Before we get too deeply into the set up, it’s important to understand that the power of the Cross Ram lies not within itself, but results from a combination of select high-performance components. This powerful arsenal includes; the Cross Ram intake, special carburetors, cold air induction system, special profile camshaft, large-valve heads and a special tuned header exhaust system. All carefully developed to be used in concert as a “tuned” system -- resulting in one of the most potent power production packages in Chevrolet’s small-block history! Equally important to the selection of these special power producing components is their careful preparation through blueprinting and assembly. This is a basic phase of any high-performance engine build and is necessary to promote maximum power and durability. Let’s proceed now with the understanding that we don’t just bolt-on the Cross Ram and go. Use of this special system requires (and deserves) that we carefully select our components and assemble them “correctly” using basic engine blueprinting and assembly procedures, thus assuring our engine will run well and be capable of handling the additional power. ENGINE PREPARATION The first step in the preparation and set up of the Cross Ram-equipped 302 is to determine the expected level of performance. Although basically similar, the degree of preparation for street, show and competition varies depending on personal and performance expectations. We can’t expect a street engine to run a full-race short track cam comfortably,
|
