Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Jimmy, I'll assume this will be the first of many Dyno outings I hope. First engine Dyno for me so I'm pretty excited. Should have it on tomorrow and make some pulls Thursday.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, an experienced dyno operator will be invaluable to you. They understand trends and can give insight as to what the engine 'wants'. We're lucky to have have access to two great dynos and smart, smart, operators: Matt Steen and Jason Verke at Victory Engines in Marshall Minnesota and Bob Sherwood's private dyno here in Sioux Falls, S.D. On the last session, I learned a lot about oils and fuels, for example. And QJets in particular have certain characteristics at high rpm that the BSFC can help identify.

If you've never dyno'd before, it can be a bit unnerving at first. When the brake loads the engine and the rpm's start to climb that first time.... :eek:

https://i.imgur.com/0LhVB0Yl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bmySGI7l.jpg

All the best for an informative session. :) -Al

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

AI, I know I'll be better informed at the end with much more to be learned later.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Aaaand we broke it.
https://i.imgur.com/9GOekUO.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Well, on a good note...you found why you were down on power.

Everything still inside the block?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yes, still intact and idles fine. Destroyed some bearings thats for sure.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Ouch. Sorry to see this.
Your first post in this thread says, "It's not really a build". I think a new motor makes it officially a build.
Look at it this way; just about the whole car is new. Now you'll have a motor to match.
Good luck, hope it's not too "painful".

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Dave, well, I don't think it will be too terrible. It does still turn over remarkably well with what seems to be some excessive end play, hope we can save the crank and rods. Springs on the heads look to be set up poorly so I'm sure valvetrain will be dealt with now too.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd,
Sorry to hear the news. Just curious, did you do a leakdown on the engine prior to any passes upon purchasing? Have you checked leakdown since the dyno? Not that it matters now, but that is another logged item after every race that I perform on mine. Hopefully it is not too bad to get it fixed.

Good luck.
Sean

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

That looks pretty minor compared to what some have done. Glad it was caught before " catastrophic failure" occurred. Please keep us in the loop on your findings and the rebuild.