400 Refresh
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 3
From: In the woods of Oregon
Always build with some safety margin, a DCR of 8 is if every thing is perfect. heads cc'd perfect, a perfect quench, cam degreed perfect, timing perfect, etc. And I love what George pence has to say about clevelands, tho its getting a little dated and Tim Meyer is the current gura on our beloved 400's. Just do a lot of reading so when the build goes together, your confident in your build.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 242
Likes: 17
From: OH
DCR of 8 is definitely on the edge... You can tame it a bit or up it a smidge in degreeing the cam. Lol retard will bleed off cyl pressure and lower DCR, lol advance will bring it up. The three way timing sets from cloyes will go 2 degrees either way which is about (depending on setup) 1/10th-1/8th point DCR per degree but it's not exact numbers....
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Always build with some safety margin, a DCR of 8 is if every thing is perfect. heads cc'd perfect, a perfect quench, cam degreed perfect, timing perfect, etc. And I love what George pence has to say about clevelands, tho its getting a little dated and Tim Meyer is the current gura on our beloved 400's. Just do a lot of reading so when the build goes together, your confident in your build.
DCR of 8 is definitely on the edge... You can tame it a bit or up it a smidge in degreeing the cam. Lol retard will bleed off cyl pressure and lower DCR, lol advance will bring it up. The three way timing sets from cloyes will go 2 degrees either way which is about (depending on setup) 1/10th-1/8th point DCR per degree but it's not exact numbers....
When I said "at for below 8.0:1", I meant if I'm running 91 octane all day.
I would love to run 87 Octane since these old beasts are 8000 lbs dry, and are about as fuel efficient as driving a barn down the highway, in the wind, uphill, in the snow...
After searching through the info above, I'm looking for a DCR calculator that'll give me a decent estimate of what I'll end up at. Just for kicks, not to be taken as gospel. I agree that 8.0:1 with my build would require that everything lines up perfectly and goes according to plan... after selecting the appropriate parts to get there.
So far, here's the numbers I'm using for the DCR calculation:
- Comp Cams 260H - Intake Valve Closes @ 56 ABDC
- Assume 78cc head (not sure how much will be milled at this point) - I'm using the original 2V open chamber truck heads that will have a full rebuild
- Stroke length (stock): 4.000"
- Bore (0.030 over): 4.030"
- Rod Length (stock): 6.580"
- Assumed Static Compression: 9.2:1 (based on the text on Tim's website)
- Boost = 0
- Elevation = 1893 ft (where I live)
Using this DCR calculator, I get a DCR of 7.45:1.
Again, this is highly theoretical, and everything HAS to be 100% dead on to achieve 7.45:1 with what I've used as inputs to the DCR calculator. So what I actually get will be lower than 7.45:1.
Any comments on this?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 3
From: In the woods of Oregon
This a chart I found, it seems to be accurate with my build. I'm running a 8.27 DCR with alloy heads, so subtract that from 8.27 and I get 7.77. I get by on 91 octane, but at 199 engine temp I start to get a very slight fluttering ping at part throttle. I can take a turn or two out of the vacuum advance on the dizzy to get rid of it, but its just showing I'm right on the edge as far as dcr and octane goes. wish I could find a chart that has a lower octane fuel.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
This a chart I found, it seems to be accurate with my build. I'm running a 8.27 DCR with alloy heads, so subtract that from 8.27 and I get 7.77. I get by on 91 octane, but at 199 engine temp I start to get a very slight fluttering ping at part throttle. I can take a turn or two out of the vacuum advance on the dizzy to get rid of it, but its just showing I'm right on the edge as far as dcr and octane goes. wish I could find a chart that has a lower octane fuel.
Let me put my engineer's hat on for a minute
. I don't think we need a chart that shows the lower octane ratios.This is an assumption, and a big one at that... but the relationship between the fuel octane and the DCR is linear. Extremely linear in fact.
