Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Can-am Engine Blocks

« on: November 14, 2017, 02:37:51 AM »

Hi Nick,

I am interested.  Please contact me at   J56fuelie@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Rex

2

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: Chevrolet Experimental Oil Pan, Oil Pump and Pickup

« on: October 20, 2017, 02:13:16 AM »

Yes, I am familiar with it and would love to have one if anyone has one they will part with.

Thanks,
Rex

3

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: TRACO Fans

« on: April 26, 2017, 03:04:12 PM »

If my memory still serves (questionable), the 327 block with 4 bolt mains was the main reason for setting up with 4" bore x 3" stroke for the 5 liter engines. TRACO had a lot of problems with cracking around the main webs using the 2 bolt blocks, even some of the 4 bolt blocks cracked. As I mentioned before, if the 300 Below process had been available back then, a lot of blocks and heads might not have adorned the scrap pile.

I think the earlier stamped metal rocker covers were used a lot because of the oil bafflels welded into them. Chevy came up with hollow push rods where the oil was pumped through, then just about any rocker covers would suffice and style became more of an issue.

I don't remember the exact Grey paint used, but it was chosen by Jim & Frank and mixed to their spec. The cans were marked TRACO GREY by the supplier. One of the reasons for using it was the ability to easily see any sort of "Leak" on the engine.

Pigpen

Hello everyone.  I haven't been here for a while but I just found this TRACO thread and have been enjoying it for the last couple of ours.  I too am a HUGE fan of TRACO, actually owned the TRACO-built 427 out of the Roger Penske 66 Corvette Sebring winner a few years ago (the engine that was in the car when it was vintage raced in early 90's), but I sold it to Jim Mangione in CA.  I retired from Sherwin Williams a few years ago, but I have a friend who still works in the color lab and he has computer matched the TRACO grey using an original painted piece I had. Yeah, Sherwin Williams makes automotive paint too, not just house paint. The color is dead on and it is a urethane quality so it's very durable.  I'll see if he can get me the formula.

I still have a few parts that came from the TRACO shop.......a couple of the degreed balancers and some 0 - (0 dash) prototype parts, Can Am aluminum blocks, etc.

GREAT thread here !!!!!
[/quote]


Well, at the urging of someone on another forum, I have finally gotten the Sherwin Williams formula for TRACO Gray.  It is in the attachment.  Just take this formula to your local SW automotive store and they should be able to mix you a pint or whatever quantity you need. PLEASE note, this formulation is a two component coating and the catalyst contains some pretty serious materials, so PLEASE wear the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), respirator, mask, gloves, etc, etc.  Read the directions and MSDS before spraying this paint.  Not trying to scare anyone away, I just know these modern highly durable coatings can be dangerous if not used properly.  Hope this helps all you TRACO nuts (yeah, I'm one too).     

4

Originality / Re: 140 cam.........................how much vacuum ?

« on: January 22, 2015, 03:24:31 AM »

No.........................still stuck with this old Corvette 

5

Originality / 140 cam.........................how much vacuum ?

« on: January 21, 2015, 03:04:28 PM »

I'm sure some of you have run the 302 Z/28 140 cam in your small blocks at one time or another. I am curious as to how much vacuum this cam will generate.

Here are the cam specs:

First Design Off-Road cam, P/N 3927140
Casting #3927141
Intake 257 duration @ .050" (333 advertised)
Exh. 269 duration @ .050" (346 advertised)
Lift: .493" intake, .512" exhaust
Intake Max lift @ 108 deg. ATDC
Exhaust Max lift @ 116 deg. BTDC

As always, thanks in advance for your input. 
Rex

6

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: Can Am aluminum engines

« on: November 09, 2013, 12:26:26 AM »

It's difficult to pinpoint a price on these old dinosaurs.  I've seen some of the original ZL-1 Camaro engines go for BIG $$$$$, simply because they had the serial number from one of the original 69 ZL-1 Camaros built in 1969.  Essentially the buyer was paying for the numbers.  As for other "prototype"  O dash Can Am aluminum blocks, the range is pretty broad.............ranging from $500 to as much as $20K for a used and an NOS block......................and everything imaginable in between these prices and conditions. I have 3 in my collection and have paid TOO much for some and gotten a real bargain on others.  I don't mean to sound so vague, but like any of these old collectible parts, it's worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay.

I bought 4 of the 920-15 Firestones for my stock bodied 68 Corvette race replica and they are just too small.  They actually fit nicely on my stock bodied 64 Corvette that was raced in California, so I may just keep them on it.  I did call Coker and was told they have no plans to make an intermediate size of this nice looking and authentic race tire.
 
Thanks Jon for your help.  As usual, you always come through.

Rex

7

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: Can Am aluminum engines

« on: November 06, 2013, 02:03:27 PM »

Thanks Jon, I always know I can count on you.  What are your thoughts on our 920-15 Firestone Indy tires?  I think mine are a bit too small.

8

Trans-Am Camaros / Can Am aluminum engines

« on: November 06, 2013, 01:56:25 AM »

Back in the late 60's through the mid 70's, the Can Am (Canadian American) series became what some believe was the pinnacle of American motorsports. The series had some of the wildest and fastest cars ever assembled by mankind.

