work when it comes to obtaining this volume value as it can be derived by doing some simple measurements on an existing head gasket and then performing a little bit of math. Continue reading “Head Gasket Volume Calculation”
Rear Camshaft Plug Installation
Rear cam plug installation on the Ford Y-Block engines dictates that it not be installed so deeply that it actually interferes or contacts the rear of the camshaft. Besides the obvious wear issue that can occur at the face of the cam plug, detrimental wear at the rear side of the cam thrust plate can become evident or in a worst case situation, the thrust plate itself can break. Continue reading “Rear Camshaft Plug Installation”
The Ford Y-Block engine
This is a first in a series of articles about engine families and their history/ idiosyncrasies. Eaton Balancing offers services for all types of engines. Continue reading “The Ford Y-Block engine”