Mopar M1 Tunnel Ram Plenum Top Conversion to Enderle Birdcatcher Platform

[PROSTOCKTOM]

Started the latest project a few weeks ago by cutting the carb pad off of a plenum top.

Ordered in some 3/8" plate I'll have water jetted out from the CAD file.

Should have it cut out next week, then weld it together, and start filing it all smooth.

I've wanted a Birdcatcher on an engine for 40 years. Might actually get it done this year.

Tom

 

[ch1ll]

You used a slitting saw to cut the top off?

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

You used a slitting saw to cut the top off?

@ch1ll

No, just a 1/16" thick 4" diameter fiber cutoff disc from Harbor Freight, a fine thread 3/8" x 3" bolt that I cut the head off of, and two nuts/ two washers for an arbor.

4 in. x 1/16 in. x 3/8 in. Type 01/41 Cut-Off Wheels, 5-Pack



Here's the link to the project I did to reduce the volume on another plenum.

M1 Tunnel Ram Top Plenum Volume Reduction with Photos


Tom

 

[Garrett Ellison]

What kind of feed rate and disc speed are you using to cut that with those discs? Are you having to use any cutting lubricant during the process?

 

[gzig5]

So no carb or anything else on top? The bird catcher acts as the throttle body for some sort of fuel injection?

 

[Newbomb Turk]

So no carb or anything else on top? The bird catcher acts as the throttle body for some sort of fuel injection?

Yup. It’s the air valve and it controls the barrel valve for mechanical fuel injection.

The nice thing about the tunnel ram and MFI is you can move the nozzles up the runner, away from the valve cover and it will make more power every single time.

The idle can get a bit wonky but I was running a 15 pound idle check and that makes them start easier and idle cleaner.

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

What kind of feed rate and disc speed are you using to cut that with those discs? Are you having to use any cutting lubricant during the process?

I was spinning it 1500 rpms and cutting maybe .030" deep per pass. You just hand crank it along and you can feel what it likes.

No lubricant needed, or wanted. It's a cutoff disc and compared to using a tool in your hand this setup is rigid, repeatable, and rock solid.

Plus, you wouldn't want lubricant soaking into the aluminum pores on something you are going to be welding on.

It a very simple, quick, and cost effective way to cut the roughly 3/16" thick aluminum that leaves a super smooth finish.

Tom

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

So no carb or anything else on top? The bird catcher acts as the throttle body for some sort of fuel injection?

No carb, just the top as pictured below, which is just a fancy air valve, a barrel valve, and belt driven mechanical fuel pump.

Then you run lines from the hat to each of intake ports where the injectors are placed. It's super old school technology, but very reliable.

The setup will have a high speed by-pass to send excess fuel back to the tank as the fuel demand decreases down track.

I am going to run my setup on E85 for a multitude of reasons.

Tom

 

[Desoto291hemi]

That’s what you needed those new base gaskets for recently .

Very good work with the cutoff wheel too !

I have a FI tunnel Ram that I purchased many years ago.
It’s based on a Weiand unit for a 440,,,Enderle did really nice work .

Tommy

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

That’s what you needed those new base gaskets for recently .

Yes, I actually have two M1 tunnel rams and three plenum tops now, so I need to stock up on a few extra sets of gaskets.

Tom

 

[MOPARMAGA]

Boy that mill sure makes for clean work.

 

[Dart Frog]

Very cool project keep us posted.

 

[71Demon540]

That is a very cool project. Cant wait to see the final outcome. Good stuff Tom

 

[ValiantS]

I was spinning it 1500 rpms and cutting maybe .030" deep per pass. You just hand crank it along and you can feel what it likes.

No lubricant needed, or wanted. It's a cutoff disc and compared to using a tool in your hand this setup is rigid, repeatable, and rock solid.

Plus, you wouldn't want lubricant soaking into the aluminum pores on something you are going to be welding on.

It a very simple, quick, and cost effective way to cut the roughly 3/16" thick aluminum that leaves a super smooth finish.

Tom

I like the way you think.