figbash
Jul 31st, 05, 9:09 PM
It's year number four of my '72 Chevelle SS frame off restoration and today was engine startup day. The engine is a Shafiroff Racing 540 short block built on a Merlin III block, with Canfield aluminum heads and a Howard's solid roller cam. I built the top end to develop as much torque as possible and to run on pump gas.
Startup was a challenge. It's been a nuber of years since I fired a new engine and I had the timing 180 off. Once that issue was put right, it fired right off. I had run up the oil pump before starting it, so the pressure came right up. It has a nice lopey idle and excellent throttle response. The sound is awsome through dual 3" exausts with a X-pipe and DynoMax mufflers, but it may be pushing the envelop a bit for the street. I left room for a couple of glass packs if I need to tone it down.
The only problem I had, other than a few minor leaks , is what looks to be a bit of coolant in the oil. I suspect an intake manifold leak into the valley, so that will be the priority item on the task sheet.
I had hoped to have it streetable by this years Woodward Cruise, but still have a few minor tasks to finish such as an interior and a paint job. I have the body stripped and primed, but still have some metal work to do before paint. It will be nice to move on to something different now that most of the mechanical work is done.
Tom
Startup was a challenge. It's been a nuber of years since I fired a new engine and I had the timing 180 off. Once that issue was put right, it fired right off. I had run up the oil pump before starting it, so the pressure came right up. It has a nice lopey idle and excellent throttle response. The sound is awsome through dual 3" exausts with a X-pipe and DynoMax mufflers, but it may be pushing the envelop a bit for the street. I left room for a couple of glass packs if I need to tone it down.
The only problem I had, other than a few minor leaks , is what looks to be a bit of coolant in the oil. I suspect an intake manifold leak into the valley, so that will be the priority item on the task sheet.
I had hoped to have it streetable by this years Woodward Cruise, but still have a few minor tasks to finish such as an interior and a paint job. I have the body stripped and primed, but still have some metal work to do before paint. It will be nice to move on to something different now that most of the mechanical work is done.
Tom