In this packed Ask Ed 53 episode, Ed Smith covers a wide spread of real hot rod knowledge—from ignition coil diagnosis, distributor tricks, camshaft behavior, and timing review, to 455 Buick tips, Dodge 318/360 oiling, small and big block Chevy comparisons, and vintage drag racing stories. This one blends old-school racing experience with practical engine-building advice, including lessons learned the hard way. If you enjoy genuine shop talk, period-correct performance knowledge, and the kind of technical detail that only comes from decades around fast cars, this episode is loaded.
What’s in this episode
• 3-second ignition coil diagnosis and what it can reveal quickly
• Comparing the Chevy 396, 390, and 383 small/big block combinations
• 1955 Chevy cam “tug-of-war” engine struggle in the day
• Distributor spring trick and why small tuning changes matter
• How to build the easiest 500 hp Fox-body Mustang combination
• Why the fastest car doesn’t always make the winnings money
• Why Ed does not cross-drill a crankshaft
• Small-block Chevy ignition timing review and tuning fundamentals
• Stories about Arizona drag racer Johnny Loper
• What FAST A/Gas meant and why it mattered in period drag racing
• Oiling differences and concerns in the Dodge 318 and 360
• A quick Buick 455 performance tip
• SBC cam walk stopper discussion and valvetrain control
• The famous double-hump SBC heads
• When it makes sense to build an Olds 455
• Why you never wanted to line up against Ed
Technical and engineering highlights
• Ignition diagnosis logic using fast failure-check methods
• Mechanical advance and distributor tuning behavior
• Camshaft thrust, cam walk, and valvetrain stability
• Crankshaft oiling strategy and why certain “improvements” can backfire
• Timing curve fundamentals for small-block Chevrolets
• Cylinder head flow legacy of double-hump SBC castings
• Oiling considerations in Mopar small-block architecture
• Platform comparison logic between different displacement combinations
• Real-world engine building choices based on cost, durability, and use-case
• Vintage drag racing class structure and how setup affected competitiveness
Why this video is worth watching
• Real experience instead of theory-only
• Period drag racing insight from someone who lived it
• Technical engine talk explained in practical terms
• Useful takeaways for Chevy, Buick, Mopar, Ford, and Olds fans
• Great mix of shop wisdom, history, and performance thinking
#BarrytsGarage #AskEd #EdSmith #HotRods #EngineTech #DragRacing #SmallBlockChevy #Buick455 #FoxBodyMustang #VintageSpeed
Join this channel to support us and get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWWoazGfUAtcWVtZ13suyQ/join
){kind=link}
The one and only part on a vehicle that can do strange things. Ive had the exact same thing happen. I still have a 68 SS I keep original just to have fun tuning. Dual point, accel coil, etc. Its amazing how many dont know what a dwell meter is.
Worst I’ve ever been bit was a magneto off a L model Case tractor.
That damn thing would jump an inch gap with no problem!
I have seen that blue between my eyes on a Mallory ignition, I will never grab top of cap to set initial timing again! I could taste it in my mouth for a days or so. Old 6 volt coils or 12 can be deadly
Hey Barry tell Ed thank you my buddy wouldn't listen to me and I won 500 bucks
I told my buddy he needed points and condenser
Thank you Ed your great
I’m learning something from ed every time I see him! Keep it going ed
We ran the msd device and on the older cars and drop the timing light because it shorted out and the car was electrify to where you couldn't touch the car no where and used two broom sticks to shut it off. Talk about light your fire.
An old Ford milk truck shocked me the hardest I've ever been shocked. Fat blue sparks to the knuckle trying to find an exhaust leak.
Stick a screwdriver in the end of your spark plug wire and hold with your left hand.
Grab a good ground with your right hand making sure you don't bump your head on the hood. Tell your buddy to hit it.
If you shoot blue sparks, it's good.
Yes hes bang on.
Yeah Eds got that right, no Old Yeller coils, use the Blue Thunder Bolt ones 🙂 .