2.2S Change to from Biral to Nikasil Issues

[Bob's Project]

I am rebuilding a 1970 2.2 S engine. As the Biral cylinders are no longer available I have a set of Nikasil to replace the originals. This raises questions about case squirters and Timeserts. I have a magnesium case without case squirters or Timeserts.

What I would like to determine is there any absolute reason to install squirters and timeserts? When Nikasil cylinders are discussed a 2.2L engine is not the engine being rebuilt.

2.2L Engines have less cooling issues, as the cooling fins on the cylinders are larger due to the smaller piston bores. The engine that I am rebuilding is an S engine so the cylinders already had Aluminum outer cylinders so the stresses on the head studs should be similar to the Nikasil cylinders. Could there is an issue with the expansion rates of the alloys that I am unaware of?

In summary these two common upgrades are done to manage thermal stresses within the engine. Thermal issues are not a common problem with the 2.2 engines so are the upgrades necessary?

My engine will not see much track time.

Any experiences or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Tim Walsh]

I do belive that the piston squirters are required for nikasil cylinders since the piston/cylinder clearance is so small and piston squirters cool the pistons by ALOT.

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by Tim Walsh
I do belive that the piston squirters are required for nikasil cylinders since the piston/cylinder clearance is so small and piston squirters cool the pistons by ALOT.

Yes, the introduction of the Nikasil cylinders and pistons were the main reason for installing the squirters.

As for TimeCerts, any case without them is a gamble. Once they pull, it's complete rebuild time again...

-Wayne

[304065]

Uhh. . . Piston Squirters 1971

Nikasil Cylinders 1973

[304065]

Unless you mean the 917!

[Eagledriver]

Your 2.2S cylinders didn't stress the case like nikasil will because the clamping force was on the iron sleeves not the aluminum outer cylinder. I would definitly put in timecerts or casesavers (casesavers are better).

-Andy

[blue72s]

I wonder if it's possible to just buy pistons (Mahle) and recondition the existing Biral cylinders?
Then you'd not need to install casesavers...

[svandamme]

ehm , i found birals for my 2.4...

[michel richard]

Obviously, there are still some NOS Biral cylinders kicking around. I believe that if you call the mainstream suppliers, including our hosts, what you will get is Nickasil. This being said, they are far superior to Birals, in terms of wear (they just don't wear out) and friction. I think it makes a lot more sense to get Nickasil cylinders and have squirters installed, than to spend a lot of time scrouging for Birals.

If you happen upon a set Birals, it is still OK to use them, I guess.

Michel Richard
2.2 E MFI with Nickasil and squirters.

[TimT]

Squirters & time-certs/case savers = Insurance!

Spend a few bucks more for some peace of mind..

[Bob's Project]

Well Gentlemen,

It seems like I will install the squirters and case savers.

Anyone have any data on the positioning of the squirters within the block?

Also where can I buy the case savers and the install tooling?
They don't seem to be on our hosts site.

Engine rebuild price rises again!!!!!!!

Thanks,

Bob