Hello,

 I have a 55' Country Sedan 6 pass. wagon that I'm building. I wanted to get some opinions on what some of ya think it may run in the 1/4 when completed. The way I had it set up just outta high school it would run a 16.2, so this is a baseline to work with.

 Old setup:

 56' 292 bored .060" over flat top pistons (301"), Isky RPM-300 cam 228 duration  @ .050" lift, .448" lift Int/exh, 1.54:1 rockers, ECZ-B heads 1.78 intake 8.0:1 comp ratio, stock 4bbl manifold, Holley 1850 600 cfm carb, truck manifolds, 2.5" exhaust, stock Aircooled Fordomatic, 3.54 cogs.

New setup:

 Same shortblock & cam, ECZ-G heads gasket matched & milled .010", 1.54:1 rockers, Red's fenderwell headers,2.5" exhaust, Blue Thunder intake, Holley 1850 600 Cfm carb, C4 trans manual valvebody, 2500 stall, 4.10 cogs, 10" cheater slicks.

  I know the cam was to big for the origional setup, did it just outta high school, didn't know any better. I'm figuring with the new setup the compression ratio will be a minimum of 9.0:1. The car ran good before, but felt like it was being held back. Now that I think about it the old setup was completely wrong. Well anyway the car would run a 16.2 and with the new setup I'm shooting for a 14.9 and I can go from there. With the new setup does a 14.9 sound possible? Opinions please. 

1955 Wagon 301" C4 Manual Valvebody 2500 stall  

1964 Ranchero 170", Fordomatic 0-60 10 minutes!

                                 
1958 Impala 348 "W" block, TH350

Your question calls for lots of speculation. Can't begin to estimate 1/4 mile times, but a couple of thoughts. You may find that on an engine of just over 300", the Blue Thunder will hurt you below 3000 RPM. This has been seen on a Dyno. Also a 600 Holley is probably all your engine can handle, unless you are a carb "tuner". And if you are street driving this combo, that 4.10 is mighty low for an automatic. Also at a guess, 10" slicks seems like overkill on your setup...just an opinion.

Paul

Have a look at this previous post.

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic1046-4-1.aspx?Highlight=310hp

It's an engine built similar to yours with a few more cubes. I think you might hit 300hp with that combo in good tune. I have to agree with paul on the slicks but as long as they don't bog you down they probably won't hurt. Can't say anything about auto tranny gearing because I know little of automatics. I'll guess mid 15s


Lawrenceville, GA

I agree with Paul, your 4.10 gears may be a little tall for the street. By my calculations, if your rear tires are 27" in diameter your engine will be turning ~ 3600 RPM @ 70 MPH (in 3rd gear).



Of course I have no idea how tall your tires are or what your intended use for the car is, I am just giving you an example.



Is there any other mods to the C-4? The 2500 stall converter should work well with your combo. Is the manual valve body reverse pattern?





Johnson Rod



Southern California

Well, the slicks I was at my desk with a ruler kinda guessing at the size, it's been a long time since I bought them, they are closer to 8"-8.5". The cams powerband is from 2500-5500 rpm, so I'm now wondering if it would be beneficial to use it or go with a worked over stock 4bbl intake. Or would a stock intake make it lose to much on the top end? I'm planning on moslty using this car for fun at the strip (Irwindale or Fontana), so the 4.10's should be fine, I will trailer the car anywhere that requires taking the hwy, and drive it to local cruises. The trans has the standard shift pattern as far as I know, I purchased it from my brother-in-law who had all the work done, and its never been run yet.

1955 Wagon 301" C4 Manual Valvebody 2500 stall  

1964 Ranchero 170", Fordomatic 0-60 10 minutes!

                                 
1958 Impala 348 "W" block, TH350

55,

        I  think it's very possible you'll run 14's with the car. You might not start there, but keep tuning and it'll happen. Now throw it on the trailer and head for Columbus! That's east of you!!

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

For interest lets compare your engine with the Frakes engine. Al's is effectively a 312+10 over for about 314 cu" It has FP Train headers, probably a bit better than Red's, (albeit for Birds only) He has Mummert prepped Heads, likely a noticeable advantage. Cams may be comparable. ? You also have the Blue Thunder so try it out. As I said I suspect it will hurt power from 3000 down, but it's a ?. Al's engine Dynoed at 309 H.P. at 5500 & 340 Ft.LB. at 3500. Charley thinks you might get 300 H.P. My guess is about 270. Your wagon probably weighs in at 3700. Hot Rods published "guesstimate chart" indicates you need about 240 H.P at the rear wheels to turn mid 14s. At 80 % efficiency 270 becomes about 215 H.P at the wheels. What do you think your combo will do?..

Paul

I'm just hoping for a 14.9, if it runs a 14.999 I'd be content with that. I think with all the upgrades over the previous setup and with some tuning it should do it.

1955 Wagon 301" C4 Manual Valvebody 2500 stall  

1964 Ranchero 170", Fordomatic 0-60 10 minutes!

                                 
1958 Impala 348 "W" block, TH350

Doug T's Thunderbird also runs a 301. He has a four speed and no Blue Thunder intake, instead it's a cast iron "B' intake. Check his times, they're substantially better than mid 15's and that 'Bird does not weigh much less than the wagon. The "no power below 2500" part really plays no part in a quarter mile where the engingine is never below that except in the staging lanes. It will flash higher than that at the leave and never go below about 3500 afterwards. What it does on the street doesn't matter, it's not on the street.    

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart)