Cause every time I do he talks me into another project on this motor. It ran consistent high 14's, and I was just gonna pull it out and pickle it this fall when the motor he's building for me is ready! All I was gonna do was replace the fuel pump cause it was weeping oil, but that turned into cleaning and painting the block. Then Ken replated my carb body and airhorn, and that turned out beautiful. . While I had it all stripped down, Tom talked me into checking cam wear and valve spring tension - I wound up replacing 8 inner springs and 2 outers...all up to factory spec now. He also talked me into soaking the combustion chambers and intake ports with top engine cleaner, and flush out some of the carbon, maybe free any stuck rings And since now it might rev a little better, he talked me into checking the timing chain - sure enough, 12 degrees of slack. With his guidance, was able to tear that down without breaking any bolts or tearing the pan gasket. Now I look at it and think how hard would it be to stab a fresh cam in it? Truth is, I was lucky this cam gear didn't come apart - there is better than an inch of slack in the chain. So now, I'm thinking about cams.... has anyone had any experience with the cam that Russ sells as the direct 091 replacement? My original goal was to run a consistent 14.5 on the totally stock motor...a fresh cam, timing chain and good spring pressure might just get me there.... That motor was soooooo pretty before I tore back into it, and I swore I'd never do that water bridge job again... I've almost had it buttoned up 3 or 4 times so far this winter.
Have not seen his cams specs. My opinion take advantage of the +2 % of the 091 cam specs if you can :grin:. But then anything might be better than a worn out cam. Engine looks nice
Tom - You might be right......I just like to blame you. Honestly, I'm glad I got into this, I was concerned about breaking bolts a month before the first track rental day, etc.....Now we know that the nylon gear didn't disintegrate and is clogging up the pickup screen, and I wont be thinking about that every time I hit 5k (or better) I should probably be more concerned with the OEM pistons! The cam isn't really that worn, and I have to draw the line somewhere. I'll put my stake in the ground with the motor Tom is building, and just enjoy this season with what I've got. At least, that's what I'm saying tonight. I'm easily swayed.
I am planning on running that cam in the engine I am building. Specs look pretty good. Hard to compare to an 091 but I think I'm gonna give it a shot.
Glad to hear you and tom are plucking away at it, nothing like a clean and freshened up engine. Keep me in mind for those track days when you are planning to go. Would love to hand out with some other Nailhead guys.. Hopefully we can get tom their to.. Paul turbo nailhead
It should run good all the way up to the rpm limit of a nail...... good thing you got rid of the plastic.....
Ted - Please keep us posted when you use that cam, I'm interested in how it works...Tom pointed out to me it's not nitraded, but then I'm not sure any of the cams I've ever done ever were.... Paul - the first LVD track rental day is May 2nd - e-mail Carl Dudash at cdudash@snet.net to get your name on the roster - the price is 70.00 for the day and 40.00 for an extra driver. It's worth every penny, you can hot lap for 8 hours if the car could take it! I've got a bunch of guys going up (70 Trans Am, 70 Challenger 340,94 Mustang Cobra, 79 Trans Am) and I'm also bringing my 71 GS455 too....we don't talk much about that car, it's a dirty little secret that I like Stage 1's too! So I'm taking the week off next week to do the upper control arms and wheel bearings on the 71, register it, align it, and then put this car back together and tune it. This will be my only chance to get both cars ready for May, I'm traveling a lot between then and now...What could possibly go wrong?
Doc! I've been meaning to call, but I figured you've got a lot going on.... my thoughts have been with you. I'm gonna call Carmen this morning to order parts, but I might wind up putting plastic back in...depends what he's got in stock. I am a fan of the steel gear, but it is noisier. Tom Likes the nylon, as long as it's new. Also have to decide whether I disturb the rope seal that's not leaking...... Your seats in yet?
Carmen should have his single roller chain in stock now. am running one that TA and Russ sells. they seem quiet and will stay tighter.
What does Carmen's Single Roller look like? I was thinking about picking up the Roller that Russ has for my engine build, but is Carmen's better? Sorry Rhett - Not trying to de-rail your thread here.
not sure, they were not in stock when I needed one. might not be better, but it has to be just as good and less money. the new nylon gear that was in a few hundred miles did not stay tight. the link chain does not stay tight.
I gotcha. I have never talked or done business with Carmen before. I have definitely heard the name though. I for sure want to go with a good adjustable roller set for this build. Just one less thing to worry about when it's back together.
You can trust Carmen..... and ,,,, I absolutely hate those plastic covered timing gears..... I would rather have a noisy steel gear than a quiet plastic/aluminum one that fails in competition.....
Johnny - no worries, this is a conversation, it goes where it goes... I picked up a nylon gear set - If this engine was going to be in service longer I would have investigated a more completion oriented set. But as it is this thing is coming out in the fall, and before It ever goes back in it'll be torn down for new pistons, machine work, etc...anyway. And for the effort Tom and I are spending on the new engine, the original better not be going back in in my lifetime! It'll be nice, safe and sound in the corner of my garage , and I'll tell people it "ran fine when parked".
Well then that would explain some things. :TU: Can someone provide me with Carmen's contact info? I wouldn't mind throwing a little business his way and helping to support another Buick enthusiast. Especially one who provides parts for Nailheads!
Carmen is old school like you read about - there is only one way to get a hold of him and that's to call him. 716-693-4090
