Hi Guys, I've done some research on the hamb...and am left with more questions then answers. Here is the deal - Im running a 100% stock 8ba which i will keep as a reliable, running reserve. I have the opportunity to get an 8ba with 4 pot manifold running 2 reco 97's (the others are blocked off). The engine itself is stock (stock heads and internals), but comes with new dizzy, alternator, gaskets etc etc. What i would like to know is, how much performance can i get with a simple cam swap. I want to up the fun factor with the new engine without doing a full rebuild etc. So tell me what you would do..and what you would use. Danny
anything that would help the valve train(like a cam) would be good for breathing....headers would be a great choice also...easy to change
Hey mate, sorry i should have added that...i'll run the headers i have on my current engine. do you hjave any cam recommendations? danny
Hey Psycho, You will need to put in adjustable lifters if your going to put any sort of decent cam in it. Plus if it is a stock engine and running your going to have to pull it pretty much to pieces to get to what you want anyway. Question? would it be worth while putting the new engine in as is and slowly building a hotter flatty as time and money allow? Your call, but as most blokes will say, as soon as something is in pieces it seem that you find more than what your originally thought to do, ie porting and relieving etc. then heads then... thats just hotrodding kicking in!
Hey Psycho....I got a better idea. It sounds like your stressin' over it, so I'll tell ya what. I'll come over and relieve you of this "headache" and u will be FREE of this disease called hot rodding forever !! Thats a bona fide offer..... Fair deal ? Rat
Installing a cam without other changes wont buy you much except for a lope. Stock ignition can barely make 3500 rpm; exhaust ports are highly restrictive so headers wont do much without some porting. Stock heads can be shaved up to around .100 depending on which casting and this assumes they are uncut. You can get away with a .365 cam and .050 off EAB heads for instance; but with casting tolerances it is always good to clay if you are close to the edge. Block porting or relief wont do very much if anything for a stock displacement. Which 4 pot intake? There are several runner designs so be certain you arent starving some cylinders. Ive been looking for a 4 hole Edelbrock but no luck up this way. Drop the pan and check your oil pump, you want one with bevel gears which is identical to the Melling M19 still sold today. Early square cut gears wont make good pressure at high rpm, in the US they went with the high volume pump in late 49.
Hey Flat, Yeah thats what i thought - i'm suffering from a lack of funds at the moment...so i thought there may be a cheep kind of hopup i could do. it scares me how much it costs to redo a flattie and i seriously cant see myself having 5-6k to rebuild one anytime soon. thanks for the advice. hey you free to hook up soon so i can check the 5spd setup? danny [ QUOTE ] Hey Psycho, You will need to put in adjustable lifters if your going to put any sort of decent cam in it. Plus if it is a stock engine and running your going to have to pull it pretty much to pieces to get to what you want anyway. Question? would it be worth while putting the new engine in as is and slowly building a hotter flatty as time and money allow? Your call, but as most blokes will say, as soon as something is in pieces it seem that you find more than what your originally thought to do, ie porting and relieving etc. then heads then... thats just hotrodding kicking in! [/ QUOTE ]
Hey Rat, Its times like this i have to pinch myself - when friends ive made on the hamb come out to help a fellow rodder in need. yeah im stressing and i cant wait to get the fucker out of my hands. look, id feel guilty just letting you take one for the team like that, so why dont i relive you of that burden called deuce coop you've been slaving over. that way we're both helping each other out. hey what are friends for!! danny [ QUOTE ] Hey Psycho....I got a better idea. It sounds like your stressin' over it, so I'll tell ya what. I'll come over and relieve you of this "headache" and u will be FREE of this disease called hot rodding forever !! Thats a bona fide offer..... Fair deal ? Rat [/ QUOTE ]
give us a buz, wed/thurs arent any good this week. You going to ballarat on Sunday? I'm thinking about it. Rat might want to passanger, if he can be arsed.
Adam!@! Nice to see your still alive. I guess I know why youve been away. Ballarat road rodders run, they have a show and shine on the sunday. I had heard about a swap too, but cant confirm that at all. However , doesnt look like the weather is going to be good? will wait and decide. Rat, I am going to go if its ok weather wise, if your interested in shotgun. Flatoz
Why does rebuilding a flathead have to cost $5K - $6K? Can't you get a book and do it yourself? Machine work is machine work, wether it's a Chevy 350 or a Flathead. 8BA blocks have insert bearings. Oil pump, water pumps, gaskets etc are available at Autozone.... Chevy valves fit into flatheads. I'll give it to you that intakes and heads are a bit pricey, but you can get the both for around $500. I don't get why everyone is afraid of flatheads!
Elrod, were not living in the US, I can PM you a list of prices for parts in OZ and the cost of machine work ( probably not that different) but heads intake and ANY other item that has to come from the US, basically take the price you pay for it and tripple it and that is how much it cost in Australian Dollars. 5-6K is a good estimate, I did a calculation on building my engine and that was the price I came up with. not inculded in the price were water pumps, intake or carbs or my electronic dizzy I already have all of these. We just have to put up with higher costs coz everything is shipped here and the good ole' government loves to put taxes on imported goods. Could be worse, we could be in the UK!!!!! Flatoz Rat, go buy a pair of swimming goggles, you may need them ( flippers are at your descression )
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