Finally a Power Figure
Before this thread gets hijacked I'd better get us back on track . . .
Latest from Korman is that the engine is off the dyno and being crated for shipment back to us. Finally got a detailed explanation of the problems they encountered.
They started out with a set of jets and chokes that they thought were pretty close. They did runs, changed, measured, changed, measured, ad nauseum. At the last round they were making jet changes but not seeing the mixture change proportionately. That's when they ditched the ignition system we had on the car and got a special application Pertronix unit, coil, and they changed spark plug heat range yet again. They also installed a fuel pressure regulator that had more volume. It's doubtful we would ever have it under the sustained load they did, but they also don't have to contend with lateral loads. We know the float bowls will stay full now.
With those installed, things started reacting in a predictable manner. Through all these changes the power never changed too dramatically, but they achieved stable exhaust gas readings and in Jimmy's words, "it just sounds better." To quote, "Anyone else we'd toss that statement out, but he was right, the cadence of the engine got "happy" for lack of a better term."
Now a drum roll please . . .
350 HP!!
Pretty stout for a single cam, carb motor. They are still working on the final torque curves, but the engine pulls hard from 5500 RPM up to 8500 RPM. Ray opined that they've been more interested in the shape of the curve than the high point, and are pleased with that too. A bigger cam would probably net another 15hp, but would make it so peaky lap times would suffer. He is recommending a 7600-7800 rev limit, and he thinks it will last a good long time.
It's been a long, trying process, but the end result is worth it- me thinks.