Therefore, we can recreate the formula's for all three temperatures on your chart you posted and calculate the maximum allowable DCR to run say 87 octane.
Simple algebra and knowledge of graphs. Hey look mom! I'm useful! LOL.
Here's a bunch of info on DCR/Octane: http://garage.grumpysperformance.com...on-ratio.2718/
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 242
Likes: 17
From: OH
Ok, here's a query for you. Why not go slightly larger on cam and lower DCR? A comp #268 would do all you want and more? (unless purchased already) and you can degree it up or down 2* with a cloyes timing set. With stock pistons degreed 2 Adv I ran a MUCH larger cam and ran it every day to work. Comp #260 you'll definitely want to retard to get intake event later to run 87 octane but it's possible. What are your plans with this build?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 3
From: In the woods of Oregon
I'm running a 252H retarded 4*(makes the cam centered strait up) to get my dcr workable, but I'm running that cam because it has the RPM range and overlap I wanted. But I'm getting my power from the heads(TFS195 power ports), not the cam and if I wanted to run 87 I would have gone with the 268H, BUT then I would be making more power than I wanted. I was aiming for 350hp and all the torque I could get and hopefully some fuel mileage. I over shot the HP by a bit.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
More reading for me too!
Ok, here's a query for you. Why not go slightly larger on cam and lower DCR? A comp #268 would do all you want and more? (unless purchased already) and you can degree it up or down 2* with a cloyes timing set. With stock pistons degreed 2 Adv I ran a MUCH larger cam and ran it every day to work. Comp #260 you'll definitely want to retard to get intake event later to run 87 octane but it's possible. What are your plans with this build?
I might be able to convince my shop to change its mind (slightly) on a few things with my build, but at this point in time, I believe he's made a couple of parts orders to get everything ready for when Tim's pistons arrive.
We had originally thought of using stock pistons with the 252H cam... until I found out about Tim's pistons and wanted a little more mmph by selecting a better cam too.
The plans for this build is:
1) Reliability (make this build last as long as humanly possible - I'm 27 now and I want to still own the truck when I'm 97 lol)
2) Weekend warrior with the occasionally being upgraded to daily driver on those nice summer weeks.
Occasional towing, and weekend use like fishing or 2-4 hour road trips. This will not be a show truck, and definitely won't be a trailer queen. It'll be driven, but not beaten on.
I should also mention it won't be use for those extreme activities either. No mudding, no hunting, no climbing, no real back-country use unless there's a decent road lol.
I'm running a 252H retarded 4*(makes the cam centered strait up) to get my dcr workable, but I'm running that cam because it has the RPM range and overlap I wanted. But I'm getting my power from the heads(TFS195 power ports), not the cam and if I wanted to run 87 I would have gone with the 268H, BUT then I would be making more power than I wanted. I was aiming for 350hp and all the torque I could get and hopefully some fuel mileage. I over shot the HP by a bit.
- All the torque I could muster
- Roughly 300 hp - 350 hp
- Remain streetable and drivable
- Good fuel mileage, not a total pig at the pump
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Well the refresh isn't going as planned (now).
Just talked to the shop and the motor won't be ready until December. Huge bummer........
So much for a Fall start-up and break-in...
So I turn to you guys. What are my options?
It'll be -30 Celsius by the time the motor is back. Do I leave the engine sit on a stand until Spring? Do I attempt the first 500 km break-in period before parking it?
I don't plan on driving this sucker in the winter, but it will have block heaters in it.
My fear is crashing into someone and losing the truck permanently in the icy/cold Canadian north winter.
Just talked to the shop and the motor won't be ready until December. Huge bummer........
So much for a Fall start-up and break-in...
So I turn to you guys. What are my options?
It'll be -30 Celsius by the time the motor is back. Do I leave the engine sit on a stand until Spring? Do I attempt the first 500 km break-in period before parking it?
I don't plan on driving this sucker in the winter, but it will have block heaters in it.
