Recent content by RLF Cuda

I have to agree that the single row Green bearings are no fit for purpose. Modern bearings are dual row and much stronger. But fitting roller bearings in the limited space available in a old Mopar housing is problematic. My green bearings failed 300 miles from home (Bishop, CA when I lived...

I must agree with the Oil Geek, but can't stand his presentation style. As an engine oil formulation chemist with Chevron for 18 years, and may years doing the same for other companies, I do understand oils and oil formulations. For background, ASTM sets the requirements for automotive engine...

I have mentioned this previously, but I formulated Delo 400 for Chevron for 6 years and did additive development for 12 years. I run Delo 400 SAE 15W-40 HDDO in my older vehicles with perfect success. HDDO Heavy Duty Diesel engine Oils) have the same Zinc content as older oils and work fine...

I still have an original dual point distributor for my 340, but I ran the electronic ignition for decades when my original distributor shaft bushing wore out and the timing started wandering all over the place. The electronic ignition ran well to at least 6500 rpm which was about the limit I...

In my experience, once the A/F ratio is set correctly at ~13:1 full throttle and near 14.5:1 cruise, timing is the most important tuning issue for FE. 340's like about 34° mechanical advance and as much vacuum advance as the fuel will allow which is typically about 51°. These are crank...

Below is a shot of the dash I assembled using PG Classics 316-69KIT dash bezel, lenses, and a mix of original parts. My '68 Formula S FB had the standard rally dash with no tach and a 120 MPH speedometer. Over the decades I have owned this car (since '69), I modified only a few things. In...

During the short drive on city streets, I felt the car lacked power, but you can never have enough power, so I have to be satisfied with what I have. But then i remembered that I am running 2.94's in the rear so that I can drive the car at current freeway speeds (without an overdrive). Those...

Well, The weather killed all my fun! Started sleeting/snowing Thursday when they were going to test drive the Cuda. Not with that paintjob! Friday was worse, and more snow Saturday. Hoping for Monday as the weatherman CLAIMS it will be 73. In the Denver area, you simply cannot trust the...

I am leery of header wrap as I toasted a set of headers on of all things my '88 Dak with a 125 HP V6. I wrapped them to keep the heat out of the engine compartment but in about 3 months, the totally fell apart flaking rust all over the place and naturally massive leaks. Edelbrock said that...

Update! The 'Cuda is out for alignment and should be ready to drive tomorrow. So far, all looks good for it to be finished early next week. Will update after I see the car tomorrow. Maybe a video.

This article from Speedway Motors on U-Joints give useful information about that weak link in the drivetrain. U-Joint Identification | Types of U-Joints Explained (speedwaymotors.com)

I ran my '68 'Cuda FB FS at the strip well over 350 times (at one point I had all the timing slips) and turned 13.50's @ 105. All on the original 8 3/4 with 3.55's. With 220,000 miles on it now, all is fine. Just change oil regularly and keep the u-joints lubed and tight.

What was the diagnostics on the last failure to start? Fuel in the carb? Fuel in the filter? Spark? If it cranks, it isn't the alternator. I wonder if there is a heat soak issue with the distributor pickup, but checking for spark will settle that issue. There has to be a root cause for...

From what I have read and experienced with my 340 for 54 years is that ignition timing and advance curve are paramount to a good running engine. Once the spark is stable at all RPM's the engine will see, the power is in the timing curve. The 340 seems to like 34° mechanical advance for best 1/4...

I really like the see-through filter, but the risk is that they are plastic and can crack. I had them on my '66 Belvedere 426 Hemi once. I was driving to the Post Office then to work when I saw flames coming out of the shifter boot. Oh ****! Pulled into the Post Office parking lot and shut...