My 427 SOHC Build..... Finally the time has come!

[cobracammer]

We have chosen a cam!  As per the Comp Cams spec sheet:

Ford 427 SOHC
Std. Lift - Street Rated Duration @ 0.020" Valve Lift
Rated Duration: 296     
Durtation in degrees:
     @0.050 = 272
     @0.200 = 216
Valve Lift: 0.598
Valve Lift @ TDC:
     106* = 0.214
     110* = 0.188
Check Duration Tappet@ 0.050 = 260
Check Lift Tappet = 0.477
Lift w/fixed ratio = 0.606

Hopefully we hear good news from the Machine Shop on the Heads, specifically not needing new valve guides.  Hopefully a little honing is all thats needed.   

[cobracammer]

OK.  Small update.  On the list of items that were "trashed", we have a new addition!.  All of the valves need to be replaced.  LOL  Luckily, 4 years ago, I managed to buy an extra set of valves from Keith Craft (in anticipation that I would be breaking stuff).  Sadly, on my attempt to degree the cams, I bent 3 intake valves and had to dip into my extra set for replacements.  Now, All of the valves need to be replaced.  Luckily I was able to source 3 brand new intake valves that will complete my set, and I will be shipping them off to Jay either today or tomorrow.

In other sad news, the valve stems are trash too.  When I got these coon heads, they were not set up for 11/32 guides.  When I brought them to Keith Craft in Arkansas for the valve job, he said that he had to replace the valve guides to work with the Ferrea valves he would be installing.  Unfortunately, when Jays Machine shop dug into the heads, they found that the valve guides were just "sleeved", and that this was done poorly.  We are now having to have correct valve guides (11/32) custom machined.  At least we will know the right stuff has been installed this time  :0)

So to sum it up, this is where we are currently.  The heads and block are in good shape... no damage!  Cams will be replaced with Comp Cams, rockers and rocker shafts are being replaced with brand new T & D units, Brand new Intake and exhaust valves all the way around, New Springs and retainers (Comp cams), new valve job to be done on the heads, New Bearings all the way around with the cam bearings in the heads, Cam bearings in the block (special Robert Pond bearings), and main bearings.  Crank is being turned down to ensure it is not out of round.  This is where we are currently.  We are a few weeks out on the valve guides, so in that time frame, Jay is coming up with a list of all the little things we will need for assembly and I will get them all ordered up and sent out to him.

Good stuff!

[57 lima bean]

As of 11/19/15     (Read 97567 times) Wish I had your money cobracammer

[cjshaker]

When I brought them to Keith Craft in Arkansas for the valve job, he said that he had to replace the valve guides to work with the Ferrea valves he would be installing.  Unfortunately, when Jays Machine shop dug into the heads, they found that the valve guides were just "sleeved", and that this was done poorly. 

It seems that I've read plenty of stuff over the last year or 2 about Craft doing shoddy work. And Brent said he sold out and got out of the engine business, which sounds like a good thing. He used to do good work from what I had seen, but apparently that had changed somewhere along the line.

[cobracammer]

Hey Doug, that's Interesting. Wonder why he sold?  If I remember correctly, his shop is actually on the same property where his home was.  I wonder who purchased it.  In other news, I managed to come up with another new in the box complete set of Ferrea light weight Valves for the cammer engine.  They are currently on their way to Jay.  We are almost ready to start ordering bearings and gaskets for the build. 

[BH107]

I've heard reviews both ways... Know a guy with a very strong KC engine in his Cobra, and heard of problems as well.

Brent said on the other forum that Keith sold out the engine business to an employee.

[cobracammer]

Hey all.  I hope that everyone had a GREAT Thanksgiving!!!!  Happy Holidays to everyone!

[cobracammer]

Hello All,

Small Update.  Jay said that the custom machined valve guides are on their way.  Hopefully he gets them in this week and will bring them over to the machine shop to have them installed in the heads.  We are currently still awaiting the delivery of the Cams, springs, and retainers from Comp Cams.  Hopefully they arrive this week as well.  We are hoping that the machine shop will also have some information on the Crank Shaft so that I can put in the order for bearings and such.  Good times ahead.  As for now, the Saleen is still stored with a tank full of premium fuel infused with Fuel stabilizer for the long harsh Florida winter!  I will keep you all posted. 

[gdaddy01]

probably get down to 45 degrees

[Hemi Joel]

... for the long harsh Florida winter!  I will keep you all posted.

I feel for you, having to endure that harsh Florida winter. Dont get too sunburnt!
  Lol

[cobracammer]

OK got a few things ordered up the other day and on their way to Jay's.  With a visit to PrecisionOilPumps, I ordered up a complete set of Gaskets, Intake gasket, Valve Cover Gaskets, and the cam shells for the heads. 

As soon as we hear back on the Crankshaft from the machine shop, we will get the main bearings and the rod bearings ordered up and on their way.  Also, we are still awaiting the cams ordered from Comp.  :0)

[jayb]

I was at the machine shop yesterday dropping off the valves and guides for Jason's heads, and my machinist showed me some failures in the valve seats that I have never seen before.  Check out the outside diameter of the seats, which are all chipped and cracked:







Notice that all these chips are on the very outside edge of the seats, not where the valve seals against the seat.  I have never seen seats look like this before.  My machinist thinks that the seats themselves may have been defective from the start.  He is afraid that they will continue to chip and crack if we leave them in, and will eventually lose press fit and come out.  We are going to replace them, but I wanted to know if anyone has seen this issue before?  Its a very strange failure...

[WConley]

I'd like to hear the story of where those seats came from and how they were installed.  They sure look like powder metal to me! 

I wonder if there is excessive press-fit.  No doubt those would have cracked and fallen out over time.  I've seen failures like this in OEM stuff (Escort engines) but never in a performance build like this!

- Bill

[jayb]

Pretty sure those seats came with the heads; maybe Jason can confirm...

[cobracammer]

I believe they did.  I am pretty sure they were already installed and Keith Craft just did a 3 angle valve job on them.  I was looking for the receipt to be sure.