My fear is crashing into someone and losing the truck permanently in the icy/cold Canadian north winter.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Well the refresh isn't going as planned (now).
Just talked to the shop and the motor won't be ready until December. Huge bummer........
So much for a Fall start-up and break-in...
So I turn to you guys. What are my options?
It'll be -30 Celsius by the time the motor is back. Do I leave the engine sit on a stand until Spring? Do I attempt the first 500 km break-in period before parking it?
I don't plan on driving this sucker in the winter, but it will have block heaters in it.
My fear is crashing into someone and losing the truck permanently in the icy/cold Canadian north winter.
Just talked to the shop and the motor won't be ready until December. Huge bummer........
So much for a Fall start-up and break-in...
So I turn to you guys. What are my options?
It'll be -30 Celsius by the time the motor is back. Do I leave the engine sit on a stand until Spring? Do I attempt the first 500 km break-in period before parking it?
I don't plan on driving this sucker in the winter, but it will have block heaters in it.
My fear is crashing into someone and losing the truck permanently in the icy/cold Canadian north winter.
So I take it that no initial start-up and the first 500 kms is equal given the lack of responses? lol
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 242
Likes: 17
From: OH
If you don't want to have it out in the winter you can break it in on a stand or at least do the initial and stick it in the truck. Your choice though as always. Here in OH Im going to be swapping in the winter (outside) so I don't think I'll do a full break in until I at least have a sunny day. Even if its *** cold I'll run it around a few hundred miles. Won't be able to test nitrous or put the slicks on till spring though lol. Oh yeah don't forget the air cleaner so you don't suck up salt if you do take it out over winter :-)
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 7
From: Taxachusetts
Hey, Aaron-71....
Knowing you're chomping at the bit to get her runnin' and your builder threw you a curve ball, I would do everything possible to the vehicle - clean/pain the engine compartment, new vacuum lines, electrical wiring, brakes squared away, trans in good shape, etc, etc - until all you're doing is waiting to drop in the engine and ready to roll.
Actually, I would would break her in as soon as you get the engine....you're bound to have some nice days, and the initial brake in won't take more than 45 minutes. During that time you could take notes on what to do to "fine tune" her. If she's runnin' good, leave the break-in oil in and take her for a quick spin....shifting from second to third (at a fat RPM) and then backing off the gas --- letting the engine's compression slow her down. Do that a few times...it'll seat the rings faster.
Laving in the break-in oil after initial fire up, you say? Yeupp! It's good for about 300 miles - ~ 482.7 Km. Or if you want to change the oil right away, wait 'till the engine's cooled down a bit before you throw Dino oil with the additive in. Don't put cold oil into a hot engine! And, the valve springs need a few heat/cool off cycles to be happy....I'm presupposing you're running new valve springs, keepers and retainers with the new cam, yes?
Coolant....If you're positive about the engine's workmanship being done right, you could break her in with 50/50 water and antifreeze....just be sure about the head gaskets being on correctly and the thermostat is working as it should.
Take her out and do the engine compression slow down a few more times then drive her like you stole her. During the coming lousy winter months, you can play with her a bit more.....the block heaters are a nice touch as are some little portable electric heaters placed on the deck and under the bonnet....Concrete blankies always help if you can get 'em.
Knowing you're chomping at the bit to get her runnin' and your builder threw you a curve ball, I would do everything possible to the vehicle - clean/pain the engine compartment, new vacuum lines, electrical wiring, brakes squared away, trans in good shape, etc, etc - until all you're doing is waiting to drop in the engine and ready to roll.
Actually, I would would break her in as soon as you get the engine....you're bound to have some nice days, and the initial brake in won't take more than 45 minutes. During that time you could take notes on what to do to "fine tune" her. If she's runnin' good, leave the break-in oil in and take her for a quick spin....shifting from second to third (at a fat RPM) and then backing off the gas --- letting the engine's compression slow her down. Do that a few times...it'll seat the rings faster.
