Putting A Little Pep In My 390's Step

[Nightmist66]

Didn't see this until today. Very nice stuff, lot of patience there.

I will say I have never had an engine give me so many issues. I haven't included any of that though, thought I would spare everyone. My patience has worn exceedingly thin with this thing...

[Nightmist66]

Forgot a shot of the rockers and the whole engine:

[Nightmist66]

Couple of last minute mockup things. I decided to try a different approach to my coolant drain setup. I am going to tie both the block drains into a tee with the radiator, so I can drain it all at once and from a convenient place. I also picked up some 3/8" valve cover spacers so I can clear my custom rocker stands without modifying the baffles. Since everything has been milled, I needed to elongate a few of the holes so the spacers and valve covers would line up.

[Heo]

heo , is it cold there yet ? 90 here in Florida , would like some cooler whether

Below freezing at nights for the last week or so. When i let the dogs out this morning
there was a light snowfall, I trade your weather for mine weather any day

[cjshaker]

Very nice work, Jared. Something tells me you've put a little thought into this build? 
12.5:1 compression is pretty stout. What does your dynamic compression work out to? I assume you want it to work on pump gas while on the street? Any thoughts of doing Drag Week if it comes around to your area?

I'll be curious, after some street miles, if you have any seeping issues on the oil pan, since you didn't use a gasket. Was your thinking to eliminate the pan deformation that occurs when using the gasket?

[Nightmist66]

Very nice work, Jared. Something tells me you've put a little thought into this build? 
12.5:1 compression is pretty stout. What does your dynamic compression work out to? I assume you want it to work on pump gas while on the street? Any thoughts of doing Drag Week if it comes around to your area?

I'll be curious, after some street miles, if you have any seeping issues on the oil pan, since you didn't use a gasket. Was your thinking to eliminate the pan deformation that occurs when using the gasket?

Thanks Doug.

I would've liked a little more compression. I was hoping this time around to bump it a full point from last time. It was 12.0:1 before, did a little more milling this time, but not enough to reach 13:1. I had to check on the dynamic again because I forgot. It came out to 8.99:1. I was not concerned this time about pump gas, but I *might* get by if I am very careful with a few tweaks and don't flog it. I think I have settled on a 4.71 gear for now. I have a 4.86, but might be a wisker too much. I would've loved to do Drag Week '17 with it, which is why I'm in this boat right now. In '17, the tracks couldn't have been any closer for me. It was ideal. I live about halfway between Byron and Cordova. About 40-45 mins. to Byron and 1 hr to Cordova. Easy drive to the track when I want to race. I see the list for the 2020 tracks, and am debating. I should have the car together by then. I couldn't JUST build a new engine......I had to upgrade everything front to rear.....may add that to my build thread.

I haven't seen any seepage yet on the pan rail or timing cover. I have a good amount of faith in it. I use Motorcraft TA-31 exclusively. I haven't found anything that the stuff won't seal through. I first started using it at the dealership and saw how well it worked, so I started using it at home on my own junk. All late model engines are assembled with just sealer. Only gaskets are for intake and valve covers. I also didn't want to stack 2-3 cork gaskets in there and worry about cross member clearance and also pickup depth. The pickup depth checked fine the way it is currently.

[bluef100fe]

Looks good Jared, didn’t you get a set of main caps from me? Or was that a different build?

[Nightmist66]

Thanks Cody.

Yes, I did get a set of your caps. Unfortunately, they did not line up with this block. After some measuring, I found out the crank centerline was slightly offset. Thus, I needed to start over with some new caps matched to this block. Mine may have been a Friday build.....on the 13th...

[Nightmist66]

Not a lot of spare time lately, but got a few minor things done. Got the new Moroso Ultra 40 wires on and removed the lettering and added smooth boots at distributor cap. Took a chance and bought the FAST distributor cap. It was black with brass terminals as I was hoping. Finished mockup of the new fuel system. Mounted the Barry Grant 820cfm with Holley big billet regulator and -6 lines and -8 insulated feed.

[Nightmist66]

Thought I would dust off this old thread with a minor update. Engine has been in the car for a few months, I have had it running and driving for a couple. Engine now has a little over 300 miles and all seems well. I have finally after waiting almost a month, made it to the track for the first time. Car has been down for 4 years for "maintenance". The weather has not been cooperating lately with freezing temps and rain. Yesterday was my last ditch effort, I thought to make it down the track before it closes for the year.

