What kind of power gains could I potentially get from putting a windage tray on a mild 289? Are there any drawbacks to it? oil starvation, premature cam failure etc? My machinist is recomending one, but I am on a very tight budget and its an extra $60. Is it worth it? Thanks Guys.
Kip

 

I'm not a specialist, but if you're spinning high RPM's, it not only helps to evacuate excess oil from the crank, but also keeps oil from splashing up to the crank, which causes extra centrifigal weight. Thing of it this way...throw a bucket of water in the opposite direction of aspinning object = it causes resistence and slows it down. if you're building a stock engine, you problem don't need it. if you're building a higher-end balanced motor,I'd advise and windage tray, or stud gurdle/windage tray. It's easy to find on the net. For $60, it's cheap HP.

 

I would not mess with it unless you are going with a main girdle. You will get a little power improvement, but not a geat deal. All the windage tray does is keep oil from splashing up onto the crank, thus reducing the load the rotating assembly is having to work against. It is basically a one way screen which lets oil dip down into the pan but not splash back on the rotating assembly. They do work, but you may or may not notice a difference.

 

Ok, it is a balanced engine but it won't be spinning much higher than 5500.

 

Also, what is a main girdle and what does it do?

 

Windage tray is how you eek out every last pony from a performance motor.
You are spinning to 5500....you don't need it.
You are spinning to 5500....you don't need a girdle either.

 

Thanks nick.