Laving in the break-in oil after initial fire up, you say? Yeupp! It's good for about 300 miles - ~ 482.7 Km. Or if you want to change the oil right away, wait 'till the engine's cooled down a bit before you throw Dino oil with the additive in. Don't put cold oil into a hot engine! And, the valve springs need a few heat/cool off cycles to be happy....I'm presupposing you're running new valve springs, keepers and retainers with the new cam, yes?
Coolant....If you're positive about the engine's workmanship being done right, you could break her in with 50/50 water and antifreeze....just be sure about the head gaskets being on correctly and the thermostat is working as it should.
Take her out and do the engine compression slow down a few more times then drive her like you stole her. During the coming lousy winter months, you can play with her a bit more.....the block heaters are a nice touch as are some little portable electric heaters placed on the deck and under the bonnet....Concrete blankies always help if you can get 'em.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Hey, Aaron-71....
Knowing you're chomping at the bit to get her runnin' and your builder threw you a curve ball, I would do everything possible to the vehicle - clean/pain the engine compartment, new vacuum lines, electrical wiring, brakes squared away, trans in good shape, etc, etc - until all you're doing is waiting to drop in the engine and ready to roll.
Knowing you're chomping at the bit to get her runnin' and your builder threw you a curve ball, I would do everything possible to the vehicle - clean/pain the engine compartment, new vacuum lines, electrical wiring, brakes squared away, trans in good shape, etc, etc - until all you're doing is waiting to drop in the engine and ready to roll.
Actually, I would would break her in as soon as you get the engine....you're bound to have some nice days, and the initial brake in won't take more than 45 minutes. During that time you could take notes on what to do to "fine tune" her. If she's runnin' good, leave the break-in oil in and take her for a quick spin....shifting from second to third (at a fat RPM) and then backing off the gas --- letting the engine's compression slow her down. Do that a few times...it'll seat the rings faster.
I was operating under the assumption that the oil would need to be changed immediately just to make sure there's no issues or metal flakes with the cam scrub / cam break-in.
Laving in the break-in oil after initial fire up, you say? Yeupp! It's good for about 300 miles - ~ 482.7 Km. Or if you want to change the oil right away, wait 'till the engine's cooled down a bit before you throw Dino oil with the additive in. Don't put cold oil into a hot engine! And, the valve springs need a few heat/cool off cycles to be happy....I'm presupposing you're running new valve springs, keepers and retainers with the new cam, yes?
Dino oil? Additive? Do you mean more engine break-in oil + some sort of additive?
I'm assuming that the engine needs at least 500km on break-in oil in order to be happy. After that, I'm also assuming I can make the switch to something else + a zinc additive (if zinc additive is required).
Take her out and do the engine compression slow down a few more times then drive her like you stole her. During the coming lousy winter months, you can play with her a bit more.....the block heaters are a nice touch as are some little portable electric heaters placed on the deck and under the bonnet....Concrete blankies always help if you can get 'em.
I've got a heated garage to work in (for now) until my relatives start throwing a hissy fit... but they know the motor won't be back until December.
From what I've read online, the break-in process sounds scary & intimidating.. but from those I keep talking to, the online stuff I've been led to believe is wayyyyyy overkill.
Using purely break-in oil for the first 5,000 kms is what I keep seeing... changing it at 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000... That's like $500 just in oil!!!! I keep getting told it's way way overkill and things should be seated and good within the first 500km if I do it correctly.
EDIT:
Thanks for sticking around my thread everyone. Its days like these that you guys give me some confidence with this whole motor rebuild.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 7
From: Taxachusetts
Interesting advice. So you're saying to run break-in oil + the cam scrub additive for a little test run right off the hop (after the 30 minute cam scrub @ 2,000 to 2,5000 rpm)? Correct me if I'm wrong.[/QUOTE}
Absolutely...won't hurt a thing and it'll save you a few bucks...especially if you're using something like Joe Gibbs Driven BR 30 for break-in oil.
