Knock sensors for FE

[chilly460]

Serious question, what about running something like Octanium?  I've read up quite a bit on this, at first thinking it was another "snake oil" BS octane booster, but apparently it's legitimate.  Seems if you're on the edge of being able to run 91oct, this could get you in a range that would work? Certainly easier to use than acquiring/storing/transporting/mixing race gas

https://vpracingfuels.com/product/octanium/?c=207

[My427stang]

The "D" cam will be nostalgic for sure, but it will be down 20-30 hp to a modern camshaft that's smaller.  If I remember correctly, it has 100° of overlap (or maybe a hair more).   Jay's first camshaft in his cylinder head test mule engine had 102° and it was just pushing power out the exhaust. 

You are 100% right, and the power is as much of an issue as is the unburned fuel hitting the O2 sensor, assuming he wants it to work as one.  WB O2 sensors are better than ever, and the ECMs are smarter than ever, but none of them like excessive overlap

[Falcon67]

I can only tell you here in TX with 10.5:1 old school iron heads and a decent hydro roller, it takes 50/50 mix of 91/VP110 to keep the plugs clean.  Above 11 (old dragster motor was 11.5) I'd run straight 110.  That's 9.50/gallon at the track or about $7.80/gallon in a 54 gallon drum.  Last year anyway, probably more this year.  Why I switched to methanol at $200/drum.  The new motor is 12.5:1, marginal for 110 so next up is like 14.72/gallon for C12 (VP web site list price) if I want to run gas.  Pass. 

[gregaba]

I guess I should have been more clear on my plans. I plan on adding the EFI after I change out the cams. I will run a Holly 850 for the first 6 months.
I know the cam choice is not the best compared to the modern cams.
The reason I want to run the D can is 1 because I have it but the real reason is my dad had the D cam in his racing Cobra in 65. I just want too hear it for a while for the memories.
When I get the custom cam then I will install the EFI.
As to the gas available if I could find a system I would run CNG in it. I can buy it here for $1.69 a gallon at the local station. I run it in my 2013 F 250 and love it. I have been looking for a conversion that will fit in the trunk of the 63 but no luck so far.
I guess I will have to run gas and booster for the first 6 months and then re figure for the EFI with the modern cam set up.
I will try the Octanium  and see how it works.
I will do one thing though. I have found a shop with a wheel dyno and I will have a dyno pull with the D cam and then go back after the cam change and make a comparison.
Thanks for the advice on the Rocket fuel I really don't to have to change out my pistons.
Another thing I really do appreciate all of the advice. It has been a few years since I have built a FE and I am really out of the mainstream on them. I have been building the 385 series and 351C engines along with the other customers engines since the 70's and I take all recommendations to heart.
so I want to say thanks for all the advice.
Greg

[blykins]

The reason I want to run the D can is 1 because I have it but the real reason is my dad had the D cam in his racing Cobra in 65. I just want too hear it for a while for the memories.

Understandable. 

[cjshaker]

Skip the Rocket fuel.  I've heard of a lot of guys burning holes in pistons with their stuff.  Find you a drum of VP C12 or Sunoco 110. 

Just curious about that statement. Are you referring to Rocket brand fuel? Any ideas why you've heard those stories, or why their particular fuel is bad? I only ask because Rocket is the brand used during Drag Week, and quite a few guys use it during the week of racing. Can't say that I remember a lot of issues with guys burning holes in pistons, and we're talking about quite a few serious engines.

[blykins]

Skip the Rocket fuel.  I've heard of a lot of guys burning holes in pistons with their stuff.  Find you a drum of VP C12 or Sunoco 110. 

Just curious about that statement. Are you referring to Rocket brand fuel? Any ideas why you've heard those stories, or why their particular fuel is bad? I only ask because Rocket is the brand used during Drag Week, and quite a few guys use it during the week of racing. Can't say that I remember a lot of issues with guys burning holes in pistons, and we're talking about quite a few serious engines.

I edited my post... Renegade was the fuel, not Rocket.

[gregaba]

Glad to here that. I have one 55 gallon drum in my storage and was planning on buying a drum every other month.
On my build I check the gaskets and they compress to 0.40 so I think I will have to blend my fuel.
Greg

[Leny Mason]

Hi. I just made drain plugs to except a Bosh two wire censor, that is were  GM puts there's in the 350 blocks so we are going to try that. Leny

[gregaba]

Be sure to let us know how they work out.
Thanks
Greg

[Stangman]

Between the solid D cam and a solid roller I would think its gonna trigger those sensors from valve lash.  Of course im not sure about that im just thinking out loud. Maybe a hydraulic roller would be quieter.

[gregaba]

You are more then likely right but if I don't try I won't know.
I have all ways been willing to try something that I don't know anything about and if it doesn't work then I will try something else.
I enjoy experimenting even if I make an ass out of myself.
Greg

[Stangman]

I would assume they can be programmed not to be so sensitive.

[gregaba]

I don't know.
These are a new idea to me and I am not sure how to program a stand alone system.
I was thinking of trying different ones until I came up with one that would work.
My friend who owns the junk yard will let me try any that he has there. All I have to do is label them to the car I took them off of for his inventory purpose's.
Greg

[Stangman]

Well there are alot of stock noisey motors out there. My jeep wrangler is alittle on the noisy side. they even have foan on the valve covers to hold down noise. the knock sensor on them are in the valley under intake.