Things Change.. Butters is now getting a 392
So, after my test drive last weekend, I had a few things that I just couldn't shake and being wired the way I am, I had to address them.
One thing is oil pressure. I'm just not happy with it and felt like I was watching the gauge constantly. Cold was 40 and would drop to 25 at hot idle.. Not so bad. But driving at speed, it didn't really bring it up to what I expected. I have a 2020 Ram 5.7 that carries over 55 or 60 at a low rpm cruise.. And I wasn't anywhere near that. Hoopty carries 60 at hot idle (HC pump). When I had this motor on the stand, I had a new HC pump on the shelf and decided not to use it since the motor was such a low mile motor and super clean inside. Hindsight right!? It may be fine but I just don't want to be a gauge watcher.. Takes the fun out of it, for me. So I've broken my weekend only rule and put a few hours in out in the shop this week.. A few minutes here and there. Really wasn't bad at all and so thankful that I didn't have to lift the engine. HC pump will be done for the weekend.
Another thing I'm addressing while I'm here is the alternator. I never really realized just how long those lower bolts were. Hell, I thought I was gonna have to lift the engine just to get the bolts out! They run all the way through the TC cover by about a good 3/4 of an inch. The heads would hit the frame longer before coming out. Fortunately, the alternator came off attached with the timing cover. I'll shorten them considerably to allow for them to come out in the future.. Should they ever need to.
I also decided that I really want to run the Rallyes that I bought. So I did some washer stacking and found that if I run 1/2" spacer, they'll clear the caliper. So I ordered a pair of hubcentric/lugcentric 1/2" spacers and ARP extended studs. I really didn't want to go that route but it is what it is. I'll just be sure to constantly check them.
So, after my test drive last weekend, I had a few things that I just couldn't shake and being wired the way I am, I had to address them.
One thing is oil pressure. I'm just not happy with it and felt like I was watching the gauge constantly. Cold was 40 and would drop to 25 at hot idle.. Not so bad. But driving at speed, it didn't really bring it up to what I expected. I have a 2020 Ram 5.7 that carries over 55 or 60 at a low rpm cruise.. And I wasn't anywhere near that. Hoopty carries 60 at hot idle (HC pump). When I had this motor on the stand, I had a new HC pump on the shelf and decided not to use it since the motor was such a low mile motor and super clean inside. Hindsight right!? It may be fine but I just don't want to be a gauge watcher.. Takes the fun out of it, for me. So I've broken my weekend only rule and put a few hours in out in the shop this week.. A few minutes here and there. Really wasn't bad at all and so thankful that I didn't have to lift the engine. HC pump will be done for the weekend.
Another thing I'm addressing while I'm here is the alternator. I never really realized just how long those lower bolts were. Hell, I thought I was gonna have to lift the engine just to get the bolts out! They run all the way through the TC cover by about a good 3/4 of an inch. The heads would hit the frame longer before coming out. Fortunately, the alternator came off attached with the timing cover. I'll shorten them considerably to allow for them to come out in the future.. Should they ever need to.
I also decided that I really want to run the Rallyes that I bought. So I did some washer stacking and found that if I run 1/2" spacer, they'll clear the caliper. So I ordered a pair of hubcentric/lugcentric 1/2" spacers and ARP extended studs. I really didn't want to go that route but it is what it is. I'll just be sure to constantly check them.