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At long last we got my engine on the dyno and I got to hear and see it's thunder! Specs are below...just for fun, what kind of power do you think it made?
1969 455 bored .030 over using a stock CN crank running 10.1:1 compression.
CP Bullet Pistons
Scat H Beam Rods
Quick Fuel SS 850 Carb
Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake
MSD Ready to run distributor
Harland Sharp 1.6 Rocker Arms
Hydraulic Roller Cam with 4/7 swap Intake .560/278.6 Exhaust .566/284.6
Edelbrock Heads (newest version) blueprinted by Bernard Mondello
It made it's best power at 32 degrees timing. Dropped a couple HP and torque at 34 degrees.
^^^^ that’s what it should make.
Curious, Bernard’s “blueprinting” involves what?
We got 504 hp/570 ft lbs from it. I'm not sure where the "missing" 16 hp might be but I'm not worried about it...the numbers exceeded my expectations so I'm happy.
You'd have to ask Bernard what work he does to the heads. We talked about it but a lot of it went over my head so any attempt on my part to describe it would be misleading.
[QUOTE=VI Cutty;1542779]We got 504 hp/570 ft lbs from it. I'm not sure where the "missing" 16 hp might be but I'm not worried about it...the numbers exceeded my expectations so I'm happy.
You'd have to ask Bernard what work he does to the heads. We talked about it but a lot of it went over my head so any attempt on my part to describe it would be misleading.
I talked to Chuck today and I asked what size headers he used, and he said 1 3/4" primary diameter, due to Dyno cart fitment when 1 7/8" diameter headers should have been used... That's worth 20 + HP with this combination!!!
Bernard Mondello Racing Enterprises
bernardmondelloracing.com
We got 504 hp/570 ft lbs from it. I'm not sure where the "missing" 16 hp might be but I'm not worried about it...the numbers exceeded my expectations so I'm happy.
You'd have to ask Bernard what work he does to the heads. We talked about it but a lot of it went over my head so any attempt on my part to describe it would be misleading.
Nice! That’s a really good bsfc. You sure it’s only 10.0:1?
And what balancer did you use? Curious.
Thank you!
Last edited by cutlassefi; Dec 21, 2023 at 05:56 PM.
We got 504 hp/570 ft lbs from it. I'm not sure where the "missing" 16 hp might be but I'm not worried about it...the numbers exceeded my expectations so I'm happy.
You'd have to ask Bernard what work he does to the heads. We talked about it but a lot of it went over my head so any attempt on my part to describe it would be misleading.
I talked to Chuck today and I asked what size headers he used, and he said 1 3/4" primary diameter, due to Dyno cart fitment when 1 7/8" diameter headers should have been used... That's worth 20 + HP with this combination!!!
Bernard Mondello Racing Enterprises
bernardmondelloracing.com
Thanks, Bernard! I was going to suggest that could be part of it...the good ceramic coated headers are the same size but at this point I'm going to sacrifice the HP and run them until I can afford some ARH units.
Last edited by VI Cutty; Dec 21, 2023 at 06:01 PM.
I have to confirm it with my builder and let you know. We were aiming for about that but the reality may be a little different.
Balancer is a BHJ Billet, external balance supplied by Bernard.
Did anyone check true TDC with that balancer? I’ve seen some off as much as 6*.
Looks like a regular Performer, not an RPM? Or am i seeing things?
And i made the 520 I mentioned with 1 3/4 headers as well, blowing thru 2.5” pipes and mufflers. But it looks like a DTS Dyno. I’ve known those to be a bit conservative anyway. Plus I’m guessing Howard’s lifters as well?
Good job though.
Last edited by cutlassefi; Dec 21, 2023 at 06:15 PM.
[QUOTE=VI Cutty;1542627]At long last we got my engine on the dyno and I got to hear and see it's thunder! Specs are below...just for fun, what kind of power do you think it made?
1969 455 bored .030 over using a stock CN crank running 10.1:1 compression.
CP Bullet Pistons
Scat H Beam Rods
Quick Fuel SS 850 Carb
Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake
MSD Ready to run distributor
Harland Sharp 1.6 Rocker Arms
Hydraulic Roller Cam with 4/7 swap Intake .560/278.6 Exhaust .566/284.6
Edelbrock Heads (newest version) blueprinted by Bernard Mondello
It made it's best power at 32 degrees timing. Dropped a couple HP and torque at 34 degrees.
