Special 300 HP Engine - Duke Williams Post from 2007

[Michael A.]

There is a great post in the archives from Sept 2007 on some work that Duke was doing on developing a "Special 300 HP" engine, with the drivability of a standard 300 hp engine but the performance of 350 hp (or better) engine. The link to that post is here:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...e-first-report

After reading this "first report" I was left wondering if there was a second followup report. I searched the archives but was not able to find it. Duke, if you're out there, it would be great to hear an update and/or point me to where I can learn some more on this project. I am really curious how it worked out and if there is a good write up on the steps to achieve this performance. Also is the cam that you developed available from a supplier?

Thanks in advance!

[Bob W.]

Re: Special 300 HP Engine - Duke Williams Post from 2007

Mike, Thanks for posting this it is very interesting and hope Duke post back with any more information.

Bob

[Joe R.]

Re: Special 300 HP Engine - Duke Williams Post from 2007

Hi Mike,

If you don't get a reply from Duke soon I would suggest sending him an email through this board pointing him to this thread. I'm sure he will help you out!

Joe

[Duke W.]

Re: Special 300 HP Engine - Duke Williams Post from 2007

The final report on the three prototype engines, two with first design camshaft (Special 300 HP Camshaft) and one with the second design camshaft (McCagh Special Camshaft) was published in The Corvette Restorer circa 2008, and you can find the article online - Search my name and "A Tale of Two Camshafts".

A handful of the McCagh Specials, which proved to be the superior design, have been bought from Crane, but I'm not sure how many projects have been completed. I do know of one base '69 350 that was rebuild to the Special 300 HP config. with the McCagh Special cam along with stroking the engine to 3.75", but I've been unsuccessful in getting the owner to do a chassis dyno test.

Duke

[Michael A.]

Re: Special 300 HP Engine - Duke Williams Post from 2007

Thanks Duke. I will dig thru my old Restorers. I usually find something else of interest in the process.