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35R
04-04-2007, 06:50 AM
With the next phase of mods underway (for my munro) i thought i should pull my finger out and post up the results for my Head & Cam Combo, with some dyno and track numbers. I've known the Russo Brothers for a while now, they are top blokes that do great work. They knew the monaro was primarily intended for circuit; their recommendation was a 224/230/114 cam with Pacemaker 4->1's and dual 2.5" exhuast, with their custom heads. I think they wanted to go bigger exhaust, but I was worried about all the sensitive alarms in my work car park!

Stock

I had the car dyno'ed at Autotechnique in Melbourne - 192rwkw (100% stock) on a cold winters day.

DIY Tuning

Whilst at Autotechnique I purchased the HPTuners package (they are distributors) and Mario and Grant gave me some basic tuition. We applied a VZ Maf, and the tuning session resulted in a conservative 212rwkw, everything else bone stock. Over the coming months, I dabbled (stumbled!) in some MAFLESS tuning back in Sydney (never had another dyno run at this stage though) however we took it to the track and managed a 12.9 @ 106mph or 107mph with Erik Driving. I think I managed a 13.2 or 13.3 (I can't drive too well..). I still had the stock 3.46 diff then. I was happy with 12's from essentially a stock car, albeit with someone else driving (who can actually drive)..

Powerdyne

Some of you know we tried a powerdyne blower, but it didnt live up to my expectations, and I just wasnt willing to spend money with a matching exhaust/pulley/water injection for this particular kit. Pity it didnt work out really, because there is a strong chance I would have gone onto more serious FI after that... but anyway it was quickly sold to someone willing to work with the kit, and I moved on. I think the new owner was/is happy which is good.

Head and Cam

Russo picked up the car, and delivered it a few days later with the head & cam package, and a temporary tune (until I could get my head around cam tuning). Ordinarily i would have asked Russo to do the tune, but I had already invested in the tuning package, and wanted to dabble myself.. Russo installed 3.9 diff gears around then too.

Results

Circuit: Around Wakefield the car was awesome, punching up to 7000rpm repeatedly all day.. available power was way above my driving abilities thats for sure. Track times didnt immeditaly fall (mainly because of wheelspin) however some more practice finally netted a 1:10.9 around the track. I was stoked. I am sure a better driver could get it under 1:10's.

Drag: At the recent LS1 private day, with "the gun" Erik driving, he managed an 11.89 @ 116mph (http://trackchat.com.au/media/data/500/11_89_timeslip.jpg). Best speed was one or two MPH more than that on the day. We were running full weight (left the spare, jack in place etc) but with Mickey Thompson 235/60/15's on the back.

However my ordinary driving only managed a best ET/MPH of 12.2 @ 115mph. I did about 17 runs within 2~3 mins of each run, trying to get close! I just couldnt match Eriks time. Btw air temps were over 40* and track temps around 60* that day! I there is definitely more in it witht he cooler air, but I dont think I'll get to find out..

Dyno: Erik and I took our cars to Castle Hill exhaust for some Dyno time. Dale was great, taking us through all the "real time" tuning aspects of HPTuners. At the recent dyno day, the monaro pulled 309rwkw on the CHE dyno. The head and cam package yielding about 117rwkw over the stock number of 192rwkw. I will post up the before and after dyno numbers when i can get the scanner working.

Driving home: I still drive the long way home, every day. The car never fails to put a smile on my face. Russo Guys, a sincere big thanks for a great head and cam package guys.

NickS
04-04-2007, 07:24 AM
Great write up Dunc ... big :bravo: for the Russo boys.

I have followed this car around Wakefield and run next to it down the quarter, it sounds awesome and absolutely flies. I can't wait to see how you are going to top this setup.

The more I read the more I'm tempted ... :headbang:

scat2k3
04-04-2007, 07:43 AM
Thats a great writeup Dunc. Well done to you and the Russo boys.

It's great to get info like this: from stock to rocket and all the bits in between.

Cheers,

Scott

lautray
04-04-2007, 12:36 PM
Top piece Dunc. Great results. Kudos to the Russo brothers. I think that h/c combo is awesome. Repeatability, all day, every day.

BlooHAT
04-04-2007, 03:11 PM
Have you got a sound file ??

MMmmm h/c :bravo:

Dan

35R
04-04-2007, 07:09 PM
I think the "old" motor was pulled out of the car today, so not much chance of getting a sound clip :(

There's a few vids of us blasting around Wakefield somewhere though

RedVYIISS
05-04-2007, 07:40 AM
I think the "old" motor was pulled out of the car today

Exciting times ahead.... I bet you can't wait!!!

FatBoy
05-04-2007, 07:07 PM
With that quarter mile time and the (limited) info i have on the car i reckon with a few more laps and some tuition for you mate it'd do mid to low 9's around Wakefield on good (legal) rubber. That's very very impressive for a heavy car that's not "wildly" modified so to speak. It would certainly grab the attention of the turbo 4cyl brigade down there, that's for sure !!

Congrats on your efforts so far, can't wait to see it with the "animal" engine in it... :yep:

Cheers,
Paul...

mick
29-05-2007, 06:26 PM
maybe its time for me to do cam and head look out russo here i come again.

Quadcams
01-06-2007, 05:17 PM
maybe its time for me to do cam and head look out russo here i come again.

Yeh Mick you know you want one!:yep:

555
24-06-2007, 06:36 PM
Did you think about doing any engine reinforcement such as forged pistons for this package?

35R
24-06-2007, 07:16 PM
Did you think about doing any engine reinforcement such as forged pistons for this package?

Hi 555,

Uprated valve springs and double roller chain should be fine for such a head and cam. if you are going to the trouble of changing bottom end internals you may as well go for a stroker i reckon.

jkgmh
07-08-2007, 12:18 PM
maybe its time for me to do cam and head look out russo here i come again.
You'll need some oil temp and water temp gauges to keep it all in check Mick... :yep:

2 cylinders shy
08-08-2007, 10:23 AM
I have wonderd about the reliability with running my car between 4 and 6 grand for extended periods at track days. You are running yours to 7.
Did any of the Russo guys coment on this?

35R
08-08-2007, 12:10 PM
I have wonderd about the reliability with running my car between 4 and 6 grand for extended periods at track days. You are running yours to 7.
Did any of the Russo guys coment on this?

Personally i was amazed how much punishment the 346 H/C motor would take. It was simply awesome value for money given the performance. I never got to test long term reliability as i went to a large cube motor. We do still have the 346 motor sitting around somewhere and I believe Russo want to pull it apart soon, to see how it looks.

lautray
08-08-2007, 03:21 PM
Russo h/c here too, albeit slightly different cam to Duncan's combo :D. Limiter set at 7050rpm, which it saw momentarily on one particular part of Eastern Creek. Like Dunc's old 346 h/c, it doesn't struggle to get up there. 4000-6000 rpm is a snack for ls1's.