This engine has an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, not an Edelbrock Performer RPM air gap intake manifold...
The standard Performer, definitely doesn't perform as well as the Edelbrock RPM air gap manifold!
You're right...not sure why I was thinking it was an RPM. Too much junk rattling around in my brain box these days :-D
BTW. The engine sounds really good and solid... Chuck was very happy with it's performance!!!
So was I! Definitely surpassed my expectations and I'm thrilled with the outcome. Many thanks to Bernard for setting me up with the right parts and staying in contact with my builder throughout!
you're right...not sure why i was thinking it was an rpm. Too much junk rattling around in my brain box these days :-d
so was i! Definitely surpassed my expectations and i'm thrilled with the outcome. Many thanks to bernard for setting me up with the right parts and staying in contact with my builder throughout!
again, nice work Clay , Chuck runs a tight shop over there, i only ever hear good things about them. i am pretty sure they dont see alot of oldsmobile builds in there.
Was wondering about this ... how is Chuck with Oldsmobiles? Don't know anything about his shop, but I might need somebody on Vancouver Island.
They seemed to be on it as far as Oldsmobiles go although I don't think they get a lot through the shop. Paul, who did the final assembly was commenting on how the last one he built was his own, but many years ago. Chuck knows he can call Jim S at Shawnigan Mill Bay Auto Parts with questions and he spoke with Bernard regularly as well. A lot of the local guys have used him for their higher horsepower engines and are very happy with what they got. Coachwerks in Victoria sends a lot of engine work his way too.
I have a 350 that was built by Thompson in Nanaimo back in the 90s but couldn't tell you a thing about them. It seemed to be a strong runner until I pulled it.
I wouldn't hesitate to take another engine to Chuck but if he wasn't available then there's a highly recommended builder on the lower mainland whose name escapes me...but I could find out if needed.
...I wouldn't hesitate to take another engine to Chuck but if he wasn't available then there's a highly recommended builder on the lower mainland whose name escapes me...but I could find out if needed.
No worries for now. I might take you up on that when the time comes though. Thanks very much for the info share -- I can hardly wait to hear about how your engine runs when you get everything buttoned up and on the road!
I can hardly wait to hear about how your engine runs when you get everything buttoned up and on the road!
You and me both!!! I don't know if I'll have it roadworthy in time for the Qualicum show but I'm bound and determined to drive the car this summer. Still a LOT of work to do.
They seemed to be on it as far as Oldsmobiles go although I don't think they get a lot through the shop. Paul, who did the final assembly was commenting on how the last one he built was his own, but many years ago. Chuck knows he can call Jim S at Shawnigan Mill Bay Auto Parts with questions and he spoke with Bernard regularly as well. A lot of the local guys have used him for their higher horsepower engines and are very happy with what they got. Coachwerks in Victoria sends a lot of engine work his way too.
I have a 350 that was built by Thompson in Nanaimo back in the 90s but couldn't tell you a thing about them. It seemed to be a strong runner until I pulled it.
I wouldn't hesitate to take another engine to Chuck but if he wasn't available then there's a highly recommended builder on the lower mainland whose name escapes me...but I could find out if needed.
It's great when you can work with a local builder nice results.
On top of the headers the dyno is most likely conservative / correct. I see he builds sprint car engines, that is a very competitive arena.
Is this the shop you are thinking about on the lower mainland called Richmond engines. https://richmondengines.com/
It's great when you can work with a local builder nice results.
On top of the headers the dyno is most likely conservative / correct. I see he builds sprint car engines, that is a very competitive arena.
Is this the shop you are thinking about on the lower mainland called Richmond engines. https://richmondengines.com/
Being that Chuck is just 10 minutes down the road I figured it would be better dealing there than somewhere that involved 3 hours of travel and $100 in each direction!!
Being that Chuck is just 10 minutes down the road I figured it would be better dealing there than somewhere that involved 3 hours of travel and $100 in each direction!!
I know of some guys with Terry Bride engines and of some class engines as well that he built.
Thanks for sharing your build.
I talked to Chuck today and I asked what size headers he used, and he said 1 3/4" primary diameter, due to Dyno cart fitment when 1 7/8" diameter headers should have been used. That's worth 20 + HP with this combination!!!
Bernard Mondello Racing Enterprises
bernardmondelloracing.com
With all due respect, do you have a dyno sheet or time slip to back up this statement?
