Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2001 23:49:27 EST
Reply-To: Wolfvan88@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Lilley <Wolfvan88@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Engine swappers: How low can your engine go and keep you
going?
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
<<Just curious... what is the solution to which you refer. I'm at 180K on
the original heads but am always looking for any clue that will make them
last forever. >>
I started with the AMC heads and changed the Italian valves for German
valves. The AMC has a higher aluminum content in the alloy to make them more
resistant to corrosion. Added some mild porting and a racing valve job: 3
angle on seats and 2 angle on valve. Stronger Cromoly valve spring retainers,
stronger racing valve keepers. Match ported the intake system and exhaust
system.
I applied (Swain Tech did the actual coatings) a non-corrisive thermo barrier
ceramic coating to the sealing surface of the head (actually the entire face
of the head including the combustion chamber) to serve as a barrier to the
pressure corrosion where the rubber gasket meets the head surface.
My thinking was to put something between the head surface and the gasket to
prevent the corrosion from starting. The added plus is that the thermo
barrier reduces the heat that the rubber gasket gets during running
prolonging the service life.
I also applied the ceramic coatings to the entire exhaust system, the exhaust
valve radius, exhaust port and piston top to reduce the radiant heat escaping
from the engine. This keeps the exhaust gases hotter and increases the
exiting velocity, increasing flow of the exhaust gasses out and increasing
the intake gases velocity into the combustion chamber. Thus giving an
increase in power. The rubber parts and FI parts have the heat they normally
absorbs reduced to increase the service life.
After an hour run in 95 degree heat, the alternator is warm and I can place
my hand on it and not get burned. Before it was too hot.
I have done a lot of other things to increase the life of the engine,
increase power and improve mileage. I went from 18 mpg to 22 mpg with an
increase in power.
Some other improvements:
Counterweights added to stock crank
Lightened flywheel
Full balance
Pauter aluminum roller tip and 1.3 ratio rocker arms
Cromoly cut to fit push rods
Aluminum valve covers
Quad tip platinum plugs
Digifant 022D ECU power-chip upgrade
Super Turbo muffler
Drop in K&N airfilter
Special German coolant
Racing spacer
Racing clutch bolts
Welded clutch shaft
Five speed .457 South African transmission
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