Engine Carnage

[bobcowan]

Alhtough I race it, my engine is relativly mild for a race engine, but kinda radical for a street engine. I use a Comp Cams hydraulic roller cam, with a lot of lift and duration.

The lifters are stock Ford rollers, modified by keith craft. It's the same lifter they use in their engines. They're supposed to be good for about 6,500 rpm's - give or take. I set my shift light at about 6,200, and it rarely comes on. I have so much torque that I can shift early and keep the rpm's down, and yet still make good lap times.

The oiling system is pretty good. Ford motor sports SV/SP oil pump. Quality roadsters pan with full baffles. 2 qt accusump. I have a warning light for the oil pressure. If it ever drops below 25psi, the light comes on. That's a rare occurance. The engine oil pump feeds the engine only. the cooler has it's own external pump. I use only Royal Purple oil. I think the only way to make the oil system better is to go with a dry sump, and I certainly don't have the budget for that.

The heads are from Dart, and uses their valves. They're probably 4 years old. The springs, retainers, and locks are from Comp Cams; they're only 2 years old. The tips of the valves look just fine, even the broken ones.

Over the years I have concentrated on smooth shifting. This much power in a light wieght car, you have to shift smoothly, or you're in the dirt. I know, I'v been there. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. I may be racing, but I try not to beat up the equipment too much. I don't have a NASCAR budget.

I don't have the budget for a new block. I'll have this one bored or sleeved, and press on. That's why I spent the bux on a Dart to begin with.

I tore down the engine yesterday. I'll take some pictures today and post what I found.