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Oh what the head gasket!

Good news it is running. I was guessing it was exhaust leak since you couldn't hear it with a dowel rod and it got louder with load. Did you have a loose header bolt?

Glad its running again, hopefully this time it will stay running for a while!
 
Nah headers are tight and have new aluminum gaskets. Its the collectors that are leaking. The whole exhaust needs to be replaced anyway but I was waiting to install the track bar I have from ORD before I replace it since it will tie into the frame right where the mufflers currently are.
I'll install it when I'm back home next month. But for the exhaust should I stick with the 2.5" dual or bump to 3" dual? Also I'll be running an X-pipe regardless.
 
Depends on what you plan on doing later. I don't think you need 3" until you get around 450 - 500 hp or more. But, as long as your primary tubes aren't too big you probably won't lose anything by going with 3", it will get louder though. Then again. On my 388 in da regal I have dual 2.25", I gain about 2 tenths and 2 MPH when I uncork it, which means I lose about 20 hp. I don't know how much of a difference it would be with 2.5". But 3" would definitely be fine since the collectors are 3". Another thing, my old hooker SB headers had 2.5" collectors. Probably will only lose velocity going to 3" if you have a 2.5" collector? or are your 3"?

Also, FYI, I had those aluminum header gaskets, those work very well, AFTER you tighten the headers bolts from the first several heat cycles. Keep tightening them after every cool down until they are still tight when you check them, and from then on they won't budge.
 
3" sounds sweet. But it can be a pain to run in tight spaces. Itd be overkill im sure but its all up to you.
 
folkenheath said:
Depends on what you plan on doing later. I don't think you need 3" until you get around 450 - 500 hp or more. But, as long as your primary tubes aren't too big you probably won't lose anything by going with 3", it will get louder though. Then again. On my 388 in da regal I have dual 2.25", I gain about 2 tenths and 2 MPH when I uncork it, which means I lose about 20 hp. I don't know how much of a difference it would be with 2.5". But 3" would definitely be fine since the collectors are 3". Another thing, my old hooker SB headers had 2.5" collectors. Probably will only lose velocity going to 3" if you have a 2.5" collector? or are your 3"?

Also, FYI, I had those aluminum header gaskets, those work very well, AFTER you tighten the headers bolts from the first several heat cycles. Keep tightening them after every cool down until they are still tight when you check them, and from then on they won't budge.
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Ya I've had the aluminum gaskets before and once they are torqued you never need to touch them. What's leaking now are the warn out ball and socket collectors. They need to be replaced.

I estimate the engine probably makes about 450hp (is that even close?) I think 3" might be the way to go. I forget how big the primaries are. They are Headman Elite series and have 3" collectors.
 
I'd estimate closer to 400 hp. You do have good heads but it's still a relatively mild cam and compression even though they are nice roller pieces. You'd have to make 1.27 hp/cube to make 450 hp, and your engine is not built to that level or spin enough RPM to make that power ratio I don't think, but it is a very nice engine for what you are using it for.
 
I would still do at least 3". You will want bigger pipe for when you install the NO2 anyway.
 
folkenheath said:
I'd estimate closer to 400 hp. You do have good heads but it's still a relatively mild cam and compression even though they are nice roller pieces. You'd have to make 1.27 hp/cube to make 450 hp, and your engine is not built to that level or spin enough RPM to make that power ratio I don't think, but it is a very nice engine for what you are using it for.
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I'm eager to put it on a dyno and see for sure. It spins 6k rpm no problem, maybe more but the lifters are rated for 6200rpm. If I wanted more I'd have to go solid roller.




80' 427 said:
I would still do at least 3". You will want bigger pipe for when you install the NO2 anyway.
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Lol no NO2 for me, that would surely destroy the poor old 2 bolt main... :screwy:
 
80' 427 said:
I would still do at least 3". You will want bigger pipe for when you install the NO2 anyway.
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:haha: I like your style!

Chevy305 said:
I'm eager to put it on a dyno and see for sure. It spins 6k rpm no problem, maybe more but the lifters are rated for 6200rpm. If I wanted more I'd have to go solid roller.

They make more expensive hyd rollers that can spine 6500 or so, you could go beehive valvesprings and titanium retainers too. But there really is no point, you probably make peak power below 6K anyway.

Lol no NO2 for me, that would surely destroy the poor old 2 bolt main... :screwy:
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Ah, a 100 shot wouldn't hurt it every so often. Just make sure you turn your timing back a little and richen your WOT mixture first! I've thought about it myself. But I'd have to research the new fuel jet numbers for EFI fuel pressure through the carb plate.
 
Going on the bottle isn't my style. I'd rather strap on a hair dryer :deal:
 
I used to be like that, I always thought, the bottle runs out, and it's only temporary. But guess what, $ for $ the bottle is the most bang for the buck and super easy to install. And the hair dryer is not instant. The moment the bottle turns on you instantly have the power and torque, no waiting around, and its violent! I'd still like a forced air big block in my regal though, but maybe with a small shot to act as a cooling charge with the SC or maybe even help spool a turbo up quicker.

But hey, even with a supercharger you still want a bigger exhaust...
 
Ok I know you think I am dumb as hell but the best power adder ever was my trips to the chassis dyno. I have found as much as 75 hp. I have been so many times they are now my buddies and since I am forced to live in this S---hole during school I have my tool boxes and engines and cars and such there. Don't go for a dyno day, go for at least a 1/2 day and have a bung welded into your pipe before you get there for the wide band.
 
I already have a wide band with the Ez EFI :deal:

I feel like I've comfortably maxed out the block and crank on the power I'm currently making. And rather than put more $$ into going forged stroker with splayed mains, I'd rather put my money towards a superior LS based engine that takes boost well from the factory.
 
Got your old heads today i think. My dad just texted me... "you got a box lol. It says dart on it, the fock did you buy lol". Haha so im guessing you put them in the dart box? And yes i get my "lol" useage from poppa Deuling lol.
 
80' 427 said:
the best power adder ever was my trips to the chassis dyno. I have found as much as 75 hp.
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What chu talkin bout willis? 75 hp is less than the smallest pill. :popcorn:
On a more serious note I feel like I picked up consdirable power and throttle response with the EFI as well. Built in wideband and as much as I tried to tune the vacuum carb it is a different animal with the EFI. I've always wanted to go to the track with it and try different A/F ratios to see what it liked to tune it even better now that I can change fueling by pushing a couple buttons.
 
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