The Minirammed 385 is alive!

After a couple of days of puttering around on town, I pulled the engine valvecovers to check things over: Found some slight interference with the AFR Hydrarev kit, so I pulled it out. Now when I run it, the engine purrs quietly and smoothly with only the sounds of the injectors ticking and the rocker arms actuating.

Then, when I yank the throttle, it INSTANTLY roars!

Yesterday when I had it out, I did one run to about 5000 RPM, and discovered that first gear DESTROYS the tires when the engine hits about 3000 RPM! Downright scary, I must say! I cant wait to try it again! Obviously, my suspension needs some more setting up.

Now it's time to finish putting the finishing touches on the car before next week's National Fbody Motorsports Event in Memphis, Tennessee. Oh man, I am getting butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it! It's a three day event with a road race, drag race, autocross, and car show. I'd really like to earn a trophy, so I've also had the whole car repainted.

You folks might now have heard much from me in the last two months, because I've spent every spare moment in the garage doing the conversion. I converted to a completely new wiring system, tossed the carburated 305 and installed a fuel injected, TPIS Minirammed 385 stroker, with T56 six-speed transmission. I had to literally drop the whole powertrain, wiring, and plumbing out of the car and re-rig it. I also had to reinstall every component on the car including doors and interior.

Unfortunately I am out of time, so hopefully after NFME I will be able to finish the little details, like replacing the graphics, adding in the knock sensor circuit, rattles & squeaks removal, etcetera.

Here's a picture of the engine for you:
http://www.ws6transam.org/miniram385f.jpg

I'll add more pictures once I finish washing and waxing the exterior.

congrats Dan!!! can't wait to see pics of the car all painted up! good luck next week! it is nice when all of that hard work pays off! :)

damn, cool man. cant wait to see it at M10 :) BTW, isnt it time to start preparing for M10?
post some more pics for us man. are you gonna get it dyno tuned? what'ya think it'll run on the good ol' bench dyno?
later dan.
chris

Sounds sweet, I love a car that can go fast in a straight line and handle.
On a side note, what was wrong with the hydra-rev kit? I am thinking of getting the same kit that you had problems with and I don't want to waste my time.

damn, cool man. cant wait to see it at M10 :) BTW, isnt it time to start preparing for M10?
post some more pics for us man. are you gonna get it dyno tuned? what'ya think it'll run on the good ol' bench dyno?
later dan.
chris

The old butt-o-meter sez: 11.75 at 119 MPH.

However, I think that in its current tune its a mid to high 12 second car. I still have my teeny little Edelbrock 1 5/8 headers on the engine, but the big tubes are hanging up in the garage awaiting a Y-pipe. I probably gave up 50 horsepower by doing that.

The Hydrarev kit had clearance issues with the pushrods: They were rubbing against the spring retainer bar. I *could* fix it with only a minute's worth of grinding, but I dont have time to mess with it right now. Installation is the hard part. For whatever reason, the retainer bar didnt center the springs well enough in my engine, relative to the pushrod position.

I think that there are now alternatives to the Hydrarev that are more sound solutions, such as Comp's new beehive spring and smaller titanium retainer, and their Pro Magnum roller retrofit hydraulic lifter. These components reduce mass in the valve train, so that the valvespring can control to higher RPMs. By reducing mass, and eliminating the Hydrarev, you reduce friction and simplify your valvetrain, both of which increase your reliability and ultimately your engine power.

Oh, and yes, I definitely plan on attending M10! However, wait until M11 if you want to see me run big numbers: In 2006 I plan on getting the Strange 12-bolt and the dual-stage nitrous going! That ought to be eye opening!

Great news, Dan! I need to play catch-up! I still need engine bay prepping/painting, Wiring, Fuel plumbing, engine install. :eek:

Great news, Dan! I need to play catch-up! I still need engine bay prepping/painting, Wiring, Fuel plumbing, engine install. :eek:

Better stay up late every night at night like I am! Check this out:
http://www.ws6transam.org/ws6transam84a.jpg

Tonight I just finished putting on the first coat of Zaino Z2. ..and yes, I do have broadband in the garage now! :D

i don't even want to hear it denny....


that sounds great, glad to hear the car is running decent and a new paint job as well. very nice. that meet should be great in Tennessee, wish i could make it. be sure to take some nice pictures.. find some thirdgens too if there are any.

:)