Here's the plan. 1972 SS El Camino auto, 60 over 402 w/ 119 cc heads. Headers and 2.5 inch free flow exhaust, high-rise dual plane intake w/ Edlebrock 750 carb. I want around 1900 RPM cruise at 65 MPH. My calculations say that with a .7 OD 700R4 and 26 inch tires I will need a 3.23 gear. My objective is to build a fuel efficient (read as least 20 MPG, pump gas), torque engine for an everyday driver. I would like to have as flat a torque curve as possible w/ around 400 lb. ft of torque at cruise RPM. Any experience out there with building a torque engine? Do I need to modify my objectives?
Questions:
1. How much compression should I go for. My calculations say that 30cc dome pistons w/ .005 deck will give me 9.5 to 1. Is this too much or too little? Engine must be decked so I have something to work with here. Piston choices are limited.
2. Presently the 292 casting heads have small valves. Should I go with larger valves or would this hurt because I intend to run headers and a 2.5 exhaust?
3. Cam recommendations? I have three cam catalogs and there are some significant differences in their "off the shelf" torque type cams. I called Edlebrock and naturally their Performer Plus cam is the greatest. Their lobe center line is 114 degrees where the "off the shelf" torque cams for Comp and Lunati are 110 degrees. I am not sure about using a dual pattern cam because of the headers and exhaust.
Looking for some real life experiences in doing something like this. I will also be calling Lunati for their recommendations too as they can custom grind a cam for me.
Have A Great Chevelle Day and TIA
Mike Crosby
[This message has been edited by MikEC (edited 12-11-99).]
Questions:
1. How much compression should I go for. My calculations say that 30cc dome pistons w/ .005 deck will give me 9.5 to 1. Is this too much or too little? Engine must be decked so I have something to work with here. Piston choices are limited.
2. Presently the 292 casting heads have small valves. Should I go with larger valves or would this hurt because I intend to run headers and a 2.5 exhaust?
3. Cam recommendations? I have three cam catalogs and there are some significant differences in their "off the shelf" torque type cams. I called Edlebrock and naturally their Performer Plus cam is the greatest. Their lobe center line is 114 degrees where the "off the shelf" torque cams for Comp and Lunati are 110 degrees. I am not sure about using a dual pattern cam because of the headers and exhaust.
Looking for some real life experiences in doing something like this. I will also be calling Lunati for their recommendations too as they can custom grind a cam for me.
Have A Great Chevelle Day and TIA
Mike Crosby
[This message has been edited by MikEC (edited 12-11-99).]