If I was trying to build a show car - the headers would be going back - while I might ponder it a while if it was just a street car -- HOWEVER --- no way I'd pay full price! So I'd give the supplier the choice... return or a big discount to keep 'em.


I'd fully TIG the baffle "just because" -- think of it as practice -- and welding is soothing... :D

Compromise..........no one will argue the fact that I need practice! Especially with the TIG. It can be soothing but in my latest example it can also be pretty embarassing. Since time isn't on my side right now I pulled it and added more "security" tacks with the MIG. :D

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2843-L.jpg

Finally found out what cam the motor has.........because there was two bad lifters and lobes. Motor still has good cross-hatching in the cylinder bore. I learned something I was totally unaware of - zinc additive for flat tappet cams. Obviously I wasn't in the car scene when zinc was removed from oil and this became an issue.

The cam was installed in 1989 and they still sell the pattern.

Edelbrock 5002

Summit Racing Part Number EDL-5002

UPC 085347050024

Cam Style Hydraulic flat tappet

Basic Operating RPM Range 2,500-6,500

Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift 232

Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift 234

Duration at 050 inch Lift 232 int./234 exh.

Advertised Intake Duration 292

Advertised Exhaust Duration 300

Advertised Duration 292 int./300 exh.

Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.488 in.

Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.488 in.

Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.488 int./0.488 exh.

Lobe Separation (degrees) 108

Hopefully the crank and rod journals pass inspection. :thumbsup:

Go roller. I realize its cost is more, but the peace of mind as well as performance gains outweigh the extra cost. Today, though, roller cam setups aren't as expensive as they once were

If you don't go roller, remember you'll have to run specific oil since the modern "regular off the shelf" oil doesn't contain enough ZDDP for a flat tappet cam.

The welds are definitely coming along! I give you alot of credit for sticking with it with all you are going through. Keep up the good work. :thumbsup:

Next motor! :thumbsup:

I guess being focused on high performance off-road and track bikes running high-dollar Motorex and Motul synthetic lubes the last ten years I completely missed the zinc bulletin.

I was really caught off-guard on this one. :willy:

Here's the cylinder bore that was done in 1989, don't think it has over 9K miles.
http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2844-L.jpg

Thanks Chad I really appreciate it. :thumbsup:

Yeah, go roller.

And ZDDP is just a lot of hype. There's more to oil protection then the amount of zddp it has.

Roller in the 383, not this short block.

The car has only had Castrol GTX 10-40 since 1990 and just the last change was Shell Rotella 10-40. FWIW

For flat tappet cams I ran the Rotella or Delo, I have heard that they took some of the additives out if that now too...

Joe Gibbs

Red Line &

Brad Penn all make good oils for hod rod engines

Or Red line or Lucas break in additive all work good in flat tappet cam engs

BUT this is a good excuse to go roller :unibrow:

I figured you'd run good stuff like Red Line, Motul, etc but just wanted to make sure. It's all because of emissions requirements that ZDDP had to be lessened in the oils. This goes for diesel oil now too.

Scott --- I have a couple sets of roller lifters -- yours for the taking -- which will save you a few bucks if you want to go to a roller motor....

I'll gladly accept donations! :unibrow:

The budget that wasn't there in the first place is getting stretched due to the opportunity pulling the motor created with what I consider priorities - Getting the AFR heads installed.

Then I found out:

The replacement Hooker header oval ports created a curb with the D-ports that IMO would make the headers no better than exhaust manifolds with matched ports. Still wouldn't bet the Doug's 368 headers will fit and for additional insurance ordered a mini starter and ARP bolts.

The lifter valley coating installed on the block buy the builder in '89 had restricted a couple of lifters and torched two lobes on the cam.

That 5 piston skirts were scuffed on one side but with no impact on diameter but required new rings.

That a few rod and crank bearings had also experience some sort of contamination which called for all new bearings. Unsure of the contaminate or source...K&N filter maaaybe? Keep in mind 9K miles in the 23 years I've owned it.

Then the non-insurance items like guide plates, studs, springs retainers, replacement guages, new valve covers, ARP fastners, carb, header, starter upgrades, etc. leaves me at least $2+K over insurance coverage.

I'll save the additional roller cam expenses for the 383 that's built to be abused.......provided the economy turns our market around and we can recoup three years of losses. :thumbsup:

How's that for a short answer? :rofl:

Here's my hi-tech motor this afternoon:
http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2849-L.jpg

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...MAG2847-XL.jpg

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2846-L.jpg

Greg,

I really appreciate your generosity, but I've already commited to the regrind to expidite the process since time is money to the two shop owners. I also know that I like the grind of that cam and it should only get better with the manifold, carb, iginition, and heads. After all it's just another dime a dozen Camaro. :D

The timing with the bankruptcy issue and obtaining emergency operating capital, then death of my partner and all the corporate requirements associated and a funeral tomorrow has made what should have been a fun process somewhat of a pain though I'm still trying to enjoy it because I'm alive even though I've been averaging about 4 hours of fragmented sleep a night the last two weeks. :yes:

Guarantee you one thing I'm ready to take a long drive in the big rig and play pit beotch and get abused by the Cali Boys. :thumbsup:

Now we're talking!!! You're on!!


I was pit Beotch to this the other night in Salt Lake City --- Rocky Mountain Raceways -- for a couple of test and tune runs... it brought back good memories of 40 years ago I can tell ya!



Blow this up to full screen and increase it to 720 --- I just took it with my iPhone....

732 Cubic inch - two stages of nitrous --- THAT will put a smile on your face!

NICE!!

