[Shotimes] OT - Ford BB

[Ron Porter]

I really don't believe that any wedge-type head is better than a
central-plug "hemi" or other symmetrical combustion chamber. Just way too
many compromises. Super high octane fuel, as well as 40+ degree timing
advance were things that wedge heads needed, as well as stuff like indexed
spark plugs. I remember reading years ago that the Hemi only needed 32-36
degrees of advance, and most other performance wedge heads didn't even start
running until they had at least 36.

Ron Porter

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of BJamesjr@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 8:47 PM
To: kerbyh@netzero.net; shotimes@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] OT - Ford BB


>It had "Crescent" shaped chambers.  Basically, the same shape as the Hemi,
>but Chrysler had copyrighted the name, so Ford couldn't use it.


>>How did the 429 compare?  Wasn't its design influenced by the Hemi?

I remember the Hemi being "the thing" back then, virtually dominating any
drag class it was appropriate for.  I always thought it was because of the
valves being positioned and angled optimally for intake and exhaust, and the
centrally-located spark plug.  Otherwise I'm not sure that combustion
chamber
shape is any advantage.  The more compact combustion chamber of the Chev.
V8's might even be better for combustion.