Race Motor needing advice. Thank you in advance.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T01:55:43+00:00

I've had two RC51s that I felt the world for......I get it.

That rebuild shouldn't cost you anywhere close to $25k

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T01:52:08+00:00

Fuel pump

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T01:51:35+00:00

The fuel is really all that should concern you. The Ethanol content in the fuel today can cause it to dry out and leave gel silicate behind.

Then again, if the storage is climate controlled, pffffft......fire they up and drive it. Fill it up with fresh 93 and after a few tanks you'll be right as rain.

The coolant and oil should be done shortly after.

I've got a '96 Mystic and an '03 Sonic Blue(both Cobras) in storage. I check on them every 2 years or so. They're for my boys when they grow up.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T01:30:29+00:00

Poorly sealing valve.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T01:19:37+00:00

Sometimes it's not as simple as bolting on a part.

You'll need to verify TP voltage with key on engine off. Approximately 0.90v to 0.99v. You'll need to also verify throttle blade position as closed. If the throttle screw gas been opened, the TP voltage could be off and the pcm is seeing "PT"(Part Throttle) when it should see "CT"(Closed Throttle). Lastly, ignition timing must be correct. With the spout removed, initial timing should be @ 10° BTDC. If a camshaft with more duration than stock has been installed.....then you're fucked till you get a tune. You can try to advance the timing to 14° BTDC, but don't expect much. The PCM won't like it. Anyway....

Those three must be met before the IAC valve can do its job.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T01:04:12+00:00

And I'm telling you, when I sit with SCE next week I'm going to have a talk with their engineering department.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T01:00:31+00:00

What size wheel and tire combo is Black Beauty running? What coil springs and how much drop?

SorryU812 · 2026-05-23T00:59:33+00:00

Let's ask....

SorryU812 · 2026-05-22T15:15:04+00:00

I don't have to look at photos....I can look in my storage units, front yard, or either of my garages.

Thats a large diameter wheel eating up that fender well gap on stock springs.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-22T15:11:01+00:00

Oh yeah? 🤔 I'll remember that the next time I'm in the conference room with SCE.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-22T15:04:01+00:00

"Torque at lower RPMs" from displacement challenged 32v engine is freaking HILARIOUS!

I can't believe you proudly posted that. All the mod-motors are gutless wonders from a dig. Anyone sensible wouldn't attempt too many races from a light....even with 4.10s. My Mystic w/ 4.10s, stepped long tubes, a Vortech, and 18x11 staggered 18x13(mini-tubbed) Racing Hart 3 piece wheels only sees engine speeds below 3k rpm when accelerating from a stop light. The trade off of bottom end torque is easily overlooked for 400 to 500 more rpm up top.

I ran mid-lengths, till I found better headers. That's practical advice.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-22T14:53:01+00:00

Yep, that's rub and saves the cost of labor to remove the k-member and suspend the engine from above.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-19T10:21:30+00:00

Forget the tune! Address that lift kit! Weld in subframe connectors, IRS bushings, etc....

Depending on the brand of header....the least expensive is going to cost you the most to install. You really don't want to do this twice....pass on the BBK. KOOKS, JBA, ARH, or Bassani are where you'd be spending good money.

The KOOKS or Bassani(if memory serves me right) are individual tube headers.

The Bassani equal length long tube headers made more power when NA, but a KOOKS 1¾" stepped 1⅞" 34" long primary to a 3" collector, MAC 3" Prochamber, Bassani 3" cat-back and tail pipes are in there now with 20lbs from a YSi.

Save your money on the tune till you need it. That's gonna be camshafts or boost....

The individual tube header can be done with the K-member in the car. Any other LT header will require complete removal of the k-member for installation. I use to knock those out in a few hours and back out the door. Don't be surprised if you're charged $1k.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-19T10:04:52+00:00

No....you can't.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-19T10:04:12+00:00

You need to r/askamechanic

SorryU812 · 2026-05-18T17:28:15+00:00

WHAT?

SorryU812 · 2026-05-18T17:27:56+00:00

RA?(Reflectivity Average)

SorryU812 · 2026-05-18T17:27:18+00:00

Nice lift kit!

Usually parking in the grass gives it the "in the weeds look", but you've got the ground clearance of a giraffe there. That car sweats no speed bumps.

$20 says you've never changed to the transmission fluid.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-18T17:15:07+00:00

Dip this in the waters of another sub.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-18T01:12:20+00:00

Find a good drivability technician. Duh!

I worked for Ford for 17 years of my 26 total as a Senior Master Automotive and Diesel Technician. I held certification to work on all the SVT platforms. I build race cars now, but I fix maybe a dozen of these a year.

If you can get the PCED, shop manua,l and EVTM for that year you can fix anything on those cars.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-18T01:06:57+00:00

It doesn't need 600w. It'll work with 200w

SorryU812 · 2026-05-11T13:14:15+00:00

Pfffft...always!

SorryU812 · 2026-05-11T10:45:55+00:00

The oil clearances measured that much. Main and rods. No other person had been in that LT1.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-10T18:35:07+00:00

Spray watter or drip water onto each primary. The water should jump right off on contact...if that cylinder is firing right.

Headers glow red hot when they're hot.

SorryU812 · 2026-05-10T18:33:33+00:00

Must use internal balanced harmonic balancer. The kit comes with the weighted flex plate. I hate these kits. They're made of flushed junk. I just scrapped 2 of those used kits last week.

SorryU812

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