Hey guys ( and gals ) just thought I give an update on the mav. A few weeks ago I asked for help diagnoseing a problem with the mav. The engine would crap out at about 5,200- 5,300 rpm. I started with the fuel system and changed the filters and screens both at the carb and fuel pump and it still craped out. Then I was told that the ignition module in the distributor was bad ( it had an accell ) so I replaced it with a MSD pro billet dist, blaster coil, 6al and wires. Yep you guessed it, still craped out.Then I turned my attention to the valve train. I bought a LUNATTI cam kit and new springs.I tore the heads off the engine ( I found out that they were 351 heads on my 302) I thought that it was a kewl find untill I went to remove the valve springs. The springs only had 65 pounds at thier installed height, and yups severe valve float. The retainers beat grooves on the valve stems, valves chewed up the seats and so on. The mechanic that is repairing the mav said that it would never have made it down the strip another pass. The cost to repair the heads with new parts was within a few hundred $ of a new set of after market heads. So being a gear head I bought a set of DART heads,They came in today so the mav will be going back together SOON. I will let you know how it runs and the new e.t. ( last e.t. was 13.85) when it goes to the track on the 29 th untill then see ya
Glad to hear that you found the problem, sorta expensive to track it down but at least you know everything will be okay now. Doesnt sound like it was stock to begin with, is it standard bore. What cam did you put in? I ran the Lunnati bracket master in my 302 and really liked the torque it created and the lumpy idle was killer.
After tearing down the motor I found out that it wasn't as stock as I was told when I got the car. It had 351 heads with roller tip rockers ( heads were trashed due to the valve float) now it will have Dart heads. Also found that it has hyperutectic pistons , ARP head bolts and main studs. I went with the bracket master 292 cam ( 230 @ .50 ) w/ 512 lift. I hope the car will sound good but most of all I hope it will perform.
Which Dart heads did you get? Let us know what headers you are running and how well they clear the plugs.
I had a comp cam with the same specs and it really did have alot of power for a street motor. I had forged pistons, stock heads ported and polished with 2.02 and 1.6 valves an Offy single plane intake and a 650 holley. It would rev quick and had lots of pull. Never had a chance to run it down the track. This is only the beginning for you once you get bit. Have a good time.
Sorry to say but I've had the bug for a long time now, thats why I have a shop full of race cars in differant stages. I have a pro street 55 chevy ( hence the name nasty nickel ) a super gas 66 nova project, a 63 nova ss hardtop pro bracket car project, and off course the mighty mav project. Thats not including the 46 plymouth and camaro projects for my brother in law. Thank GOD for a very understanding wife
