[Coloradocobra]

A few months ago I began a quest to make my 428 run as good as it should. Along with your collective suggestions and an inspection of the top end of the motor after tearing it apart, this is what I learned. Tomorrow is the big day to find out if any of this works.

1. Strong evidence of reversion - could be cam related but probably more exhaust related (to follow)

2. Evidence of plugs that were too cold - the aluminum heads soak up a lot of heat - going to 2 steps hotter to test

3. From deposits it also looks like it can use some timing, was set at 32 max, will now run new MSD with 20 degrees mechanical advance and 36 total (thanks WT for the suggestion)

4. Slight leaking of valves - apparently not unusual for Dove heads - valves and seats re-ground

5. I suspected head flow problems but at .550 lift with 2.09 intake valves the corrected flow is about 270 cfm which is right on target for the motor. The exhaust/intake ratio was 76%

6. I thought the cam was lazy - could have been but exhaust problems may have been the true limit. Installed Crower mechanical 248/252 @ 0.050. Might have gone too far the other way.

7. The exhaust flanges on the headers were shutting off almost 1/4" at the top due to weld and flange design. It is problaby a truck configuration flange which does not match the CJ port. Was able to die grind this open to match gasket. This blockage could have had a big reversion influence especially since it was at the top of the port. Sorry if the picture is a little fuzzy. I can't believe I never checked this but in the excitement to get it running, I never looked. Every other header I ever installed was always much bigger than the port.

8. The 3.5 inch sidepipe collectors housed 2.5 inch mufflers which actually neck down to 2 inches. To make matters worse, the mufflers were installed BACKWARDS - yes there is an in and an out with glasspacks. I'll post those pictures in the next two posts showing the old versus the new.

Long story short, I hope it runs better - and it should with all the changes. My real intention in posting is to thank those that offered suggestions in my previous call for help as it helped me track down a lot of issues I might have missed. My thanks also to Rob at Blue Oval Performance in Englewood for his help and support.

Gary