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Messages - PaulProe

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1
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


2
FE Technical Forum / Re: Borla / Ingelese 8 Stack?
« on: May 10, 2023, 07:25:14 PM »
I built a second car and in it put a Shelby Aluminum FE with TrickFlow heads and the Borla EightStack again.

What size engine on that one?

2nd engine is 4.25 x 4.125   468ci

3
FE Technical Forum / Re: Borla / Ingelese 8 Stack?
« on: May 09, 2023, 10:24:52 PM »
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:

4
Non-FE Discussion Forum / Question for Jay about the site improvements
« on: March 12, 2023, 08:28:08 PM »
Jay
Curious about what you found with the site? The improvements are REALLY noticeable.

Did you change host? if so, who is it? Any other tricks that resulted such a vast change in performance?

Did you find any issues with the forum software (SMF)?

I manage a similar site for a Cobra Replica Build group that uses SMF. Sure would like to learn your secrets

Paul

5
FE Technical Forum / Re: Coolant Leaking from Thermostat area
« on: March 11, 2023, 08:43:01 PM »
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.

6
FE Technical Forum / Re: Wideband A/F Tool
« on: February 20, 2023, 08:10:59 PM »
Phil
Good to hear your back playing with the Cobra.

I have and use an Innovate single-channel O2 sensor. Just move it from side to side as necessary. Worked fine when I was tuning my Weber's

The product works great. Customer support leaves a little to be desired. They used to have a forum and you could get a lot of answers there but now, you need to call in and there's only one person who is knowledgeable. Just my experiences with the item

You'll need an extension pipe on their tailpipe adapter. You want the input as far up the side pipe as you can get so you don't get reversion and a false signal. I used their adapter and then pressed a piece of copper tubing on the end so the pickup point is about 12" further into the sidepipe. There's enough pulse in the exhaust that the adapter by itself sucks outside air into the adapter and you get erroneous signals.

Paul Proefrock

7
Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Handheld Oscilloscopes for my jalopies
« on: October 24, 2022, 07:48:47 PM »
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

8
FE Technical Forum / Unusual valve stem wear - question for the experts
« on: September 22, 2022, 09:05:53 PM »
We've had an engine go bad - the valve stems wore out 'literally' This is a picture of one of the valves.


The valves are the ones that come with the Edelbrock heads. Units were put into service in 2010 and have about 30,000 miles on them. The really confusing part is the bronze guides are NOT worn. They appear to be perfect and measure little to no wear. Engine was a bored/stroked 390 to 432. Not a big power motor, mild Crane Hydraulic roller cam. Never raced, used in a cobra replica for cruising and Ice Cream fetching. Rocker arms were a set of Erson rollers, springs were stiffer than the stock Edelbrock as recommended by Crane.

I heard a comment that Chevy had an issue like this years ago with some valves. Is this a metallurgy issue? Why would a steel valve stem wear and not the bronze guide? If both were worn equally or the bronze more than the steel, I would understand it.

Any ideas

Paul

9
I've had good luck with Optic Armor

10
Those 'scoop plates' were common to the FIA cobra's that used Weber carburetors. I'm told they were used to balance the flow into the carbs since flow near the scoop opening was different than that at the rear of the engine. I can see how airflow into the horns could differ between the front and rear of the engine.

I don't doubt that Peter Klute (Legendary Motors) did his research. Maybe he can comment why the plate? The first 427 was a conglomeration of 289 parts, maybe a left-over from other vehicles?

The plates were not used on Comp or S/C cars, to my knowledge.

11
Vendor Classifieds / Chrome Pent Roof Valve Covers, w/ hole
« on: June 27, 2022, 08:07:17 PM »
I am a supplier to the Cobra replica/restoration market but have shied away from motor items. In the last couple months, I have been contacted repeatedly by builders/owners, looking for Chrome Pent Roof valve covers and mostly those with a hole for breathers/PCV.

I used to refer people to Tony Branda however they no longer have them and don't have a delivery date. They may be a casualty of the Pandemic/Supply chain issues.

Does anyone know of any other sources for these? Jay Brown, tried your site but I don't see any mention of valve covers

Any ideas?

Paul Proefrock
Period Correct, LLC
www.prdcrrct.com

12
FE Technical Forum / FE Head Drawing pages
« on: June 09, 2022, 10:00:29 AM »
I have an almost full collection of the drawings that John V and Dave S posted years ago. But I am missing three pages of the head drawing.

I have pages one and three and a partial of one page, don't know the section number. Does anyone have 2, 4 and 5 and be willing to share.

I've spoken to John and the drawings are buried somewhere and he can't find them. Searched all the Gessford and Dropbox sites and these pages don't show up.

To share the wealth, I've attached the ones I do have

Anyone?

13
FE Technical Forum / Re: Repair or Replace?
« on: May 31, 2022, 10:24:00 PM »
As expected, PRW is blaming the builder - not their fault. How come I knew this was coming. Saying the pushrod was too long and hit the rocker and the spring pressure is probably too high.

  • no witness marks on the pushrod or cup
  • no witness marks on the body of the lifters
  • spring pressure at full open is 365lbs, there spec says 375+ is OK

Can anyone comment on the travel path on the end of the valve stems. The rocker failed on the intake side (left in the picture).  In my mind, the travel path/geometry looks pretty close but I defer to the experts.

Thanks

Paul


14
FE Technical Forum / Re: Repair or Replace?
« on: May 30, 2022, 10:12:37 AM »
One last question for the experienced:

The shafts are .840" dia., the same as the HSharp bushed shafts.

So I can use the PRW stands if I choose to use new Harland Sharp rockers and shafts?

The shafts appear to be OK but there is some bushing wear indicated in just 600 miles/21 hrs run time. If I'm going this far, $300 for new shafts might be cheap insurance. I'd also feel a little more comfortable with the sizing between Sharp shafts and Sharp Rockers.

The geometry was pretty good on the last set - if I keep the stands and just change shafts and rockers, what is the probability of the geometry being off. I don't know if the profile of the two brands of rockers is significantly different or not.

Thoughts and Thanks. My local engine builder passed away last winter and I don't have anyone local to bounce these things off of.

Paul


15
FE Technical Forum / Re: Repair or Replace?
« on: May 28, 2022, 09:30:29 PM »
Thanks for the support, guys, I really appreciate it.

Can anyone tell me more about re-using my existing hardware with new "other brand" rockers? Any experience with re-using the shaft? Harland Sharp vs T&D vs Precision Oil Pumps - is one preferred over the others? Does only one work with existing PRW stands?

Hoping to learn from everyone's experience

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