A bit of an update on my engine rebuild plans: my mechanic is now planning just a straight top end rebuild that will consist of (duh) new pistons, cylinders & heads.

I can get the pistons & cylinders from GPR, no problem there. But where do I go for a decent set of remanufactured heads?

pry the wallet open and get some mittlemotor heads and tell us what its like. look for some 2.0 heads for better flow.

What's wrong with your old heads? Can't a place like RIMCO rebuild them for you?

Alfred

I'm sure they could, but I'm not going to have the time to dismantle the engine and send the parts out to be done.

Where can I get info about these mittlemotor heads? A google search yields less than nada.

Searching for heads for a 2.0 is going to be fun. I seem to recall that you have a later year 914 as well. You might want to try Rich Bontempi at HPH. 1 877 914-4YOU

BTW, please shop around before ordering the P&Cs. They shouldn't run you more than $440 for Euros and $450 for USA-spec shipping included.

Is the car your daily-driver?

Alfred

I have a set of 2L heads, bare and blasted. No cracks or repairs. $360 + shipping.

If you are interested, LMK.

I'm definitely interested! Is there any reason they won't work for an injected '76 2.0?

Not only is the car my daily driver, but I have limited access to this "cost-free" mechanic. He's only in town for a short period of time, and the bastard wants to spend time working on his own Porsche project (a 912 that we bought for $500 and resurrected from the dead - before we got divorced). I can't believe he's being so selfish!

It's not the best way to go about things, I know, but it's saving me the sixty bucks an hour my regular mechanic charges so I'm willing to do what I need to do to make it happen this way.

And if the heads are ok, I can always clean 'em up and sell 'em to help offset the cost of replacements.

Thanks for the tip, Paul. The car is a '76 - they don't get much later than that!

I will shop around for pistons & cylinders. I like dealing with GPR because they're right here in town, but if I can save a hundred bucks even with shipping thrown in then it's worth it to me to go elsewhere.

i are a misspelr. mittelmotor. yah


i am not in a smog state. when do the 75's become exempt? will you need air pump heads? 1.8's.

http://www.mittelmotor.de/english/startenglish.htm but their web site is not secure so if you order, order by fax.

Alfred

They list for $445 on Pelican's site http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopca...n_pg1.htm#item1 .

Alfred

I'll forgive you...this time.

Damn. That's the stuff to drool over, isn't it?

I only have to smog it one more time, next April. After that I'm home free.

What is the difference between the Euro spec and the USA spec pistons & cylinders?

look at the photo of the disscusion board on the home page. the crackers and the pickle barrel are missing.


8.0 vs 8.5 compression ratio? about 7-10 hp?

Get the Euros, they're made by the same manufacturer (Mahle), are less expensive and you'll gain a bit of power.

Alfred

Mine are from 73/74. They do NOT have the smog ports.

Can they be smogged?? I don't know... Anyone chime in w/ answers ??

Ok then! Euro pistons and cylinders it is.

I really want to do this job right. I love my car and I want it to be happy.

I wanted to deal with all this stuff right after I bought it, when I had time and money to burn, but noooooooo - three mechanics told me to just keep the oil topped off and keep driving it until I absolutely HAD to pull the engine. Feh.

in you situation it would be wise to buy daves heads ( he needs some furry dice for the euro van ) and wait for a complete rebuild after you get the finale smog inspection. not to sound like a raby worshiper, but it would not hurt to at least check the bottom end at rebuild time. imho.

I'd do kb 96 mm pistons. Machine your cylinders = $350
If you need to do this now, I have a set of 76 smog heads. Rebuilt. Stock valve sizes. Dual springs. zero miles. Need seats. Long story.
PM me.

Otherwise buy Daves heads and backdate.

Carlos