Just what break-in oil are you planning to use, if I may ask?
If there's a problem such as spun cam berrins or not enough/too much lifter pre-load, you'd hear it first, and the damage would be done during initial break- in.
Tiny metal flakes/shiny stuff? Well, you're gonna get those, even after many miles on her, albeit diminishing in nature. Why do you think you run a good oil filter in the first place? Don't skimp on the oil filter here!
Again, what oil are you planning to use for the break-in period? You can use the break-in oil for ~ 300 miles, 485 Km, no problemos. Dino oil = straight 30 grade, non-detergent, with the ZDP additive
The operative function here is that after the break-in period, the important function is seating the rings. The break-in oil has the right stuff (no junk additives or detergents) such that the rings won't glaze over and will conform to the microscopic nooks and crannies of the cylinder walls. That's why the second to third shifting (at a nice RPM) and then off the pedal allowing the engine to slow down under its own compression comes in.
I've used Prrestone with good results and it gets a bit chilly here in the Northeast. BUT! Be sure to use distilled water with the antifreeze! Tap water has a bunch of miscreant minerals in it that would cause corrosion faster....especially when aluminium and cast iron are in the same boat.
Hahaha....it is easy....preparation is the key, and this isn't brain surgery....
Ahhh, man! You've got it by the short hairs! All I have is an outdoor garage....
It could be, but you've done your homework well....After the first time you'll wonder why you were soaxious about it when it's fairly simple...again, preparation is the key.
That's altogether too much dollars to spend on oil....use the break-in oil for the first 25 minutes, varying the RPMs between 1500 and 2500, an eyeball on the gauges, then let her coll off for a bit. (That valve spring heat/cool cycle) Check the oil....add if necessary, smell the oil...look at it for shiny stuff. Don't be alarmed if you do see some, it's ok. After a bit, check for leaks, etc, and go do the compression brake stuff.....a few times. Take her home, let her cool down a bit...the go on and do it again - the compression thing. Keep an eye out for colored smoke out the exhaust, not that you'd have any.
EDIT:
Thanks for sticking around my thread everyone. Its days like these that you guys give me some confidence with this whole motor rebuild.
Absolutely...won't hurt a thing and it'll save you a few bucks...especially if you're using something like Joe Gibbs Driven BR 30 for break-in oil.
Just what break-in oil are you planning to use, if I may ask?
I was operating under the assumption that the oil would need to be changed immediately just to make sure there's no issues or metal flakes with the cam scrub / cam break-in.
Tiny metal flakes/shiny stuff? Well, you're gonna get those, even after many miles on her, albeit diminishing in nature. Why do you think you run a good oil filter in the first place? Don't skimp on the oil filter here!
Running new everything, yes. Fel-pro gasket kit for the motor was given to the shop.
Dino oil? Additive? Do you mean more engine break-in oil + some sort of additive?
Dino oil? Additive? Do you mean more engine break-in oil + some sort of additive?
I'm assuming that the engine needs at least 500km on break-in oil in order to be happy. After that, I'm also assuming I can make the switch to something else + a zinc additive (if zinc additive is required).
Gotcha. I'm planning on running a brand new aluminium radiator up front. I'll probably run the pre-mixed Zerex Z05. Heard good stuff about it with aluminium rads.
Cool. You make it sound too easy. lol.
I've got a heated garage to work in (for now) until my relatives start throwing a hissy fit... but they know the motor won't be back until December.
From what I've read online, the break-in process sounds scary & intimidating.. but from those I keep talking to, the online stuff I've been led to believe is wayyyyyy overkill.
Using purely break-in oil for the first 5,000 kms is what I keep seeing... changing it at 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000... That's like $500 just in oil!!!! I keep getting told it's way way overkill and things should be seated and good within the first 500km if I do it correctly.
EDIT:
Thanks for sticking around my thread everyone. Its days like these that you guys give me some confidence with this whole motor rebuild.