 I'm searching for information regarding the casting numbers of GM's aluminum big block engines that were created specifically for the Can Am series, and were the predecessor for the ZL-1 engines. I have a couple of these blocks and the casting numbers are 0-321270 (a Reynolds prototype block cast in 1968) and 3992040, a Winters foundry block cast in 1971 and taken from a Mclaren race car.

 Now I'm faced with an opportunity to purchase an NOS Reynolds aluminum big block, casting #627273...................which I've never seen or even heard of. I know there are about 4 or maybe 5 variations of the Reynolds and GM aluminum big blocks, but this number (627273) is totally new for me. Has anyone heard of this number block, and if so, what are the details of it?

 Thanks,
 Rex

9

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: Fans of Al Bartz

« on: January 23, 2013, 02:05:54 AM »

I have reproduced these Bartz stickers..................................PM me if anyone is interested.

10

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: TRACO Fans

« on: January 20, 2013, 07:31:22 PM »

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.......................don't know,  I jsut thought it was a neat piece since it was for the Trans Am series.

On another note, Mr. Pigpen, do you remember when TRACO changed the color of their decals from yellow to white?

Jon, does this forum have a "FOR SALE" section?

Thanks,
Rex

11

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: TRACO Fans

« on: January 20, 2013, 02:34:47 PM »

Not mine nor do I have any relation to this seller, but I thought this was an interesting piece........................

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181061738167?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

12

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: TRACO Fans

« on: January 20, 2013, 12:50:33 AM »

Thanks for the kind words Jon.  I've been very fortunate to have been able to collect these items.  The first blocks were cast by Reynolds Metals (Massena NY foundry I believe), and they did not have the Winters snowflake whereas the later blocks were cast at the Chevrolet Tonawanda Engine Plant and they did have the snowflake.  As I recall, the first blocks all went to McLaren and Penske.  I also have another block that has the Winters snowflake and it was used in a real McLaren race car. It was built to 510 cubic inches.

13

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: TRACO Fans

« on: January 19, 2013, 05:50:55 PM »

Rex, nice of you to check in with us again and I'm glad you have enjoyed this Traco thread. If you could post that color formula for the Traco grey when you get it, that would be terrific. I'd love to see some photos of your special parts too, if that is possible.

Thanks Jon.  Nice to be here for a change rather than on that Corv.... site (LOL).  I'll try to post the TRACO grey formula as soon as I can get it from my buddy.  Per your request, here are some of my more unusual parts that I've been fortunate enough to add to my collection over the years.  Don't mean to sound boastful, but I hope everyone enjoys seeing them.

This is an original Reynolds aluminum big block that was designed to be run without liners.  I have another one that came from Smokey Yunick in the 80s that he had installed iron liners in along with bronze lifter bushings. He worked it over pretty good.



Reynolds block from Smokey's


These are original magnesium valve covers



This is a prototype dual pickup oil pump for big blocks



Here is a fully degreed small block blalncer from TRACO


This is a cast aluminum front cover for big blocks with integral scavenging pump for dry sump system.  This was designed by Smokey Yunick

14

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: TRACO Fans

« on: January 19, 2013, 04:25:57 AM »

If my memory still serves (questionable), the 327 block with 4 bolt mains was the main reason for setting up with 4" bore x 3" stroke for the 5 liter engines. TRACO had a lot of problems with cracking around the main webs using the 2 bolt blocks, even some of the 4 bolt blocks cracked. As I mentioned before, if the 300 Below process had been available back then, a lot of blocks and heads might not have adorned the scrap pile.

I think the earlier stamped metal rocker covers were used a lot because of the oil bafflels welded into them. Chevy came up with hollow push rods where the oil was pumped through, then just about any rocker covers would suffice and style became more of an issue.

I don't remember the exact Grey paint used, but it was chosen by Jim & Frank and mixed to their spec. The cans were marked TRACO GREY by the supplier. One of the reasons for using it was the ability to easily see any sort of "Leak" on the engine.

Pigpen

Hello everyone.  I haven't been here for a while but I just found this TRACO thread and have been enjoying it for the last couple of ours.  I too am a HUGE fan of TRACO, actually owned the TRACO-built 427 out of the Roger Penske 66 Corvette Sebring winner a few years ago (the engine that was in the car when it was vintage raced in early 90's), but I sold it to Jim Mangione in CA.  I retired from Sherwin Williams a few years ago, but I have a friend who still works in the color lab and he has computer matched the TRACO grey using an original painted piece I had. Yeah, Sherwin Williams makes automotive paint too, not just house paint. The color is dead on and it is a urethane quality so it's very durable.  I'll see if he can get me the formula.

I still have a few parts that came from the TRACO shop.......a couple of the degreed balancers and some 0 - (0 dash) prototype parts, Can Am aluminum blocks, etc.

GREAT thread here !!!!!

15

Trans-Am Camaros / Re: Chevrolet Experimental Oil Pan, Oil Pump and Pickup

« on: June 07, 2011, 02:44:31 AM »

Hello everyone.  Newbie here, Rex Turner from KY.  A friend and fellow member, Jon Mello, suggested I investigate the CRG site, and I must say, it's pretty fantastic!!!!  I love stuff like these cast aluminum oil pans, and am wondering if anyone has one of these beauties for sale.

Thanks in advance for your consideration........................hope to hear from someone, and keep up the great work of this site.

I have an original GM aluminum small block that one of these pans would compliment very nicely.

Rex