Those new camera's that are mediocre phones are pretty impressive. :yes:

PS - Anyone every mentioned you have a real tall shadow? :D

Oh man, I know you're building something special. But, when I saw this container of parts, My mind went crazy about what I could weld together. Especially that gear drive that's pop'n out at me. I know!, Im a little demented.

:captain: Im just say'n

LOL! It ain't that special, it's just a mediocre Gen 1 355 that will hopefully be just a bit above average when all is said and done.

The way it's been going I'd probably find great satisfaction in welding all those together. Even that old school Pete Jackson gear drive. :thumbsup:

The AED Performance fuel supply arrived so I fabbed a carb stand and put the Ultra HP on the bench to verify calibration. I hope this carb is as good as I've heard. Personal opinion - I love the design upgrades and look!

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2862-L.jpg

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2863-L.jpg

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...MAG2857-XL.jpg

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...MAG2859-XL.jpg

Mains - 70
Power valve - 6.5
Idle bleeds - 70
Main bleeds - 45
Pump shooters - 31
Pump cams - Pink 1st position
Fuel screws were random now set at 1.5 out.
Idle air bypass - 3 turns out

That is sexy

X2. I concur. Carb envy has reached the Midwest.:thumbsup:

What he said.That black carb is awesome.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

That looks killer dude! Love that color... I did read it chips easily somewhere. Hopefully it holds up. :thumbsup:

AWESOME! Love that look!


Sure hope it works for you as it should and maybe even better!:cheers:

Thanks guys :thumbsup:

Dave - I don't think it's the most durable finish I've seen, not as sensitive as anodized aluminum though.

Greg - Hopefully the head and carb make up for my inferior rebuilt flat tappet cam. :woot:

One issue that came up when they tore the motor down is they didn't notice the gear drive was a variable advance so they don't know position it was set at. That bothers me.......more than a little.

I believe -2* / 0* / +2* are the options for my drive.
http://static.summitracing.com/globa...jj-350-91c.pdf

Anyone have an educated guess?

Here's Edlebrock's specs which say 0* for "most" applications.
----------------
• CAMSHAFT: Torker-Plus Hydraulic
• CATALOG #5002
• ENGINE: Chevrolet 265-400 c.i.d. V8
• RPM RANGE: 1500-6500
• CAUTION: Do not use dual valve springs.
Use only recommended Edelbrock Sure Seat
Valve Springs #5703.
Use stock ratio rocker arms only.
Duration at .006" Lift: Intake 292° Exhaust 300°
Duration at .050" Lift: Intake 232° Exhaust 234°
Lift at cam: Intake .325" Exhaust .325"
Lift at valve: Intake .488" Exhaust .488"
Timing at .050 Lift:
Open Close
Intake 10° BTDC 42° ABDC
Exhaust 47° BBDC 7° ATDC
Intake Centerline: 106° Lobe Separation: 108°
• CAUTION: Use Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain and Gear
Set #7800 or Accu-Drive gear drive #7890. Do not use late
model timing chain and gear sets that are designed for emission-
controlled engines. These timing sets are machined in a
retarded position and are not recommended for this camshaft
installation. Edelbrock Timing Sets feature three keyways for
specified timing selection. Use "0" position for most applications.
--------------
Edelbrock's drive is 4* at cam and 2* at crank.

Edelbrock tech said the Comp Cam dual springs I had with 121 lb seat and 343 lb. open pressure were within there acceptable range with the cam.

Lucas 30W break in oil and Joe Gibb's mil-spec 10/30W oil on order.

Doug's 368 headers arrived, fingers crossed that they fit! The overall quality (especially ceramic coating) is much higher that the Hooker Comp's I received earlier.

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...MAG2879-XL.jpg

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2880-L.jpg

Quick Fuel throttle return spring bracket test fit and appears to be a well engineered "no frills" system.

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2876-L.jpg

Motor should be back together this week or first of next week. With a little luck Norwood will be back on the road in a couple weeks. :thumbsup:

More progress on the "practice" frame

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2905-L.jpg

Thankfully it goes under the car. :lol:

Go back and fill in the low spots with some rose welding.... grind 'em down...

It'll look beautiful! And it's good practice.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Compared to the welds and finish on the rest of the frame the crap I did looks too good. Besides it's just another Camaro driver. :lol:

I compared the factory welds and fit on this frame to the one in my car and it's amazing how sloppy this one is compared to the other. I'd like to see a video of the actual production facilities to have a better understanding......just because. :)

Once it gets blasted and painted it will look real purdy. :D

Out with the old
http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2935-L.jpg


In with the new
http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG2931-L.jpg

The car is going to get delivered to my garage tomorrow night with the sheet metal off so I can mount the carb, fit plug wires, guages, etc. then vital fluids and 20 minute break-in at 2K rpm and discolor my new Doug's headers. :(

If everything goes well it will go back to the shop for sheet metal installation and insurance inspection/approval. :thumbsup:

:thumbsup: sweet i know that feeling. Cant wait to be driving your baby...

Awesome!


Nice heads!


:D

Thats great news!!

Thanks, they're appreciated. :thumbsup:

PS - The entire machine shop bill for tearing it down and installing new valve springs, new rod and crank bearings, rings, lifters, ball hone, cam regrind, Felpro gaskets, etc. and reassembly was $906. Can't decide if I'm scared or estactic. :_paranoid

Dude that IS scary cheap. But I am guessing you didn't just take it to some Joe you didn't vet.

Old School machine shop straight across the street from the bodyshop. Caldwell Automotive and Machine established in their current location on Main St. since 1981.

I should also add that Jeff's price included Joe Gibbs break-in oil. :thumbsup: