I think there are other problems. The 1406 carburetor is likely jetted rich so that it covers a lot of applications, so it band aids another problem. Could be an internal vacuum leak or cam problem. I still don't know what's up with the ignition timing. This thread is several pages long. I think I'll go back and re read it. Just re read the entire thread. I wonder if the cam was installed correctly. Vacuum was low on this engine, 12" at 1000 RPM. Possibly an internal vacuum leak from an ill fitting intake, or cam not degreed in correctly. Something is very wrong. This engine on paper should be a good runner.
Just to chime in since you started a thread on swapping a 455 in. You already have a bunch of money locked up in this engine I am sure, even if it had to be taken apart to check cam timing, find an internal leak or replace a head gasket it would still be cheaper than the cost involved in buying a used 455 and the installation parts required to make it work. And after all that, a stock worn out 455 would be no faster than your 350 once you sort out the issues. I see no reason you can't approach 350hp with your combination. A used 72 455? You might be lucky to make 260hp. That is just my opinion and a lot of 455 guys would disagree but my take is that if you are concerned about budget and think it is too expensive to fix the small block you will be even more underwater and probably disappointed with a 455. If you are entirely set on taking that 350 out would you consider selling it or parting it out?
My plan is to take the car to get it "diagnosed". If I find out that the wrong pistons were indeed put in the motor, I'm taking it back to the builder and will be giving him an ear full. Once I get to the bottom of the issue, I will fix it and continue to run the 350 until the 455 I plan on building is complete. This may take me a year or so because I plan on assembling it myself. With a running car I will be in no big rush. I just know that no matter what...deep down inside I will always want a BBB, no matter how stout the 350 is. I have a lot of time, money and busted knuckles in this 350 and will probably not be letting it go....but time will tell.
I've been through 2 Quads already...and this Eddy is running circles around them. Whatever the problem is...it's not the carb. I will get a proper Quad built one day...but that's not the issue right now.
Well, it took long enough, but I finally got all the kinks worked out. I pulled the timing chain cover and the gears were not dot to dot. Buttoned it back up today and she runs like never before! :3gears: I also played with the carbs...ran it with a q-jet and then the Eddy....that q-jet make gobs more power than the Eddy....but the throttle response with the Eddy is MUCH better. So I'm sticking with the Eddy until I get a Qjet Built. Thanks for all the help everyone...I've been grinning ear to ear all evening! :TU:
Sometimes the slightest unseen issue can cause lots of problems! The SBB doesn't get half the respect it should, you should be having plenty of fun now BTW, if you changed the cam timing and you made that much of a difference in the performance of the engine you really should degree the cam. When you degree the cam that is the only way you will know for sure how it is installed. Timing marks are unreliable and can leave lots of power on the table. Most likely you are 4* advanced which is fine, but to have all this money invested in your engine you really should make sure it is correct. One more edit! Start thinking about getting rid of those highway gears and open carrier! It makes a world of difference
