Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

Nobody gave you anything on here- so here is a cheap engine we use for a BACKUP and let our friends borrow when they need something. It is a compilation of leftover parts-- It runs great, thousands of laps on it and has had three re-ring/bearing overhauls over the last 10-12 years. Any of the crank,...

Also- have seen where the same company has many different checking heights for different series of cams etc. which is why I say the advertised durations are all over the place....

I feel that the running or “at lash” durations are all over the place , and generally don’t feel real good about it until I measure it in a block with my dial indicator. I have found that “if” they advertise at .020” tappet movement then tight lash cams ~.014” are about 14 degrees longer at lash. Ca...

How many rpm do you plan to turn this engine ? There are some really good claimer type parts out there that will work really well for this application. I see no compression rule or such- so that is good. Also, what type of carb are you planning? If 4 barrel does it have to be an oe type like a quadr...

What about flat lifters, can you install those in an ls engine?

All our SS classes here require flat Tappet lifters and mechanical fuel pump. What do you guys do for that? Does that add on timing cover and cam spud have a fuel pump lobe? Can’t remember. Also- iron heads- I know there are some ,, but not a bunch.

Is this a 2bbl carb class/ didn’t see that mentioned or missed it?

Comp Cams solid flat tappet "hi torque" cam #12-220-5 CS270s-8 270-270 235-235 (.050") .330"-.330" .495"-.495" (1.5rr) 108 LSA .018"-.018" hot You must degree it in and set the cam advance EG: 108LSA 104/112 in/ex CL Can use high ratio rockers with corre...

Thanks for all your replies. It seems like the general consensus is to melt aluminum to fill the exhaust crossovers. I talk to the guy grinding on these heads And he doesn’t have an adequate torch to get the aluminum to melt. Stuffing thick aluminum foil in there sounds easy enough, however, he wan...

Fel pro 1204 gasket has stainless plates that block this - they work great—no holes- already installed in The gasket

I agree with mark -I only do it if there is a clearance issue that can be solved. I do think that back in the day using factory heads there was more to be gained because they had a lower plug position than most aftermarket heads do. To that same thought- I also feel like factory castings are more se...

Those IK 200s that Eric is offering are perfect for your application- and a very good deal. I like 2.3” mcsa on a 406” deal like you are making.

What oil pump- new/old? What are the bearing clearances? If it is NOT a high volume/pressure pump and has wide clearance - with 10/30 oil it is probably not too bad...IMO. If you are worried about the oils temp that will take a gauge or you could use a temp gun on the pan when you stop ..... Maybe t...

My experience is the same as old schools. If you still have the old lifters and they are in order - in the same block- I would just put them in- I do usually use moly lube on them still. If they are mixed up it may be easier to just use new lifters. I have done both numerous times with no casualties...

On Race 2bbl holleys they can go way rich as the vacuum builds in the manifold in the upper rpms. To help bandaid this , one common tactic is to use a power valve that closes to try and flatten the fuel curve as the manifold vacuum rises- with the small carbs fuel just flows out from all the orifice...