Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 12:23:35 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject: Vrroom!!!! Performance upgrades
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Okay, fellow Vanagoneers, after some research and a lot of good input
from another list member I've decided to do my own rebuild on a 2.1 core
I have and make it into something with a bit more oomph. I will replace
the 1.9 in my '84 Westy with this unit, and I should have plenty of time
to work on it before the 1.9 blows up! Or maybe not. . .
The guy at Strictly German (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/9008/
beware: tacky animated gif here that might offend) in Portland does
performance upgrades (anyone know anything about them?), but that would
be too easy, and I just can't resist the challenge and thrill of DIY!
(Besides, what do I need a warranty for? No risk no reward!)
So, some questions for the list:
1. Anyone using the big intake valve heads available now or the 1.25
rocker arms?
2. Any case improvements needed? Should studs with any amount of
corrosion be replaced? How about using the $200 performance studs from
FGA?
3. Advice on performance cams and sources? Or anyone have
lift/duration/overlap specs I could use to have one done up locally?
4. Anyone have experience on boring out the cylinders? I have heard
that 1.5 mm works.
5. Where do you get the oversize pistons/rings without cylinders?
6. Any performance equipment/parts suppliers to recommend?
7. Anyone have a cross reference of air-cooled performance parts that
can be used in the Vanagon?
8. Anyone know of a good machine shop in Seattle that doesn't snicker at
VW work, or do I have to ship everything to a performance shop in
California? Which one?
9. To get maximum performance you must also improve intake systems and
exhaust systems, any experience out there in this?
10. Any engine blueprinters out there who have worked over a 2.1?
11. And last, but not least, any speed freaks who have investigated
turbocharging the 2.1?
I figure a mildly hopped-up 2.1+ that doesn't have to run the A/C or
power steering "power suckers" that some of you slack-armed,
luxury-loving *wimps* out there need would be able to move me and my
stuff along at a good clip, even up hill. =;)
Sorry for the long list, and TIA for your thoughts, flames, advice, etc.
It's time for a new and exciting thread now that spring is here--so jump
in!
--
Stuart MacMillan
'84 Westy
'65 MGB
'74 MGB GT
