Hot Rod Chevette
Q I want to slightly modify my '83 Chevette with a large-journal 350 into a 327 with a 307 crank. I'd like to go with a set of 6-inch rods (to help deal with piston side loading) and pistons to give me about 10:1 compression with a set of fast-burn aluminum Vortec heads with 62cc combustion chambers. I'd also like to go with a Lunati Voodoo cam (219/227 degrees duration at 0.050 inch tappet lift, 0.468/0.489 inch max lift), round out the cylinder heads with a set of beehive springs and some roller rocker arms, and op it all off with a Weiand X-celerator intake and a 770 Street Avenger carb. I'm going to back up the 327 with a fivespeed overdrive from a Camaro, 3.23:1 rear gears, and P215/50R15 rear tires. This is going to be a 2,400- to 2,800- pound (or lighter) daily driver. Does this sound like a good, streetable package? I don't really want to have to balance the rotating assembly, so do you have any recommendations for rods and pistons that are as light as the 307 units? I've heard the Fitch fuel catalyst allows you to have a higher CR with a lower octane. Is this true, and if so, will the 10:1 CR work well on the street with 87-octane and a lead foot? Thanks for any help. If I can get it all together in a couple of months, I'll send you some pictures of my little 327 Vette. John BlaggVia e-mail
A Let's start with the Fitch fuel catalyst. Until your letter, I hadn't heard of this unit. I read what Fitch has to offer on the Internet, and while there are testimonials from magazines, customers, and state agencies, my personal experience with such devices hasn't been good. However, like I said, I've never seen or tested this unit. It's got some great claims, and if you get half of what it boasts, it's worth the money. If any of you readers have any experience with one of these units, I'd love to hear your impartial views.
Next, you'll need to balance your rotating assembly. With the 6-inch rods, it'll be tough to match the weight of a standard 5.7-inch rod. With the extra steel and the change in reciprocal weight, you could end up with a shaker. Spend the money and enjoy the smooth engine operation.
I think the rest of your plan is very solid. The engine isn't too wild, and with the lightweight Chevette, the T-5 five-speed overdrive should live with few troubles, if any. Reinforce the body structure to accommodate the added torque of your little Mouse; that thing will want to twist and shout.
Source
fitchfuelcatalyst.com
Monkey Bars
QI am looking for a 12-point rollcage for a '94 Chevy S-10 pickup. I've searched endlessly on the Internet and at local speed shops and parts houses, and the best I could find is an eight-point roll bar from Summit Racing. Do you know where I could get one, or do they just not make one? Or do I have to have one custom made? I'm putting a small-block 427 in my pickup, and the 12-point would really help strengthen the frame.Joe BushUnadilla, NY
A Finding a custom-made 'cage kit for everything on the road is really tough. That eight-point rollbar kit is by Competition Engineering and features a 13/4-inch-tubing main hoop (PN C3134A) and strut kit (PN C3001) that rounds out the bar. This is your side bars, rear bars, and X-brace. You could have Competition Engineering custom-bend you up the associated Halo bar for the front windshield. The uprights and firewall bars are straightforward and would all be made in 13/4-inch tubing that is a minimum 0.134-inch wall thickness to meet NHRA certification requirements.