Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

Just an update; The rods measured and magged perfect, so all is good with them. Due to not knowing what the pre-stretched measurement was on the bolts, I've ordered new bolts. Most likely could have run the old bolts had I known the measurement, but figured I might as well install new bolts. I appre...

Lots of great information and opinions here. I think I will pull it apart, check the rods over, have them magged, install new bolts, and run them. Does this sound reasonable?

I have a set of Howards sport rods in my 406 SBC. They have 811 passes on them at the strip (mostly 1/4 mile). Bolts have been replaced and rods were magged around 500 runs. Engine made just over 600 HP (corrected) and probably makes ~450 at my elevation (just a guess). 534 passes with JE pistons, a...

bigjoe1 wrote:The longer duration is much less harmfull than the shorter duration. I did not understand your cam swap at all.


JOE SHERMAN RACING ENGINES

Care to elaborate? That's a pretty general statement.

One of the things I'm confused about is the max lift. I've had several recommendations that have a max lift of less than what my cam will have. I know that because of lash, deflection, etc. the lift may actually be around .680 or so. Is that why I could get away with a spring that has a max lift of ...

I'm looking for some valve springs to match my new cam. This is a 1/4 mile drag application in a 406 SBC. AFR 210 heads w/2.08, 1.6 valves. Will shift this combo between 6500 and 6800 and should trap no more than 7200 RPM. New Valves: Intake - NEW - 5.016" OAL, 110.0g, 2.080", mfg. Del Wes...

In my quest to find pistons for my 406 with a deck height of 9.020, I have was told by an engine builder that the more compression height (i.e. more mass of piston above the wrist pin), the more piston rock you would or could have. He also indicated that the side load on the piston at the bottom of ...

with the right cam and rpm range are the 245 afrs to big for 383 small block drag race only motor i have 210 now, I think it depends on what your goals are. How fast do you want to go, and how fast is the current combo? I had AFR 210's on my 383 and they worked well. I'm converting to a 406, and wi...

I don't think this is part of your problem, but with that intake, I bet it would love a 2" HVH super sucker spacer on it. My 383 with smaller heads and smaller cam loved the spacer. Give it a try.

I think what Mike is getting at is the car would be consistent. Obviously it takes a good driver to win races, but a consistent combination certainly helps. I like to know what my car will run in various weather conditions so I can dial it right and not have to worry about it consistently throwing o...

Out of curiosity which cam is Mike Jones? Cheers Steve Now if I told you that, it would interject bias into this thread. I know a lot of guys like his cams because he's been on the bored for a long time. I wanted to avoid that. Shoot me a PM and I'll tell ya...or you can take a guess :D Hmmm... Mul...

I had another local engine builder say he's not wild about their valve pockets. He didn't get specific, but I was wondering if any of you who have used them have had any issues? He also said to watch the pins they come with as he had one break and cause a real mess.

No mention of converter stall speed, one of the more important parts for going quick, 1/4 mile at a time. :mrgreen: I knew there was something I was leaving out. It's an A1 converter that flashed to 5200 behind my 383. I'm just guessing it will flash to 5500 or 5600 behind the 406, but that's just ...

Listed below are the recommendations I have received so far regarding a cam for my 406 (1/4 mile drag racing) Details about the car/engine: Weight of car w/driver: 3335 Power glide with a 1.80 first gear 4.56 rear gear 28"x9" rear slick Shift point 6800, trap at 7000 Engine: 406 CI 13.6:1 ...

Hmm, that's a good point Joe, I'll have to ask about that. I don't want something that isn't going to hold up.