Corky

The engine cubic inch displacement is 232. The piston compression
ratio is 9 to 1. The camshaft is what amounts to a 3/4 race cam and
I'm using the typical two barrel holley carburetor. The most
outrageously modified 3.8 I've ever heard of had higher compression
ratio pistons, special connecting rods and the guy was willing to rev
it to 5300 rpm. He dynoed out at 235 horsepower and I for sure would
not want to be standing near the engine when it was doing that. I
think he may have had a different carb on it too.

Thanks for those specs. I'll plug'em into dyno2000 and email you the
predicted torque and HP curves if you're interested...(do you know the CFM
rating on the carb?)


Blanton was missusing the formula when he dynoed his engines.


I've heard this said before, but it's not likely. Even if he was using the
most primative dyno imaginable. The formula is HP=(torque * RPM)/5252. The
dyno would provide torque directly. I have Blantons engineering package, and
I can't believe that someone capable of that impressive package literally
can't count (which is what he is being accused of here)

But none of that matters much. If a 302 cubic inches (5.0l Ford) can produce
350 hp - Which it can if every hot rod dyno test for the last 20 years is to
be believed) then 232 cubic inches can produce 262 by simple ratios.

Even normally aspirated with no nitrous the 3.8 liter should produce over
260 HP if you get the intake, carb, heads, cam, and exhaust flowing
correctly. At least so says 3 different sources.

One thing though. You mention "special rods". I definately would not fly
behind any engine using powdered metal or cast rods. A set of good forged
rods would be my minimum for internal mods.

The above has been a theory of mine for quite a while. I know that a lot of
folks do not agree. That's why I wanted you to let me know if you dyno.

Thanks
Ron Webb




It's
simply not possible to get that much power from 232 cubic inches and a
two barrel carburetor without supercharging or revving it to 8,000
rpm.

We don't do that, we limit rpm normally to around 4,800.

All the Blanton engines that have flown have not demonstrated that
they are producing anywhere near 260 horsepower. If they were, we'd
be seeing some very high fuel consumption figures because you cannot
make 260 horsepower and yet burn only 8 gallons per hour.

The actual figures just do not add up. Most guys are getting from 180
to 200 horsepower, with most of those closer to 180.

I'd be happy to report 180 horsepower but I cannot run the engine
without the psru attached, and I don't think the engine will fit on a
dyno with it installed.

Corky Scott