the Gut of an HA/GR - Engine Weight [Archive]

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chuckspeed

10-18-2006, 06:52 AM

First off...Ryan - thanks for creating a separate site - 's cool!

As y'all probably already know, nearly half of the weight of a HA/GR rail is concentrated in the motor. While most of ya have picked out a specific drivetrain to run, it may behoove you to look at the engine weight list, as it serves as a reference point for future builds. When you're building a 1200 lb (more or less) car, the 100 lbs of cast iron swing in engine block weight is like hangin' almost 300 lbs of mass on a big block Chevelle - to Mr. Mac's point on another thread!

For reference:

http://www.team.net/sol/tech/engine.html

REJ

10-18-2006, 07:29 AM

I would say after looking at that site, more than half the weight would be motor and tranny.
Has any of the teams weighed their car? I would be curious as to what to shoot for. I do not really see where you can shave a lot of weight off of these things. I mean the motor, tranny and rear ends are the majority of the weight on the cars.

GMC BUBBA

10-18-2006, 09:36 AM

chuckspeed

10-18-2006, 10:38 AM

I think weight is a issue. But it can also help hook the car up as well. Can ya be too light ? I think so. I am sure our GMC will weigh more than a flathead, but hopefully help the lack of traction as well. ??

that becomes an issue of engine placement...

Historically, the big Jimmys ruled the roost. My Dad's best friend endo'd a 13 second Jimmy here in Detroit in '56; it was one of the faster cars of its day.

Unfortunately, there isn't the plethora of speedparts available for the GMC's as there are for 8BA's and 59A's - which makes it a tougher build.

If'n I were a bettin' man, tho - I'd still lay money on a Six beating Cast Iron Charlie's finest!

Jim Marlett

10-18-2006, 12:57 PM

If'n I were a bettin' man, tho - I'd still lay money on a Six beating Cast Iron Charlie's finest!
Me too. I just can't stop lovin' those flatties.

Ryan

10-18-2006, 04:26 PM

Mr. Mac

10-18-2006, 06:42 PM

yeah... in the end game, a flathead can't keep up with a properly spec'ed GMC. I think history kind of proved that, right?

That said, there is certainly a coolness factor to the flathead that the big 6 just can't touch...

Well now! Why dont we let the flattys run just a tiiiny bit of FUEL and then we can keep up with the so called properly spec'ed GMC.:)

plan9

10-18-2006, 06:58 PM

Well now! Why dont we let the flattys run just a tiiiny bit of FUEL and then we can keep up with the so called properly spec'ed GMC.:)

yah... just a tiny bit ;)
or maybe we send the I6 guys tons of fatty food so they gain a hundred pnds of fleshy mass? every bit helps, no?

Mr. Mac

10-18-2006, 08:28 PM

yah... just a tiny bit ;)
or maybe we send the I6 guys tons of fatty food so they gain a hundred pnds of fleshy mass? every bit helps, no?

SI SI

chuckspeed

10-19-2006, 07:17 AM

yah... just a tiny bit ;)
or maybe we send the I6 guys tons of fatty food so they gain a hundred pnds of fleshy mass? every bit helps, no?

Make mine a double cheesewhopper, puh-leeze.

GMC BUBBA

10-19-2006, 09:58 AM

yeah... in the end game, a flathead can't keep up with a properly spec'ed GMC. I think history kind of proved that, right?

That said, there is certainly a coolness factor to the flathead that the big 6 just can't touch...

Just so i dont become labled with the GMC World totally. My other ride is here with a flathead as well. Having both sicknesses is almost fatal.

www.gasolinealleyshops.org (http://www.gasolinealleyshops.org)

lindross

10-19-2006, 10:01 AM

Just so i dont become labled with the GMC World totally. My other ride is here with a flathead as well. Having both sicknesses is almost fatal.

www.gasolinealleyshops.org (http://www.gasolinealleyshops.org)

Don't forget that Slant sickness as well. I'm sure thanks to me you've learned more about them than you ever cared to. :D

chuckspeed

10-19-2006, 10:41 AM

Don't forget that Slant sickness as well. I'm sure thanks to me you've learned more about them than you ever cared to. :D

Make mine aluminum!

didja know Henry made a small run of alloy block flattie V8's at one point? He wanted to see if they'd work as aircraft motors; they had durability issues. I think one survives in non-running condition somewheres...

FiddyFour

10-20-2006, 03:32 AM

yah... just a tiny bit ;)
or maybe we send the I6 guys tons of fatty food so they gain a hundred pnds of fleshy mass? every bit helps, no?

im WAAAAAY ahead of ya... and i aint even running a jimmy six :D :eek:

im in shape,.. round is a shape

plan9

10-23-2006, 02:37 PM

Just so i dont become labled with the GMC World totally. My other ride is here with a flathead as well. Having both sicknesses is almost fatal.

www.gasolinealleyshops.org (http://www.gasolinealleyshops.org)
hey Bubba, nice XF/PP truck..
Mike Bishop is building a 56 for Bville as well, I had the pleasure of making this concept for him.. lots and lots of digital fabrication involved. ;)

Yellow:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/plan92/mikeBishop/truck_body18a_with_disc.jpg

Grey:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/plan92/mikeBishop/truck_silverBody_v19a.jpg

GMC BUBBA

10-23-2006, 08:58 PM

hey Bubba, nice XF/PP truck..
Mike Bishop is building a 56 for Bville as well, I had the pleasure of making this concept for him.. lots and lots of digital fabrication involved. ;)

Yellow:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/plan92/mikeBishop/truck_body18a_with_disc.jpg

Grey:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/plan92/mikeBishop/truck_silverBody_v19a.jpg

Neat truck ! I like the silver one the best. XF/PP is a neat class. I have plans down the road of a XO/PP as well ( a 46 Chevy truck) .
We are getting ready for a winter of dynoing engines and plan on running hilborn injection on a bigger and better motor for next year.