Low end lack of power

[Michael L.]

I won't bore everyone with everything I have already done to try and improve low end power on my stock 265 V8. In my course of tinkering, I found that the rocker arm stud on #2 cylinder exhaust was pressed in 1/4" more than the others. I used the washer and nut method to raise it. Could that have been causing me some problems? Or would the rocker arm geometry still be the same? I'm grasping at straws here!!! It was backfiring when cold and I'm hoping that might have been the problem. I have been through timing and carb adjusting with little success. I'm still going to compression check and then I'll fire it up again, re-torque heads and adjust valves. Motor has 500 miles on a rebuild, cam, lifters and timing gears and chain are new... The former friend / clown that rebuilt this is still haunting me.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Low end lack of power

Michael,

A lower stud will change rocker arm geometry but if the valve is adjusted properly in my opinion it's not the cause of your back fire. Take a compression check to determine cranking pressure (all spark plugs out and throttle valve open). If acceptable then make sure timing and vacuum advance is working properly, no vacuum leaks.

Check heat riser to make sure exhaust heat is reaching the intake to heat the cast. If the cast manifold does not get hot enough then you open the throttle, vacuum drops and fuel is still in liquid state because of manifold temperature so engine sees lean then back fire. That's where a properly adjusted choke comes in so check that.

Make up with your friend..

[Jim L.]

expectations

I won't bore everyone with everything I have already done to try and improve low end power on my stock 265 V8..

Michael, altho there very well could be something still wrong with the 265, and if there is I hope you find it, part of the "problem" could be expectations. Seriously. 20 years ago I drove a '56 PG car and was absolutely astonished at how slowly the car got going. Off the line, the car was a dog. So part of what you are experiencing might just be the nature of the beast.

Good luck in your troubleshooting.

Jim

[Michael L.]

Re: Low end lack of power

Jim, I'm beginning to believe that. The motor revs nice and smooth in park and neutral, crisp and responsive. In drive, it is a dog... But, my memories of the car are with a strong 350 /350 with nice torque... Sold that to buy the 265 and get closer to correct. I don't expect neck breaking acceleration, just something that can get out of it's own way. From a stop light going up hill, it is REAL slow.

Thanks!

Mike

[Bill M.]

Re: Low end lack of power

Why not time your car and compare it to road tests of the '55?

[Michael L.]

Re: Low end lack of power

I have considered that as well. If I'm not mistaken, the '55 had a quarter mile of about 22 seconds. I may just give that a try and see how off I am...

I stand corrected, two sources list the quarter mile at 16.7 seconds... Yikes, now I know I'm in the ditch...