Returning and looking for engine advice

[Mike P]

So I'm slowly getting back into the scene after about a 5 year break post wrecking and selling my car.  I still have my motor and gear box but think they could benifit from a freshen up or I may just build from scratch again while running the current combo.  My goals and aspirations for ther car are good solid low 12's.  I'm not super concerned about drivability other than the normal around town stuff.  The specs on the motor and gear box are as follows,

94x82
5.352 VW journal rods
12.5 lb flywheel
10.5:1
Web 86c w/ 1.5's
44x37.5 044's (semi-hemi cut unfortunatly, i didn't ask for it it was just done)
48 IDA's w/ 40mm vents.
1 3/4 phoenix header

4.12 R&P
3.78
2.06
1.48
1.14
super diff, SAW axles, etc...

My best 1/4 time was a 13.07 @ 108, on slicks and not launching the car hard (full interior, gas tank, and spair tire).  I was pleased w/ the pull of the motor and trans combo when it was together but I felt the motor was never really what it should have been.  Just didn't have that crisp pissed off snap/bark of a rev that I would expect from a 10.5:1 motor.  Maybe it was a tuning issue maybe it was a component compatibility issue, who knows.  So what adjustments or changes to the combination should be made to help me accomplish my goal, heads, cam, compression, 51.5's (I have a second set of IDA's I wouldn't mind having cut), etc?  Thanks for your input.

Mike Preston

[richie]

Mike

Looks like a good combo,well except for those heads,
10.5/1 and semi hemi just dont seem to go together in my mind,thats what i would look at changing,

cheer srichie

[Mike P]

Mike

Looks like a good combo,well except for those heads,
10.5/1 and semi hemi just dont seem to go together in my mind,thats what i would look at changing,

cheer srichie

Well then my next question would be whats been going on in the "head world" and who's doing good work now days?  I have read that CNC porting has evolved quite a bit.  But then again I would rather go to an established head porting specialist.  Are Jeff Denham, Prefomance Tech., etc... still arround?  Maybe I'm "old school" but I like knowing that someone has formed the ports by hand not by computer guided machine. 

[Bill Schwimmer]

If you are already going 108 mph that is a pretty stout number. That should support 12:20-12 teen et's. MPH is the horsepower , the ET is just how well the car applies it. As far as the semi hemi killing the heads, my heads have a very mild hemi cut on them & my old bucket runs pretty good & is snappy so you might have a bit of a tuning issue. i would'nt do the 51's, I would just leave the combo alone & run it as is , maybe try some 42 vents, maybe a close 2nd gear. if you do drastic changes you end up start from scratch, with that mph it does'nt seem that you are too far off.  Bill

[Jim Ratto]

MIke, I'm sorry to hear you weren't happy with the motor we built for you. Had you pulled the belt on your pass, I'm sure you would have got your 12 with our motor.
108 mph? I thought you went through @ 99?
There's alot of potential in your existing motor... my same combo, but milder heads, went 12.60's.
Maybe more seat time and tuning experience and you would have your 12.

[Mike P]

I'm sorry to hear you weren't happy with the motor we built for you.

Not the case at all Jim.  I'm sorry if I made it seem that way.  My more consistent times were right around 99-101 but one pass was at 108.  I'm just trying to preplan this next car and see if my goals realistic or far fetched.  And yes more seat time, tuning time and lack of a fan belt I'm sure would have given me a bit more of an advantage.

[Jim Ratto]

Mike, I also didn't set your CR to 10.5:1. I checked my notes on your engine, and when it together it was 9.2:1. I never set your motor up for race fuel. I wouldn't trip on the hemi cut heads. I'd rather have larger chambers than a mile of deck.

Low 13's in a heavy car that didn't go straight with a first time pilot ain't too bad.

[Fastbrit]

Jeez, I'd be over the moon with a time like that first time out! That combo is a sure mid-twelve waiting to happen, with more seat time. Try short-shifting on a pass - I began shifting the chop-top at 7500, then gradually dropped to 6800rom and times went from thirteens-ohs to twelve-eighties on radials. I know every car is different but with a cam like the 86c in a combo like yours, you'll be making plenty of torque, so make use of it. Using slicks, there is a lot to be gained by playing with tyre pressures and launch rpm. Seat time, seat time and more seat time... It's free performance!

[Isaac Potter]

Mike you still in the east bay?  Here's an idea. drop the compression and  have Anton build you a nice turbo setup.  Also go out to the NAGVW meets in Pleasanton. i bring out my convertible ghia once and a awhile.   I was on the whole renn kafer thing spent alot of money on my 63 ragtop. wasted 5years. I sold it last year and picked up a 55 oval . I pulled the super flows off and put some nice jeff denham heads on it. This way  i can drive my car from my house to lake tahoe  or sac, or have fun on the back roads.

Look forward to seeing your next car.