February has been a productive month with regard to PROJECT BEDLAM. When facing a deadline, productivity is nice. My last post shared news of my short block acquisition. Since being delivered to Danny, the short block has been inspected, poked, and prodded. The report from Danny is positive… everything looks good. Crank, rods and pistons will all be retained, the latter being a set of pump gas / street friendly TRW forged dish pistons This translates to no major machining required. A complete disassembly and thorough cleaning transpired. The requisite magnaflux procedure revealed no issues. So, Likely just honing for the cylinders. The engine build moves forward, which is cool…
We are balancing the rotating assembly. This will make the engine RPM friendly… a must when one intends to, more than just occasionally, thrash his ride at the drag strip. I can also talk shit, noting I have a balanced and blueprinted engine, an indication I am not fucking around.
This engine is dual-purpose – 1) true driver 2) respectable at the strip. These two points have led to ordering a custom, dual pattern cam shaft from the dudes at Bullet Cams. The dual pattern cam (hydraulic flat-tappet) works well with a street exhaust system, holding the exhaust valve open longer and evacuating the cylinder better. Idle quality is not affected, retaining good intake vacuum. These attributes make for a truly streetable / highway friendly ride… she oughta perform nicely in the quarter, as well. My order has been filled and should arrive at my doorstep this coming week.
For optimum performance, aluminum cylinder heads are part of the recipe. Specifically, a pair of Edelbrock Performer RPM #60519. These beauties are scheduled to arrive in the coming week as well, ordered from Barnett Performance. I was referred to Barnett by my pal, Jim Cain… Jim’s referral saved me roughly $100. I’ll buy Jim a drink or two during Power Tour… Thanks, man! Fastening the heads to the block will be facilitated via a set of Edelbrock head bolts, manufactured by ARP… Nice.
Joe Mondello and Vic Edelbrock teamed up to develop these. I have faith they will perform.
Air and fuel will be directed to the heads via a compatible Edelbrock Performer RPM AirGap #7551 aluminum intake manifold. This addition to the project is another link in the performance chain. Topped with a yet to be determined carb, the package shall render a bit of driving enjoyment…
Made in USA. Nice, eh?
Cam, heads, and intake… the pieces are beginning to fall into place. Once these three goodies arrive, I’ll shuttle them down to Danny. Before too long decisions will be made regarding lift spec’s and appropriate rocker arms.
Within the next week, as well, my transmission will finally make its way to me from the great state of Minnesota. My pal, Gordy has prepared the transmission for transport… a buddy of his will drive it down to Texas, as he returns from a wedding. In the same “shipment” I will receive an additional 455 block and assorted components, which Gordy had been holding for me for the past few years. Time to clear a spot in the garage…
Things are happening. PROJECT BEDLAM thunders on.