Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

Walter R. Malik wrote: ↑Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:52 am Cylinder bore preparation has a lot to do with how the thinner rings will work.

Walter, thus far, we've had no thin ring sealing problems, but just to make sure we're not overlooking a better way, what is your thin ring bore prep?

My ex partner used to think anything thinner than a 5/64 ring had no place in a towing or high load application, never mind they are made with superior materials and technology, plus the added strength of thicker ring lands. =D> FWIW, we've modified tall-deck 427" BBC pistons for use in a couple of...

Jack you have to admit hitting the key and the engine firing right up without ever touching the throttle is pretty cool in an old car or truck. 8) Nobody will argue the convenience of efi cold starting, but if it "beat" the carb after a couple of pulls the carb wasn't tuned to its potential. Agree,...

When Total Seal has a market for an ultra thin ring and spacer set that fits the 5/64 grooves, despite being as expensive as hell, that tells you something. NHRA Stock rules mandate factory ring groove sizes, as do some classes of oval track racing, which is presumably why these ring “sets” were de...

Just asking, how many EFI systems have you paid big bucks for and then a few years later were unsupported by the seller? Just buy our even-better-new-latest-and-greatest is their suggested solution. That's if they are even still in business and answering the phone. Holley has screwed us with several...

Back in 1976 our D/S 68 Z/28 ran 116.95 weighing 3125 with driver. . . . I figured it on a chart I found online years ago at about 450 Hp to do that. Does anyone know if thats close or not accurate at all ? The calculator I use says 390 horsepower. FWIW, these as delivered were 95 MPH runners. The ...

wwmtlineman wrote: ↑Sat Jan 16, 2021 1:14 pm Back in 1976 our D/S 68 Z/28 ran 116.95 weighing 3125 with driver. . . . I figured it on a chart I found online years ago at about 450 Hp to do that. Does anyone know if thats close or not accurate at all ?

The calculator I use says 390 horsepower.

Math says the end gap would be .0157" greater. Also, a low-tension ring in a larger bore becomes that much lower tension.

Let's wait to see what those who've actually done it have to say.

Jack could you be more detailed of what you said "production shops have gone to micro-polishing machines" Is micro-polishing done on a special dedicated machine?? Or can micro polishing be done on a regular crankshaft polishing machine but using a extra fine polishing belt. Could you clear this up ...

Interestingly, most production shops today have gone to micro-polishing machines for better dimensional control. The micropolishing does not remove a measurable amount of material. Even more interesting, they get complaints from customers that the micro-polished journals are not as pretty and shiny ...

An interesting project and it would be fun to work along with you. My machinist would then hate us both for once again getting into such weird shite. Any non-import engine shop junks cracked SBC heads daily. The problem with using one of those instead of the actual aftermarket castings you plan to u...

Too many variables to answer that question with a yes/no/maybe. Flat tappet or roller? Solid or hydraulic? Stock/street or race? New or reground? Warranty or as-is-where-is-take-your-chances-swap-meet? In the obsolete engine business, it's usually low spring pressures, low RPM and that's the only ca...

Jack, Can you calculate the area ratio of those pistons, and the clearance that you run? Hi, David, It's been several years since that Packard V8 build went into my Studebaker pickup. The only spec I remember today is .005" deck height and a .025" steel shim head gasket. Seems tight, but it's a rel...

In 1970 I doubt they were even worried about the performance side in mass production of the 400ci block. For true. In 1970, if you wanted performance, GM would sell you a big block. The vast majority of the 400" SBCs were two-bolt main, 2-bbl carburetor, single exhaust; just people movers, never pl...

The clearance from piston to head is only one part of the squish velocity equation. What is of even more importance is the squish area ratio of the piston/head interface. which has a strong influence on squish velocity. And the shape of the squish area which determines the direction of the squish j...