Originally Posted By: ws6formula
Thanks for all the replies and good information
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Q: What are valve springs seat pressures ?
A: I am using Comp Cams 995 valve springs. My roller cam has approx. .550" of lift on intake and exhaust. 115 lbs @ 1.700" installed height, 336 lbs @ 1.150
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Q: What thermostat ?
A: Need to doublecheck, I thought it was a 160 degree (or 180 at most)
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Q: What rear main seal ?
A: I am using a newer style (called graphtite) rear main seal from Best Gasket,
http://www.bestgasket.com/about_our_products.asp
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Q: What con rods ?
A: I am using aftermarket eagle rods, 6.8" in length, with 2.20" journal.
The main journals are 3.00"
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I am almost a bit scared to run a synthetic. But, it sounds like many successfully use and recommend synthetics in these type of engines.
Excellent motor, do not run light oil in it. I raced many of these and we liked the 400 better, that long stroke 455 gets great power at lower rpm but seems to come unglued once in a while. I like that 15w-50 that Zray suggested. But these aren't Ford small blocks either!
5500 rpm is not outrageous, and note that big cams don't do much without some expensive cylinder head work or a couple of Super Duty heads...