Its Just Me

That looks like a good price for the package if it all checks out. I've heard nothing but good about this place. They are a strong supporter of the Team Chevelle site. http://jodystransmissions.com If I were looking for a 5 speed, I'd start here. Keep us tuned in, always like to hear about these conversions. Scott

I don't know that there is a truly accurate way to determine the rotation c/l of the ball socket of a stamped steel rocker arm. I believe this is your question, yes? I've wondered the same thing. Easy enough on a roller "tip", but not so much at the ball socket. Without the rotation C/L of the ball socket it's a little difficult to find 90 degrees to the valve like the video shows. Will the stamped tip leave a consistent mark on the valve stem through a full lift cycle? If so, could you adjust pushrod length for the thinest mark, or centermost mark, kinda like the old fashioned way? I don't know if this will work on stamped arms though. I wish I had an answer for you. Hopefully, someone else has an idea. I've heard that the Comp Ultra Pro Magnum roller rockers are a low profile, but not sure they will clear stock covers...maybe worth a call to comp. Good Luck. Scott

Great job Bruce, I feel like I did my own, only without scratched up hands! Scott

I've heard good things about Freak Show, but have no experience. I put a Coan Racing 2400-2600 in my SS. Linked below: http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/KeywordSearchCmd?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&langId=-1&Ntk=all&Jnar=0&itemPerPage=60&Ne=1%2B2%2B3%2B13%2B1147708&searchTerm=206-COA-20211-4 I caught it when it was on sale & paid $330. Very happy with it & highly recommended. I worked with Coan for a recommendation (to match my combination), then ordered through Jegs. I don't think you'll go wrong either way. Just be sure to match stall with engine mods. Scott

Does anyone remember where one can get the custom air cleaner decals? The ones that look original but say something like Turbo Jet 468, 525 HP. I think it was an e-bay thing but don't remember. Scott

I was wondering how your build was coming along. Thanks for the update. I would lay money on Chris being within 5-10 HP of his estimate. If he is off, I'll bet he was conservative, and you will see bigger numbers. I've got his (Straub/Clay Smith) hydraulic roller cam in my 460 big block Chevelle. I'm just running OEM valved 781 heads w/9.4:1 compression. The engine starts in an instant and it has a very different sound than when I ran a ZZ502 HR cam. Crisp is a good term for the sound. Throttle response is unbelievable. It has a very aggressive idle, but it has the street manners of a pure stocker. That is, until you go MM (Maximum Mash). Then you better to be ready to be grabbing gears cuz it pulls like a freight train thru 6000 rpm. It makes mincemeat of my 275r-15 Nittos thru 2 gears from a roll, it finally grabs in 3rd. I have no idea on actual HP/TQ. All I can say is the Butt dyno is HAPPY. You will be very pleased with your combo. Just be careful until you get a handle on the new found power passion. Things happen really fast when adrenaline is flowing & tires are spinning. I'd hate to see that car (& you) injured. End of preach. Have fun & keep us updated! Can't wait to hear how you like it. FYI, I think Chris will send you a free t-shirt if you post a video of your Straub cammed car running/idleing on u-tube. You may want to ask about that. Scott

No Larry, I didn't. When I was under my car, your photo didn't quite look like what I saw, so it got me to thinking...(never good)...Your car (an SS) would have a TH400, my small block Custom has a TH350. I don't know if the vin would be in the same general location or not. My shifter linkage bracket is covering the area similar to what your photo shows, so it may be there, I just haven't taken the time to remove the bracket & look closely. I thought I read somewhere that the vin on the TH350 is further forward, more on the left bell flange, nearer the engine block. I don't see any numbers there either, but I may be mistaken on the location, or I just have a bad angle and exhaust in the way. Either way, 15" of snow over the weekend put the Monte's to bed early this year . When I begin my winter Monte "to do" list, I'll research & look a little closer. Scott

That's cool Larry. And thanks for the photo. I was looking for the VIN on the trans in my 72 Custom the other day, but didn't really know where to look. Back to the garage I go! Scott

I'm curious how the butt dyno rates this engine compared to your original. Keep us posted. I'm planning vortex heads on my '72 350 to bump the compression and get better flow. Do you know if the Vortec Performer RPM has bolt holes for the stock a/c bracket? Scott

From "Blazing Saddles", one of my favorites! Scott