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Measuring Current Engine Height and Seeking Expert Advice

5:02
38:06
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At 5:02 in

Vintage NASCAR Monte Carlo Build: Dodge R5P7 Engine Install with Doug Richert! (Part 1)

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What happens here

The presenter creates a custom 10-inch "pointer" tool from a piece of wire to measure the crankshaft height. He places it on the ground next to the engine's lowest point (the oil pan resting on the cross member). He determines the engine is about 1.5 inches taller than the 10-inch minimum requirement. He calls Doug Richert, a veteran crew chief, who advises against running such a high crankshaft height (11.5 inches) on a short track, suggesting it would be detrimental to performance.

Goal: Determine if the engine's lowest point (crankshaft) meets regulatory minimum height and consult an expert on optimal positioning.

Tools and materials

  • Custom 10-inch Pointer Tool — Measuring the minimum crankshaft height from the ground
  • Race Car Chassis with Engine Chevy — The subject of measurement and modification
  • Smart Phone iPhone — Calling an expert for advice

What they say

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and things like that and I made this little pointer thing that's 10 in up to show me where 10 in is and the engine is resting right on the crossmember it cannot go any lower and we got at least an inch to spare what's happening well I got the frame laying on the blocks and the engine with the engine with the pan sitting on the crossmember cannot go any lower is about an inch and a half taller than my 10-inch pointer so I don't think that going too low will be a problem oh wow so so measure um see how high the crossmember is off the ground okay with it sitting there the lowest point of the crossmember yeah just like measure the bottom side like okay this is gonna drag the ground if it travels uh it's probably about 5 and a half Ines or something now see that's pretty high you don't you don't want to run a short

Auto-generated from the video audio.