Originally posted by Big Steve: Many years ago my engine tossed the alternator belt during a bracket race and the car picked up .100 in the 1/8th. If the vacuum pump is not pulling enough vacuum to increase HP, maybe by not driving it you will pick up some power like I did. Never know
Just curious. Did you happen to prove that alternator out later with an ABA test?
No I took the alternator off the next race and the car stayed quicker that it normally was with the alt. Switched to a 16 volt battery shortly after and ran with a single battery without an alt for years
The reason I asked is that it should not have happened. I suspect there was a bad diode in the alternator dragging it down. Been there. It's pita to pin down when looking for a loss in engine power. It is good that the race alternator MFGs spin them up before sending them out. In my case I was dealing with oem stuff.
Dave Koehler - Koehler Injection - http://www.koehlerinjection.com Fuel Injection - Nitrous Charger - Nitrous Master Software - Balancing 99% of fuel injection problems are electric.
September 21, 2025, 05:47 AM
wideopen231
quote:
Originally posted by BP758: [QUOTE]Originally posted by FootbrakeJim: I believe 100% that the old pan evac system with conventional collector headers does pull a measurable amount of vacuum. Enough to help prevent and even stop any minor leaks, on a decently sealed engine. Never put a vacuum gauge on mine, but I am sure it was a low number, maybe only 4-8 inches. Definitely not enough to improve ring seal and increase power, which is really what the Vacuum Pump brought to the game. That said, I agree with Bruce that a single zoomie pipe on each side probably won't create much vacuum, but maybe enough to allow the proposed setup to work, if the goal is to remove the clutter from the front of the engine. I do think removing the vac pump may cut some HP, even with a heavy ring package. But probably worth testing it, anyway. I will give Wide Open credit, he does come up with a lot of "out of the box" ideas. If you do try it out, share the results with us.
I agree Jim. I would definitely try it. Has to be worth something. Maybe not at low speed but it counts mid track on. Stock has taught me; leave no stones unturned. It’s amazing to see on the dyno what vac does to the carbs and fuel curve.
Chris, how about four small tubes connected into one ? ![/QUOTE
4 into 1 is idea. Was going out this weekend. Weather looks like not happening. Weather man says we need the rain. Big job starting and wanting to make some hit not sure I agree with him on that one.LOL
Swapping back to older zoomie set. Do not mind welding extra on them to test idea. Will keep new set clean till proven good or bad idea.
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September 21, 2025, 09:10 AM
wideopen231
Thinking on the 4 into 1 idea. I might be able to fabricates some add on ring to slide on pipes with angles tubes. That way Not weld on tubes and have to patch them if do not work.
Welding on my new aluminum set and patching them just not something all that excited about. Quite a bit more work then doing the steel sets.
Thanks for out of box comment. IMO that is one thing missing in modern area of drag racing. Trying something just to see if it works. You know like the guy who first put shocks on a dragster did. First guy to dump some liquid horse power into a engine. Not that any of my junk will ever have that big a splash by any means. Just adding fun to it all, for me anyway. Have been told I should have ran in competition eliminator. Those guys are like mad scientist always looking for .001 better. Hell this **** cost to much to not have fun and definition of that varies.This message has been edited. Last edited by: wideopen231,
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September 28, 2025, 06:14 PM
Dave Koehler
Make a plate that goes between the head and header? Won't fubar your headers that way.
Dave Koehler - Koehler Injection - http://www.koehlerinjection.com Fuel Injection - Nitrous Charger - Nitrous Master Software - Balancing 99% of fuel injection problems are electric.
September 28, 2025, 06:25 PM
BP758
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dave Koehler: Make a plate that goes between the head and header? Won't fubar your headers that way.[/QUOTE
There ya go! Great idea.
California Screaming! Raceless in California!
September 29, 2025, 01:26 PM
wideopen231
Well could just machine into flange on aluminum ones .Being 3/4 it has plenty meat. Thought about a tube at end of header like extension so to speak with tube mounted there. Easy on and off, May look like **** but if works can make pretty later.
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