Engine rebuild 1.8L to 2.1L, Daily driver with a kick! Options

[ScottD914]

Gentleman (and Ladies): I'm wrapping up my frame/ body repairs on my '74 and turning my attention to my stock 1.8L carburated power plant.
With so many variables to consider, I thought I'd throw it out to you for your thoughts on a good combination. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)
Starting with a stock 1.8L, the goal is build an engine with a balance of power and efficiency for a daily driver with a kick.
What I have found so far, for consideration is:

1. Increase displacement with a longer stroke: 71mm to 78mm (and corresponding
rods)
2. Larger P/C's from 90.5mm to 94mm (or 96mm)
3. Mild cam (Webcam 86a or 494)
4. Switch to dual carbs vs. the current single.

This combo would provide an increase from 1.827L to 2.165L
The questions that come up are:

1. Will this combo meet the goal?
2. Are 1.8L heads okay on this engine or do I need to find 2.0L heads?
(the 86a cam would require better valve springs I gather)
3. Should I lighten up the flywheel?

One other biggie, since I'm in the Northeast: Where can I have machine work done? Loads of places in CA, do I need to ship my heads and possibly the case out to CA or is there someone closer? There's a lot of wisdom and experience out there, any help would be greatly appreciated and might save me a couple bucks!

Thanks! ScottD (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Jake Raby]

With so many variables to consider, I thought I'd throw it out to you for your thoughts on a good combination.

Hopefully I can help.. These engines are all about their combinations and that goes right down to the assembly difficulty, not just performance.

Starting with a stock 1.8L, the goal is build an engine with a balance of power and efficiency for a daily driver with a kick.

>>>>>>Great. The 1.8 case can be made into anything, all the way to a 3.1 liter. I have a tech article on my forums about using the 1.7/ 1.8 cases for performance engines, you should check it out.

What I have found so far, for consideration is:

1. Increase displacement with a longer stroke: 71mm to 78mm (and corresponding
rods)

Choose the stroker crank carefully. The rod journals determine difficulty with assembly as well as strength. I'd suggest a 78mm crank with a Type 1 or Chevy rod journal and a set of clearanced rods to match.

2. Larger P/C's from 90.5mm to 94mm (or 96mm)

Go straight to n96mm and pay attention to the pin height and diameter of the pistons that you choose. This will determine compatibility with the rest of your parts.

3. Mild cam (Webcam 86a or 494)

These are both great base grinds, but neither have split duration. This is THE most important part of your combination and you MUST take it deriously. The key is a full valve train kit thats 100% compatible.

4. Switch to dual carbs vs. the current single.

HELL YES!

This combo would provide an increase from 1.827L to 2.165L
The questions that come up are:

With the 96s it would become a 2270, my most researched and favored combination. We get a minimumk of 150HP from this combination and generally 170-180 all very usable HP. The torque is astounding, usually 10% greater than the HP at peak and its totally flat. This is the best all around engine combination that can be built for money Vs HP Vs. longevity/ reliability

1. Will this combo meet the goal?

It has met the goals of hundreds of my Clients.

2. Are 1.8L heads okay on this engine or do I need to find 2.0L heads?

The 1.8 heads are OK.. BUT they are over 30 years old and were probably most effectiove over 20 years ago. You can do a plug relocate and some port work to them, but they'll never be as good as a set of new LE heads. If the castings need repair you may be close to the same cost as a new pair of heads after HAM finished them. (HAM does all my work on the new heads)

(the 86a cam would require better valve springs I gather)

Yes, and it is not the best cam for this application.

3. Should I lighten up the flywheel?

Yes, if you are willing to sacrifice some drive ability for some added throttle response.

One other biggie, since I'm in the Northeast: Where can I have machine work done?

Send it across the Mason Dixon line and we'll take care of it..

Loads of places in CA, do I need to ship my heads and possibly the case out to CA or is there someone closer?

Lots of people in California ship their projects here.. The volume of work that is done in Cali isn't what you are looking for.

There's a lot of wisdom and experience out there, any help would be greatly appreciated and might save me a couple bucks

I'll help you however I can.. Join my forums and start reading.. Also join the STF and read there.. You have lots of info to review before you are ready to open the wallet.