Re: [Chrysler300] How did the 300 B turn 139 MPH at Daytona

["Laurence G. Johnson" <laurence_g_johnson@xxxx>]

Roger,

There is a process known as "Blueprinting" an engine. It involves bringing 
all mechanical dimensions of an engine into tolerance. The major items that 
are of concern are compression ratio, clearances (internal friction), piston 
ring seal, and rotating assembly balance. It makes a big difference as to 
the power potential verses the factory work. Typical factory finished 
assemblies were pretty sloppy back then.

I've torn down and measured many factory engines. Lets use an example of a 
factory compression ratio rated at 9.5 to 1. When you actually measure and 
calculate the as delivered compression ratio, it wouldn't be unusual for the 
9.5 engine to actually be 8.5 to 1 or lower with significant cylinder to 
cylinder variation. After milling the heads down to minimum combustion 
chamber volume and milling the block decks so the pistion domes stick up as 
high as allowed and using the thinnest head gasket allowed, the compression 
ratio meets or in some cases exceeds the factory rating with the individual 
parts at their most favorable dimensions. This does wonders for horsepower.

Rehoning the cylinders opens the piston to wall clearance up a couple of 
thousandths reducing friction and at the same time improves the ring seal. 
This is usually the area where big gains can be made. Ring seal was usually 
not very good in those older engines and significant power leaked past the 
rings. I've personally taken brand new never run factory short blocks apart 
and had to drive the pistons out with a hammer and broom handle because they 
were so tight. Round straight cylinders with the proper cross hatch finish 
and correct clearancing will pick the power output up more than any other 
single item.

If these were Kiekhaefer prepared cars you can bet that they were well 
massaged. Were they stock? They met stock specs just like my examples above. 
Was it doable? Obviously they did it. Do I know specifically what they did 
to get those performance levels? I wasn't there but I've done enough engines 
to know what the possibilities are. Can you go 140MPH on 354 cubic inches? 
You sure can.

Larry Johnson



> From: "Roger Schaaf" <obiwan10@xxxx>
> To: "Chrysler 300 list service" <chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Chrysler300] How did the 300 B turn 139 MPH at Daytona
> Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 11:16:57 -0800
>
> Does anyone have knowledge on what was done to the several 300 B's that ran 
> at Daytona in 1956 that ran up to 139 mph.
>
> How close to stock were they. Somehow I have a tough time believing that 
> running on sand with the aerodynamics of a sail turning upward of 140 mph 
> with a stock motor would be doable.
>
> How close to stock were the Kiekhaefer autos.
>
> I have never seen any information on what were done to these cars, what 
> rear axle ratios they ran, transmissions, engine mods, body, frame and 
> suspension changes, how fast would they run on the straight-aways etc. etc.
>
> Are there any videos available on these cars and their racing 
> activities(Grand National and Daytona).
>
> Are any of the original cars still around?
>
> Sounds like would be an interesting book to have the history of these cars 
> and their exploits. This all applies to 55 C 300's also.
>
> Roger Schaaf
> 300 B Calif.

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