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Old 12-07-2023, 09:33 AM   #44
Tim Ayers
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 7,233
Default Re: Shoud I relieve my block

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked View Post
The question comes back to the application and usage of the engine. In a performance built engine, a relief will help - especially if you have good port/valve work done, cam, heads, etc.. In a stocker type engine, it will reduce compression and there is not a huge amount of benefit. Also, what RPM do stock engines usually run at?

Pete, Ron and I probably relieve every engine we build - as we do not build stock type engines. I've not built a stock engine in 40 years.

If I was building a stocker or mild performance type engine, I'd probably do more of a blend of the transfer areas around the valves - more of a 1/2 relief to improve flow out of the valve pocket. Also, consider that stock type engines are already suffering from low compression - do you want it any lower?

Here are a few pictures of what I'll call a 1/2 relief - it was done for a 276 cubic inch street engine running dual carbs and a Potvin 3/8 cam. Stock valves sizes, street porting and guide work (on the tops). This is kind of a "tweener" - improved ports, a 1/2 relief - not a competition style engine, but surely an improvement over stock. It ran extremely well in a street driven Model A roadster:

Attachment 531548

Attachment 531549

Attachment 531550
Dale,

Looks great, as usual. This is close to the type of relief that Barney Navarro used on his engines.

I've curious about the "eyebrow" above and 1/2 way between the valves. Any thoughts on if this metal impedes, improves or is indifferent to flow?

Jack E/NJ,

Thanks for posting the heads picts. Curious about head combustion chamber shape and how to improve that area as well.
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