455 Stage 2 build has started!

I'm would like to comment on the DCR calculator in the above link. Be aware that this calculator will work fine for hydraulic cams but it does not allow for valve lash on solid lift applications! When verifying intake valve closure point with a degree wheel, with the recommended lash set(solid lift cam), the intake valve will show to close much sooner thereby increasing the DCR. http://www.wallaceracing.com/Calculators.htm provides a DCR calculator that allows user calculated/measured inputs of static CR and intake valve closing point giving more accurate results.
Also note that the max DCR for 93 octane is ~8.2:1 @ 180* coolant temp and drops down to ~7.7:1 @ 210*. Have to add the approximate sign as coolant temp, altitude/barometric pressure/humidity, engine load, spark plug heat range, timing curve, & (as mentioned before) head material will affect the final octane requirement. Thanks. Jay

 

A small bottle of what? NITROS? That will increase cylinder pressure more!ou:

 

Back in 1970/1971, Sunoco 260 was 104 octane at the pump.....for .37 a gallon.....smelled good too...........:TU:

 

How old are you?uzzled: :laugh:

 

Boy I remember Sunoco 260 at .37 per gallon as well every now and again I would put it in my Wildcat. I wish I could go back in time.

 

Old......:laugh:

 

I hear ya - definitly cheaper ways to get the HP numbers. but the thought of driving the Stage 2 as it would have been almost 40 years ago is going to be a wild trip!

I have no plans to tweak every HP out of this thing, and already assume I'll need to get some 'special' fuel to put into this thing. What ever it takes to keep this thing as stock as I can while making sure it lasts - and is safe!

 

Wow, just stumbled across this thread while the wife was rocking junior down. This is a freakin' awesome story. Looking forward to more pictures and some video. You gotta try at least the 1/8th mile !!! :beer

 

Well - holidays have been great!

that's why there has been a lull in the Stage 2 build action. Had to take off camping, and fishing for Speckled Trout! Rob has also been insainely busy - a good sign with the economy the way it's been

Rob did send a few pic's of the issues with the Stage 2 Iron heads with the Jesel Rollers installed on them - and the old Kenne Bell valve covers.

The old Kenne Bell covers had to be hand machined (Sorry Tom - had to be done) to give the push rods some clearance. Awfully tight in there. Even the cork valve cover gaskets had to be trimmed.

Anyways - have a look. Hopefully the next post is the video of it running!

as for the 1/8 mile - I'll see what I can do! :Brow:

 

Looking good mike!!! I was just wondering whatever happened to this thread glad to see that she is almost there!!! How'd the fishing go?

 

Fishing was sweet Scott - a secret lake in Algonquin Park! :Brow:

no posted trail map's, not on the Canoe Route's maps - really is great.

Speckles arn't huge - but lots of them.

Feel's like Christmas morning waiting for the "Call" - or awaiting a video of the Stage 2 on the test stand! it's great to feel like a kid again!

should be soon now

Anyone have/make an engine stand that can sit in a 1/2 ton to transport? or a pallet mounted one?

 

It's Alive!

Rob has the beast all tuned up and running! Runs like a top he says, and those buick guys back in the day got it right!

The whole stage 2 motor really does come together with all the individual components. A very well breathing motor - clearly an impressive design - a 40 year old design! For those who have bought the 'over the counter' stage 2 parts one at a time or the whole lot - it's a great package!

too bad it did not make it into a full production run - those HEMI lads would have been runnin scared!

I'll see if I can get Rob to put up a video, it was too large to email to me! Sounds sweet!

All in all the crew at Stage 1 Automotive get TWO THUMBS UP!:beers2:

Thanks Rob, and thanks to all the other board members who helped me track down parts, sold me parts, and continue to give advise!:Smarty:

 

Way to go! The work will be worth it.

Devon

 

Any updates on your build up and install into the car?

Hoping to have my Stage 2 engine in the next few weeks so I can get it installed before Thanksgiving. Hoping to take my GSX to Daytona for the Turkey Rod Run.

 

A little bit of progress, but the cold weather up here sure slowed me down. The Engine and Trannie are a flex plate away from being bolted together and dropped into the car.

The whole front clip is dis-assembled at the moment - so over the winter I plan on restoring the front end. Still collecting bolts/nuts and misc. front end parts, but it sure does look awesome.

This thing sounds incredible! The Stage 2 has a better sound than I imagined....nice choppy idle, wicked throttle response - I'd be out ripping up the country roads at this very moment if I had a new drive shaft!

on that note, any recommendations for a driveshaft that can easily handle 500 hp+ ? any distributers north of the Border?

After that the whole drivetrain is done! ...and rock solid. I'll post some pic's soon of the beast sitting in the Garage - seems like so long ago I was still searching for these infamous Stage 2 parts!

it's GO time!

 

Hey mike, hope everything is good. Were you ever to get that video of the motor runnin? hopefully you get her on the road soon!!! :bglasses:

Laters
~Scott

 

My first time looking at your thread. Sounds like fun, your close to Bear Performance, if you still don't have a drive shaft, they make a mean one.

 

What's the status of th ebuild?