Re: What changed the rated horsepower RPM in 1953/54?

Posted by Ross On 2009/10/22 20:38:34

Don't know about the pistons from Egge, but I've bought at least 15 sets from Terrill Machine. They are fine, and have the expansion controlling steel struts cast in. They have all worked just dandy, and the folks at Terril are great to deal with.

There are only 3 cams listed to fit the 51-54 engines; the solid lifter, the hydraulic lifter, and the 359 hydraulic lifter. Someone told me the 359 cam was machined in a few extra spots so the rods wouldn't hit it with the longer stroke.

I think the power increase at higher RPM was due to a bit better flow in the 4bbl manifold, and a little extra space in the head over top of the intake valve to help it flow into the cylinder.

Interestingly, although the manifolds all interchange 51-54, the 288, 327, and 359 all had different inside diameters in the runners. I put a 359 4bbl mainfold on a ported and relieved 288 but found it prone to bogging in normal driving because of inadequate velocity in those long runners.