I drove the car to the track(about 45mins.) starting out below 40° and on the slicks. Temp did make it to mid 50's by end of day. We got there, got tech'd in, and found a place to park. I checked a couple things like timing, tire press., and rear shock settings. I go up and make my first run. Felt okay, but spun off the line. Get my time slip and head back to the pits. It ran 11.47 @ 122.00. I get back to the pits and surprised to run into a couple FE forum members with their cars. I made a couple more passes, but didn't improve any(slowed a tenth or two) due to lack of traction. This whole time at the track we are fighting at least 20-25mph straight headwind coming up the track. I should also mention it was a diesel drag event and a lot of people on street tires not helping the starting line(another excuse). So, right when I go to make my last(5th) pass for the day, they throw some fresh prep down on the line. I tried launching anywhere from 4000-5500 before. I tried 4500 one last time. It tried to hook, but broke loose just a tad. I made my best pass for the day. 11.37 @ 121.99 w/ a 1.65 60'. My 60' times were all over before from 1.79-1.91(no hooky). I air'd the tires back up and headed home. All in all, had a good time and was great to talk with a couple fellow members. Nothing broke and car felt strong, so that was a plus. I have a pic of the last time slip. You can see there is much room for improvement, mostly in the short track. And yes, I was making a sandwich as the light changed. I am also a sucker for punishment shifting through an old Hurst competition plus. The car weighs right at 3650 with me in it. With the strong head wind, I feel there is another 1-2mph left in it. I will be satisfied when I see a 10 sec slip. Baby steps....




A couple shots from Sat.





The little 397 as it sits:

[thatdarncat]

Engine looks beautiful and it’s going to fool some people when they see it’s performance, glad to see you got a chance to get it out and start having fun with it. Those numbers are certainly encouraging, I’m sure you’ll make your goal.

[cjshaker]

Driving to the track, racing, then driving home? Sounds like you're all set for Drag Week

Congrats on a good outing, and having no issues. That's got to build your confidence in the engine! How did your trans shift? Your speed certainly indicates you have more potential in the car. Hopefully winter will hold off so you can get some more seat time.

The engine really looks great, Jared. Even the engine tag looks new..lol

[Stangman]

Awesome Jared excellent attention to detail. Strong outing with alot more potential still left. Those 60 ft times will be in the high 140s to low 150s before long. Congrats!!!

[Nightmist66]

Thank you Kevin, Doug, and Joe. I appreciate the compliments.

Driving to the track, racing, then driving home? Sounds like you're all set for Drag Week

Congrats on a good outing, and having no issues. That's got to build your confidence in the engine! How did your trans shift? Your speed certainly indicates you have more potential in the car. Hopefully winter will hold off so you can get some more seat time.

Yes Doug, the plan was to make it to DW this year with the car. I was already registered. It was going to be close getting the roll bar and trailer hitch installed before the race, but I think I would have made it. Once they cancelled the race, I went back to dragging my feet getting the car finished. I STILL don't have the roll bar or hitch installed. 

I've had a few teething issues leading up to going to the track. I still don't have full confidence in it, but getting there. Yes, I did have no issues driving there, racing, or driving home. The trans shifts pretty good being pro-shifted. I am power shifting it at the track and occasionally on the street. I have learned REAL quick, unless I double clutch when cruising around on the street, the slider teeth will get burred up quickly. I've already pulled the trans once to deburr the 3-4 slider. Easy fix, but it still all has to come apart. Weather is looking like it will cooperate for this coming week/weekend, so I think I will try to go and improve some. To answer an update for you from a while back, I have seen no leaks at all from just using the sealer around the pan rail, timing cover, rear main cap, etc. She's sealed up nice so far....


Joe, if I get the 60' down to the 1.4 range, LOOK OUT 10's. 


Forgot to mention earlier, I'm still running through exhaust and have the little 750dp carb on it.

[6667fan]

Jared, that is an awesome first outing with new engine! I hope you get another trip to track in before season is over. If you do please consider posting results in Drag Strip Results section.
Did the 4.71s get engine to the trap rpm you were after? Are you running 9 x 28 slicks?
Great results!