Reason is because I've never seen anywhere near that amount of change using the larger header on a combination like this. In fact i just did two bigger applications using a 1 3/4 3.00" collector vs a 1 7/8 3.500" header and only saw 8-12hp. not anywhere near 20+.
I'm not trying to rain on anybody's parade. But anyone who knows me knows I hate conjecture and speculation. Just post the facts. I have dyno sheets to prove my claim.
Good build nonetheless though really. As long as you're happy that's all that matters. I'm just trying to be real.
Thank you.
Last edited by cutlassefi; Dec 22, 2023 at 06:37 PM.
At long last we got my engine on the dyno and I got to hear and see it's thunder! Specs are below...just for fun, what kind of power do you think it made?
1969 455 bored .030 over using a stock CN crank running 10.1:1 compression.
CP Bullet Pistons
Scat H Beam Rods
Quick Fuel SS 850 Carb
Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake
MSD Ready to run distributor
Harland Sharp 1.6 Rocker Arms
Hydraulic Roller Cam with 4/7 swap Intake .560/278.6 Exhaust .566/284.6
Edelbrock Heads (newest version) blueprinted by Bernard Mondello
It made it's best power at 32 degrees timing. Dropped a couple HP and torque at 34 degrees.
Thanks for sharing your build and numbers with us. It's very interesting to me because I have accumulated almost the same parts and getting ready to start my build after Christmas. I chose Lunati's VooDoo cam 221/229 544/565 112 LSA on a 106 ICL which is very close to yours. I'm using Howards link bar lifters, Edelbrock Performer heads out of the box, will be using stock exhaust manifolds for stock appearance and my tri-power setup. Also will be using an ATI balancer. I probably will fall short of your hp numbers by 50+. (gonna paint my Edelbrocks bronze)
Thanks for sharing your build and numbers with us. It's very interesting to me because I have accumulated almost the same parts and getting ready to start my build after Christmas. I chose Lunati's VooDoo cam 221/229 544/565 112 LSA on a 106 ICL which is very close to yours. I'm using Howards link bar lifters, Edelbrock Performer heads out of the box, will be using stock exhaust manifolds for stock appearance and my tri-power setup. Also will be using an ATI balancer. I probably will fall short of your hp numbers by 50+. (gonna paint my Edelbrocks bronze)
I would not use the Edelbrocks out of the quality control issues.
Below is an out of the box Edelbrock. Might be a good idea to go through them before you bolt them on.
I would not use the Edelbrocks out of the quality control issues.
Below is an out of the box Edelbrock. Might be a good idea to go through them before you bolt them on.
Yes, I read some details on that subject by Bernard Mondello.
Great thread , awesome combination.
Last edited by LOUCKES'6487; Dec 23, 2023 at 10:05 AM.
Yes, I read some details on that subject by Bernard Mondello.
Great thread , awesome combination.
I was originally going to use mine out of the box until I started reading the various observations by some knowledgeable people around here. After seeing them, I decided that the additional expense would be well worth it considering the investment in the rest of the parts!
I would not use the Edelbrocks out of the quality control issues.
Below is an out of the box Edelbrock. Might be a good idea to go through them before you bolt them on.
I need to disassemble and deburr. What else is wrong? Thanks for the reply.
I need to disassemble and deburr. What else is wrong? Thanks for the reply.
Probably want to wait for the Pro above to get the full answer but guide clearance, seal type and a few cleanup areas were needed on mine. I think on these latest Olds heads casting consistency in certain areas when porting was noted. That might have been corrected now with personnel changes keeping an eye on things.
I need to disassemble and deburr. What else is wrong? Thanks for the reply.
From what I have read, I would have someone competent check the valve guide clearance, valve job ,valve spring pressure etc. Basically blueprint the head.
From what I have read, I would have someone competent check the valve guide clearance, valve job, valve spring pressure etc. Basically blueprint the head.
This is an isolated incident. Should you check them? ABSOLUTELY!
But I’ve gone thru almost a dozen sets, NONE had this issue and all had good springs, seals etc.
This is an isolated incident. Should you check them? ABSOLUTELY!
But I’ve gone thru almost a dozen sets, NONE had this issue and all had good springs, seals etc.
There are others posting about these heads as well.
I'm defiantly going to check mine out. I have used Edelbrock heads in the past, LS and BBC with no major problems in quality control. I did buy a $10k set from All Pro for my LS7427 that installed spring height was wrong.
Last edited by oldsrush; Dec 24, 2023 at 07:35 AM.