My Inheritance

[Turbo Zach]

If those heads flow 300cfm +, then the cam is ill spec'd for the build imo based on the looks of hp and tq curve.

If the bottom end is what you've described, then it begs for a turbo. 500hp + 10 psi = need functioning seat belts lol.

I think that should be the long term goal adding a turbo or blower to it. I think that would make it the beast my dad envisioned it to be? That will not happen until I mini tub it and get a better tire under it. Meanwhile I will focus on getting it drivable and reliable.

 

[DRIVEN]

I really like it how it is.

 

[64nailhead]

I agree, it's hard not to like it the way it sits.

A turbo is going to a mess of your engine bay unless you have some really pretty stainless pipes tig'd. A blower would look more appropriate imo, but then you're into a hole in the hood.

It's your car and you and your father's vision, do as you want.

 

[Turbo Zach]

I really like it how it is.

Don't worry. At the rate I am moving it will not happen for like ten years. By then we will probably be trying to convert it to electric power.

 

[bracketchev1221]

Well there was a Merlin oval and a Merlin rectangle port head. There also was a small and large port rectangle head. So it would be good to know which head it is. There should be casting numbers under the valve cover to figure out what you have. The oval port would be a good head for what you have. Do you even know if the engine is a 454 or a 4.25” stroke engine yet?

 

[Texas82GP]

I grew up in the 80's. It's hard for me to get used to the notion that a big block Nova making nearly 500HP/500ft. lbs. doesn't make enough power for the street and needs a power adder. Back then, those were monster numbers. I think they still are. I think we're just numbed by the 600+ HP factory cars. Don't forget though, those things are pushing 4500 pounds.

 

[Turbo Zach]

Well there was a Merlin oval and a Merlin rectangle port head. There also was a small and large port rectangle head. So it would be good to know which head it is. There should be casting numbers under the valve cover to figure out what you have. The oval port would be a good head for what you have. Do you even know if the engine is a 454 or a 4.25” stroke engine yet?

They are big rectangle port Merlin heads. I know that much. It was a Corvette 427. He said it had a forged steel Corvette crank, but later he talked about a forged stroker crank. That I am not sure if he followed through with the stroker crank or not? He also sold all the extra big block parts to help fund this one.

 

[Turbo Zach]

I grew up in the 80's. It's hard for me to get used to the notion that a big block Nova making nearly 500HP/500ft. lbs. doesn't make enough power for the street and needs a power adder. Back then, those were monster numbers. I think they still are. I think we're just numbed by the 600+ HP factory cars. Don't forget though, those things are pushing 4500 pounds.

I get what you are saying. Here is how I see it. I have a perfect cruising car. The black Monte. This car is a short run fun car. It needs to scare me a little or I am not satisfied. Besides the paint and wheels it looks the part of a race car. It might as well be fast. It has solid motor mounts and body mounts. A cage, roll bar, racing seats, no back seat. You get the vibe now?

 

[81cutlass]

Did you decide what the rear suspension plan is? I know you were looking at making some changes.

Looking at the dyno plots it keeps making power up to 6k so maybe revving a bit higher isn't a terrible idea?

Be interesting to take it to North Iowa Dragways and see what it runs!

 

[Texas82GP]

I get what you are saying. Here is how I see it. I have a perfect cruising car. The black Monte. This car is a short run fun car. It needs to scare me a little or I am not satisfied. Besides the paint and wheels it looks the part of a race car. It might as well be fast. It has solid motor mounts and body mounts. A cage, roll bar, racing seats, no back seat. You get the vibe now?

Yeah, I get it. I'm just surprised it won't scare you now.