64 non-Hemi 426 "NASCAR" engines

[dvw]

A few notes. Al Adam who developed the J converter is a close friend. We talked recently about it. He said they dynoed many and had to sort through to find the loosest of the lot for Hemis. He said though while the J was perfect for a Max Wedge, they needed to be looser for a Hemi. So the torque issue would appear legit at least from a drag race stand point. As far as the high compression Max Wedge power difference. The Max Wedge plug location is lousy. Adding a dome blocking the flame front doesn't help. Remember that head was designed in 61. When the thought path was big chambers, big exhaust valves, small intake valves, and little attention placed towards plug location. We all know that modern aftermarket Max Wedge heads have those areas addressed.
Doug

 

[j-c-c-62]

Most of my responses here have been focused on engines for race circuits rather than drags. That being said, isn't the main attribute of the hemi with better heads better breathing in upper RPM's where the HP is, and a looser convertor helps and keeps it there thinking? I accept the point the dome is problematic in itself with the higher CR's, with 426 motors, but with modern 500"+ stroker motors, that dome interference issue is much reduced I suspect.

 

[dvw]

Most of my responses here have been focused on engines for race circuits rather than drags. That being said, isn't the main attribute of the hemi with better heads better breathing in upper RPM's where the HP is, and a looser convertor helps and keeps it there thinking? I accept the point the dome is problematic in itself with the higher CR's, with 426 motors, but with modern 500"+ stroker motors, that dome interference issue is much reduced I suspect.

For sure the Hemi flows more. But it isn't as good down low. Thats why I mentioned the converter that worked with the wedge was too tight for the Hemi. Which might shed light of using the wedge on short tracks. The modern Max Wedge style heads (Indy-1, Trickflow 270) not only have smaller combustion chambers but it is a much better design along with angle spark plug towards the exhaust valve. You can shave an Indy -1 down to 57 cc. O. E. max wedge was 88 cc? My current race motor with Indy -1's is 15.1-1 compression with 7cc valve relief flat tops and a .060" head gasket.
Doug

 

[33 IMP]

My oe max heads (286 casting) are around 80 c.c.'s, depending on valves used. (Tulip exhaust or flat head)
Closed chamber head, like a 915.
And my Victor maxwedge heads are worlds better than my 286s! Even the pro ported ones!

 

[j-c-c-62]

For sure the Hemi flows more. But it isn't as good down low. Thats why I mentioned the converter that worked with the wedge was too tight for the Hemi. Which might shed light of using the wedge on short tracks. The modern Max Wedge style heads (Indy-1, Trickflow 270) not only have smaller combustion chambers but it is a much better design along with angle spark plug towards the exhaust valve. You can shave an Indy -1 down to 57 cc. O. E. max wedge was 88 cc? My current race motor with Indy -1's is 15.1-1 compression with 7cc valve relief flat tops and a .060" head gasket.
Doug

"Down Low" being rpm and not lift?

 

[33 IMP]

"Down Low" being rpm and not lift?

Yep.
Part of the reason that there are some who think the 440 Sixpacks were faster than the hemis. Lots of stories where the 440s were faster over a short race.
Given enough distance, the hemis usually ran down the 440 cars...... but at around 1100 feet.

 

[33 IMP]

For sure the Hemi flows more. But it isn't as good down low. Thats why I mentioned the converter that worked with the wedge was too tight for the Hemi. Which might shed light of using the wedge on short tracks. The modern Max Wedge style heads (Indy-1, Trickflow 270) not only have smaller combustion chambers but it is a much better design along with angle spark plug towards the exhaust valve. You can shave an Indy -1 down to 57 cc. O. E. max wedge was 88 cc? My current race motor with Indy -1's is 15.1-1 compression with 7cc valve relief flat tops and a .060" head gasket.
Doug

Fifteen to one with a flattop? Holy ship! (I'm guessing lots of stroke and Itty bitty combustion chambers....)

 

[dvw]

Fifteen to one with a flattop? Holy ship! (I'm guessing lots of stroke and Itty bitty combustion chambers....)

4.5" stroke, 57cc chambers.
Doug