Since we were on the phone with Crane, we decided to use their recommended valvesprings, along with their 10-degree retainers and locks, and gold roller tip rocker arms to actuate our Manley stainless steel valves. To spin the cam in its journals, we ordered Crane's billet double-roller timing set with a Torrington thrust bearing and cam button. Always remember that camshaft manufacturers do extensive research to match their valvetrain components, so taking their advice when it comes to matching springs to a cam is usually the best choice. We have always found Crane camshafts to be very precisely ground with each cylinder's lobe lift and position identical. Most engine builders degree a cam based on the number one cylinder's specs; on a race engine we actually check multiple cylinders to make sure the entire cam is ground properly, not just the lobes for number one. Our Crane camshaft checked perfectly and was installed with its matching lifters and valve gear.
With all of our decisions made and our parts accumulated, there was only one thing left to do-assemble the motor. Be sure to tune in next month when we'll install it, fire it up, break it in, and take it to the track to optimize the tuning and race it!
What do you think about our combination? Do we have what it takes to consistently run low-9s on the motor in a nearly 3,100-pound race car? E-mail us at mopar.muscle@Primedia.com and let us know what you think.
 After installing our rotating...  After installing our rotating assembly, we used a straight edge to determine what thickness shim we'll need for the main girdle. Chenoweth provides the extra-long ARP main studs along with an assortment of shims and extra-long oil pan studs to keep the girdle secure. This is a stout piece made of .375-inch-thick steel and gives our main caps support on a second axis, adding to the already beefy RB bottom end. |
 Before installing our oil...  Before installing our oil pan we had to slightly modify the windage tray. The baffles in the tray were hitting the cut-out in the oil pan where the center-link of the steering passes through it. We simply made a cut in the baffle and hammered it flat where it interfered. |