If the only problem you have is the chugging in 4th I would try to dial back the timing a little and install a vaccum pump and reservior. As to a close ration being a problem I had a Boss 351 with a close ratio and ports big enough to put a tennis ball into. Talk about slipping the clutch! I for one would stick with a Wide ratio in a BBB and try to patch up your low vaccum problem.
Greg, you will really like the 1st gear launch the TKO provides as well as the performance rowing through the 1st 4 gears. Stop light to stop light it will be a ball. It will complement your cam in this setting. Keep in mind that overdrive and big cams don't get along very well unless you have a lot of rear gear. The one potential problem is the rpm drop in 5th gear. You may put the engine into the rpm range where the torque production will not be enough to keep the car effectively moving unless you are cruising at a speed to put the engine into the torque band. You may need to limit usage of OD for the e-way and 70 mph.
Dave with the Tremec I am going to have to learn even more starting line discipline. Suspension Mods is the name of the game for '08 though. I agree 5th would only be for those Hiway/interstate trips. The TKO is even a wider ratio than a wide ratio (M20). Looks as though using a 5500RPM shift and a 26" tall tire with my 3.42 gears The 1-2 shift will occur at 35MPH and the revs will drop back down to 3050RPM. The 2-3 shift will occur at 57MPH and the revs will drop back down to 3400RPM. The 3-4 shift will occur at 84MPH and the revs will drop back down to 3600RPM. Still not in a big hurry to do the Tremec swap and hopefully it wont be because the M20 is in pieces. But you never know.
The Tremec is not even on the radar at the moment. I still have it, still interested in doing it, but I am not very suscessful in getting projects done during the winter because of my employment. I really enjoy the car the way it is so this is not helping this cause, plus i will have to shell out a few more dollars to complete this swap. More interested in trying to match that 116 MPH trap speed you have. I have a couple ideas but I dont think they will net me 5MPH.
What are your plans to get the 5MPH? My goal is to get consistent and cut the horrible short times I have. I've never gone quicker than 1.71. I really want to drop into the low 1.6 range and hopefully make it up on the big end. I've got a few changes this year too.....but I'm not telling until it's proven. Everyone goes nuts that the car ran that fast. I really thought the thing was spinning and netting a higher MPH but out of 35 runs last year between 11.95 to 12.16, it ran 113 to 116 consistently.
This post is excellent. I'm about to put a Super T-10 in my 64 with 3.73 gears. 3.73 x 2.64 = 9.85. If the case holds together should launch well!
Clutch? Suspension? What track? If it's New England they have their own rules. They tech the hell out of you.
Hey Paul. I usually race at Lebanon. Looking at a Sachs clutch. Have a TA steel flywheel, Stock Bellhousing. Mostly stock suspension (with a loop of course) with MT DOT radials which hook hard. Upgrading Ujoints and rear yoke to the bigger series as well. Will the techs at NED allow me to run that? Pat
Tech is really tough up there on blowshields with a car below the 12's. It might slide elsewhere but they want an SFI cert. Ask me how I know. I've been once in my life last year and they broke my balls about everything including neutral safety switch, valve stems, fuel system, tape measure to check the loop distance. Really a tough group of guys up there. What's the car run. Another stick from Mass? Who knew. Where are you located?
Typically she runs mid 12's at 106 to 108 with the TH400 on unported small valve heads. 60 foots around 1.80. Could be better if I loosen the street suspension and shift some weight around. Up in West Boylston. Ever been to Jimmy Shiel's party? We may have met there at some point. My other car is a 65 GS conv w/ stick - midnight blue / white. Tech has not given me trouble with my current setup at New England. Guess I'll have to rig up a neutral safety on the clutch, even though Buick never had one back in 64! I'm most concerned about the bellhousing, although I have heard that the Lakewoods are not easy to put in and set up. Since the clock is ticking I may have to go to Musclepalooza in May at Lebanon with the auto still in. You should come on up. It's a great event.
Cool Pat. Sounds like a good setup. I was at Jim's party. Don't worry about a safety switch. If it didn't come with it you don't need it. Lakewoods aren't bad to do, it's just they're scarce and no manufactured anymore. Have fun at Musclepalooza. I'll be in SF Cali. that weekend. I never knew you were from WB, I'm sitting in Worcester right now!
