It appears to be a factory one, but modified by Fidanza - there are some retainer bolts in the flywheel that overlap the edge of the ring gear in some milled reliefs

But I can't get any info from Fidanza - hell of a way to run a company. Don't think they will remain on my approved vendor list

I am having some starter issues and it is compounded by not knowing the best terminology to use the search function on the forum.

I am running a PowerMaster 9606 starter on a 468 Shelby Aluminum block in a replica cobra. Battery in the trunk, #2 cables to the starter. Fuel injected EightStack, the timing is held at 12 degrees until the motor is started and gone 100revs, then it switches to ECU Timing control at about 14 degrees, minimum. 10.5:1 Compression.

When I start the engine, it loads (lugs) real hard for the first few revs before the torque of the starter takes over and starts to spin the engine. Sometimes it almost stalls before it turns over freely. Occasionally I get a 'bump-back' as if a cylinder fired and pushed back before TDC.

Engine temperature doesn't seem to be a factor. I seems to operate the same whether Cold, Warm or Hot.

At PRI, I spoke to PowerMaster and got nowhere. They said their 9406 was the way to go but I honestly don't think the guy knew much about his products. The 9406 has 250ft/lbs, the 9406 has 180. The 9406 is considerably stronger than a stock starter which many similar builds get by with.

The bump back almost seems timing-related but I can't imagine 12 degrees causing this. Cross-fire maybe?

Open to any ideas on where to begin.

Paul

I'll throw out a question to the brain-trust here.

I want to build a 347 for a replica vehicle build. Any suggestion as to a Ford block to use for the basis? I read the Boss blocks were the best choice. Is that correct? If so, is there a good second choice as rare as they are?

Paul

I have successfully run two Borla EightStack systems. I don't understand your tuner's comments about low end/street performance. That may hold true for a true Weber 48IDA setup, but not for fuel injection. I found the exact opposite. I transitioned from a Weber carb system to the first EightStack and all my driveability issues went away. That engine was a bored/stroked 390 - 432ci with a mild cam. The Borla system gave it a new life making it a very enjoyable engine in my cobra replica

I built a second car and in it put a Shelby Aluminum FE with TrickFlow heads and the Borla EightStack again. The car idles at 800-850 rpm, pulled 575 on the  dyno and last week, on a 500 mile cruise, produced 17.7mpg.  I have had my best luck using a Performance Electronics ECU. I've worked on multiple other systems and found the FAST products left a lot to be desired. Holley has some good items, but their support leaves a lot to be desired.

I've found the setup can be onerous. The linkage has to be exact or you have issues. The air balance has to be done a certain way or you have issues. But once it is all tuned in, it is truly just get in and drive. No tinkering required.

The EightStack is a real eye-catcher. Much more so than four barrel(s). The drawback: $$$  they aren't cheap. I use a rule of thumb when someone asks: plan on $6,000 for the EightStack, $1000 for a fuel system (high pressure and return also), $2500 for ECU, sensors and wiring, $2000 for tuning, $500 for  gaskets, hardware, etc. Bottom line: $12,000

Probably the biggest drawback is they are unforgiving for sloppy workmanship and that doesn't bide well with some 'so-called' mechanics.

My toy:

The cast flange that forms the connection between the tank and the manifold has a very narrow surface to seal with. Pitting is very common, it might be a "pinch point" in the corrosion process that goes on in the engines.

Flattening that surface to get more/better sealing is a definite step in the right direction. Gasketing and appropriate sealers are also recommended.

I use a Picoscope, have had good luck with the one I have.  Available on Amazon, ebay, etc.

Jay, which model do you have/recommend

I've had good luck with Optic Armor