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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!ttidca!ttidcb!bellas
From: bellas@ttidcb.UUCP (Pete Bellas)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: Engine Performance Mods
Message-ID: <602@ttidcb.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 2-Jan-86 17:10:57 EST
Article-I.D.: ttidcb.602
Posted: Thu Jan  2 17:10:57 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 3-Jan-86 05:34:45 EST
References: <143@amc.UUCP>
Reply-To: bellas@ttidcb.UUCP (Pete Bellas)
Distribution: na
Organization: Transaction Technology, Inc. (CitiCorp), Santa Monica
Lines: 49

In article <143@amc.UUCP> eric@amc.UUCP (Eric McRae) writes:
>
>I have a '78 Trailduster.  This is Plymouth's clone of Dodge's
>Ramcharger, a big 4WD tank.  The rig is generally in good shape but
>I'd like to try to improve the engine's performance.
>
>1.     Headers and dual exhaust.

Very good choice. Don't go for "competition headers", stay with small
primaries (1 1/2 inch or < ) and small collectors (3 inch or < ).
Also consider the "alumacoat" finish as they remain in new condition
almost for ever (8 years + for me).

>2.     Intake manifold (4 barrel carb???).

Good choice.  As above stay in the "small" range or you will lose all
that bottom end.  A 600 cfm on a "torker" or "SP2P" style manifold
(those are edelbrock names, but there are a lot of others) works well.

>3.     Non-stock cam (and solid lifters?).

Maybe.  A good "mid range" cam is as high as I would go, you want one
that will leave you with a good idle and some low end torque, there is
nothing worse than a 4WD that has no power below 3000 rpms!  As for the
lifters, stay hydraulic.

>4.     Port polishing (Does it really help?).

Nay.  I have done it on engines and until you get into HIGH rpms it
is of little value.

5.      Balancing

This is my addition to the list.  If you are going to have the engine
torn down by all means have it balanced.  A street balanceing job
(+- 1 gram) is only about $75 and makes the engine run noticeably
smoother.  It is one of the few things that give you more power and
better economy!

Good luck.

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^                                                                          ^
v   Pete Bellas             "When it is not necessary to make a decision,  v
^   Citicorp TTI             it is necessary to not make a decision."      ^
v   Santa Monica, CA                Lord Faukland                          v
^                                                                          ^
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