Fix my W2s or go with RHS heads?

rmchrgr said
Wow, thanks for the detailed reply, Myron. Good info. I appreciate you thinking all that through and typing it out.

Here's some more info on the rest of the combo

340, stock stroke
aforementioned #810 iron heads
not sure on pistons but compression test was around 175-180 psi
runs on pump 93, sometimes mix with Cam 2 100 unleaded
TTi 1 7/8 step headers
MP .557 cam lashed to .026" intake, .028" exhaust
Harland Sharp W2 rocker arms
Victor W2 intake
Proform 750 D.P. 76/86 jets, 4.5" P.V. in front, #37 pump nozzles
RobbMc pickup in stock tank
3/8 fuel line
Carter mechanical strip fuel pump
4.10 gear with Auburn Sure Grip
Caltracs w./ split monos, Rancho shocks front and rear
275/60 (28") M/T drag radials
904 with T.A. FMVB, no engine braking in first, low first gear set
not sure on the converter but its a Hughes Performance 3,800 or so
MSD ignition
Autolite 3428 (3824?) plugs gapped @ .040"
MP mechanical advance distributor, 20 initial, 36 total all in by 2,000 rpm
car weighs around 3,000 without me, I am 180.

Theoretically, with everything working right, this should be a solid, mid-to-low 11 second car. I didn't think I'd lose much if anything going to the RHS heads, especially if I stay with a single plane intake.

Just a few thoughts/observations/2 cents:

1) TTI 1 7/8" headers are straight. Their stepped version is 1 5/8"-1 3/4" step. The stepped headers "might" be holding you back a little, but they are pretty versatile and will help with bottom end & midrange.

2) A good quality looser converter would help. But you may need to work on the suspension to handle it.

3) Double check the shocks up front. Rancho shocks, if any fit, should not be used up front. But their old 5 or new 9 way are good for the back. Cal-Trac has their own versions now.

4) The Edelbrock Victor has a larger plenum than othe intakes, such as the Holley Strip Dominator. I normally ran the Holley. If you have or will use a spacer, stick with a 4-hole or tapered 4-hole.

5) A little more gear may help. Trap RPM should be a bit over optimum shift RPM. But I wouldn't be concerned about shifting much over 6,800.

6) Check valve spring pressures. 140+ seat/340+ open. Others may offer their own suggestions.

7) Make sure you have enough fuel pressure & volume. Personally I never cared for a mechanical pump on drag car.

8) Experiment with pump cams & squirters for better 60' times. Jet for MPH. It might be easier to remove the power valve and jet square. Experiment from there. 86 seems rich, but I don't know what the Proform recommendations are. 4779 Holleys are like 72/81 with a power valve. (I'd have to look it up.)

Something, or things, are holding you back so you need to stay conservative and double-check what you have, mainly in the engine. Can't take for granted that everything was correct when you got it.