HP Questions for Socal Mark & others!

[maytag]

Hey All!
I had a very lengthy question-type email typed-up to PM to Mark, but I had to go google something for work, and when I clicked on a link, it used my Fiat browser session to open the new page! And somehow it doesn't matter how many times I hit the 'back' button after that... I was still hosed!!

Anyways:
I had more or less decided that while my questions were direcdted specifically to Mark, because of the products he has engineered / built, it would probably be of interest to others as well.

SO:

My car is a '76, stock 1800.
I just bought a parts-car, mostly for the motor 2l motor. I've done a lot of searching around, and reading all of the various opinions on parts combinations. There's a lot of opinion that seems random; but among the ones that stand-up to reason, there is still some contradiction.
About the only thing I'm definitely decided on is that I want Mark's header on this motor! So I decided that I might as well start there, since Mark has a lot of experience with other products that I am considering as well.
Others: feel free to chime-in!

It appears as though if I want a compression ratio greater than 8.9:1, then I'll be buying new pistons anyway (which is really all the excuse I need to buy new pistons ). I'm thinking that a c/r of 10:1-ish should be sustainable on pump fuel?

I plan to go through whichever head I use pretty thoroughly. Maybe larger valves (?) but absolutely some cleaning-up of the casting, some port-matching, mild polishing, etc etc. SO: is there any benefit to using one head over the other?

Bottom-end: I plan to balance the heck out of the reciprocating (and rotating) masses. Are the con-rods on the 2l fi okay to use on this type of build? Can / should the small-end be lightened? I'll be lightening the flywheel as well.

Cams: I plan to use dual carbs, 'cuz they're cool . I don;t drive the car daily. It's a weekend bomber, and a shcok-my-customers-kind of car. I expect it'll see at least 3 or 4 track days every year, but it is NOT a race-car. (Can't / won't afford to go down that road again! ) Since this car will never be "fast", what I really, really love is sound and throttle response. What cams do you recommend?

I know that's a lot. As I say, I've searched around, and I think I know what direction I'm going... but somebody who has been down this road before (multiple times, I'd wager! ) can shed some very valuable light on this subject!

Also; for those products and / or services mentioned above that you can provide, why don't you PM me some pricing, so I can budget, without this turning into a "So-n-So sells 'em cheaper"....

Thanks again! And thanks to any others who want to chime-in with their experience as well!

[So Cal Mark]

I'll try to answer somewhat concisely, cuz these could be a long discussion once various opinions are put out there. The first question is budget, it sounds like it could be unlimited.

Without getting into too much into custom rods, pistons, other internals I'll just ask about pistons since you're not sure about compression ratio. If you go with an off-the-shelf piston, you only have a few choices. That will have an effect on which cyl head you choose.

With the parameters you state; fun, fast street car with an awesome sound and healthy enough for a few casual track days here is what I'd start with;
2L block, flat top or small dome pistons, 1.8 head. Use big valves if you plan to rev more than 5k. Get the GC valve springs if you go big valves and want to use the top end. If you rework the head, use GCs' book or dvd as guidance. For cams, I'd recommend somewhat mild cams. If you plan to use my cams, I'd recommend the street perf cams. Some think they are too mild, but they have an amazing mid range and will still pull well over 6k making good power. Nothing worse than a radical engine on the street, so I like to slightly under-cam rather than over-cam. Seriously consider adjustable cam pulleys too.
If the budget allows, get custom rods, but the stock stuff is plenty good enough for hot street use. Aluminum flywheel is a plus, but if you lighten yours be careful and don't remove too much (see my thread on lightened flywheels). m

After this, dual carbs and a completely free-flow exhaust will have you grinning ear to ear

[maytag]

Thanks for the fast reply, Mark!

The budget is by no means unlimited; but I find I'm at an age and station in life where I don't mind waiting a little longer to get the cash, if it's worth it. In this case, it sounds like the stock rods are adequate. (Have you ever had a set shot-peened? recommended?)

As to the cams, and referencing the statement above about my age and station in life.... i am NOT yet to the point where I don't still think that more is better! I can appreciate your comments about not wanting to over-cam... and having too radical a motor for the street... but I'm the guy who had a 10-second Buick that I drove to work every day in the 90's. And I'm the guy who had a purpose-built race-bike converted for street-use....
I guess I'm willing to tolerate a lot for that chortle once-in-awhile. So we should probably talk some more about that. And yes, I think adjustable cam pulleys are a good idea as well.

I think the rest of this is exactly what I had in mind. Sort of a "Verification of Suspicion", as Fast-Freddie Spencer used to say.

I had NOT seen an aluminum flywheel available, so it's good to know they exist... though I'm guessing they're $$?

And that begs the next question:
How much of the listed items can YOU supply?
1) header. (I know you're golden there) and I enjoy building my own exhausts (here's one I built on one of my race-bikes a decade ago http://www.dansfam.com/duc16.jpg http://www.dansfam.com/duc13.jpg )
2) intake & dual-carbs (I know this is in the works for ya, but I'd like to see a little history on it first, maybe? )
3) Cams (I think you've got several sets to choose from?)
4) Pistons (do you have these? Or am I hitting-up another of the Forum vendors?)
5) Alu Flywheel ??
6) Adj. cam pulleys ??
7) (let's not forget) performance clutch


I probably sound like a commercial for you! But I'm a big beleiver in supporting the ones who support you.... and you clearly provide a tremendous amount of support to the Fiat Community.

Thanks again.

[So Cal Mark]

I'll send a pm with pricing

[pastaroni34]

Pulleys and flywheels are available through me, prices are on my site's Fiat Parts page.