Need 351 Cleveland HP suggestions

[CobraCuddler]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your responses and suggestions. Looks like installing the exhaust side plates is the best immediate change. Followed possibly by a stronger cam once the carb is optimized.

As far some of your questions:

milner351 -

The jets are pretty much what came in the carb from Holley. I think maybe the factory primary is a 69, not a 70, but the sec is stock at 78.

I don't have access to an air/fuel meter. I'll look into that, but I need to find somplace to make the modifications to the exhaust to install them. I am not proficiant with a welder.

The plugs come out a dark grey - not exactly sooty black, but not as 'clean' as one would like.

tim -

Ignition appears to be stock '72 Ford with a Mallory Unilight distributor. I don't know for sure since I didn't build the car and the module has no readily apparent markings. Nothing under the hood looks like MSD.

As far speed of advance coming in, I don't know.

More info on your carb would be much appreciated.

I've posted on PI, but no resonses of any real help. Are there specific people or different forums that you found most helpful?

Chris -

Right now, 378 HP sounds like a long way off. Shoot, right now, I'd be excited if I could get the darn thing to 350!

Niles -

Ignorant question here - what's the process for testing compression?


I did purchase Desktop Dyno2000. I will say I am a bit perplexed though. According to it, my numbers should be much higher than they are. With inputs based on the current configuration, the program gives 364 hp and 385 ft lbs. Adjusting those for est. 18% drivetrain loss, I get 298 hp and 317. The chassis dyno showed 233 and 287. Torque is 'reasonably' close at a 9% difference, but the HP number is significantly off at a 21% diff.

Using lower performance component inputs (low perf vs wedge heads; mufflers vs open exhaust), I got closer to my actual dyno numbers with 332 HP and 353, which would be 272 and 289. Torque is almost exact, but HP is still way off. But I don't think those inputs don't reflect the motor, but maybe they do. Hence my peplextion. Does this point to something being wrong in the motor, regardless of the components?

Niles, any specific thoughts?

Also, in all the variations I used, the software spit out HP and torque numbers that were usually within 6% of each other. In any dyno run I've ever done on my car, the two figures are always over 20% apart with HP being the lower.

What affects HP significantly, but has a much lesser impact on torque. Or maybe I should state that the other way around?

Thanks again for all your help guys. I love my car and it's fun to drive, I just know it can be much funner!

Keith