Engine Source -stock and performance

[Jake Raby]

Hello,
I'm new here, but not to the 914 engine.....

I own and operate raby's Aircooled Technology, a strictly aircooled engine shop located in Georgia.

We specialize in stock and performance 914 engines, especially 4 cylinder models. We have done some 6 conversions, and can offer 6 cylinder services as well.

I plan on being a contributor to this site more often in the future, my experience with the 914 engine has been filled with mistakes and learning experiences. I hope to help others keep from doing the same...Go see us on the web at
www.aircooledtechnology.com

------------------
Jake Raby
Raby's Aircooled Technology
www.aircooledtechnology.com

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Hi, Jake--nice to see you on the BBS here! It's a slightly different group from the Shoptalk forums, but pretty decent over all.

Everyone, this is Jake. From what I have been reading on the Shoptalk forums (and on his website--check it out!) he really knows what he is talking about. If you've got questions about Big Fours, give his site a look.

--DD

[Jake Raby]

Dave, Thanks for the welcome....

Hopefully I can help as many enthusiast here as at shoptalk...

[DDS]

Hi Jake:

I've been drooling over your engine kits for awhile as I grapple with how to get more HP into my '73 2.0. The chassis/ brakes/susp will be very ready for... something. I am still trying to figure out what.
I've invested in 44 and 36 mm valves as I needed valve work anyway so maybe that's pushed me down the slippery slope to a big 4. I also like the idea of HP without the weight gain and truly outrageous cost of a six.
I'm thinking on valves as discussed, maximum poss. stroke without extensive machining, balance and blueprint, 96 or 103 mm bore (where's 100?), 8.5:1 or so cr, somehat mild cam and weber 44s or 48s or FI depending on disp and redline. Ideally stock cooling with external oil cooler.
I want an easily driven, fast street vehicle with at least 150-170 torquey hp.
For (ignorant) people like me a tech article evaluating the options and respective tradeoffs and results would be a big help. Your website really helps, but doesn't address hp, torque, and longevity directly, which I guess is where I struggle working my objectives back to a plan. I will certainly be contacting you directly once I'm ready to spend.
Can anyone point me to any rules-of-thumb or other web resources on type 4 engine building? TIA as always

Dave

[This message has been edited by DDS (edited 02-18-2001).]

[Jake Raby]

The absolute best engine I have seen for a 914, utilizing stock cooling is the 2270. The engine can be configured carefully to build HP and torque about anywhere.

My special 2270 comes on hard at 28-3 K and holds string till 5,500.....And averages 30 MPG...

The 103s are alot of extra work for the HP, I have consistantly made more power with better built smaller displacement engines, than with the 103 bore powerplants.

Bigger is not always better......Smaller engines make their power with better heads, more CR and do not need 6 studding...

------------------
Jake Raby
Raby's Aircooled Technology
www.aircooledtechnology.com

[DDS]

Thanks Jake:
That sounds like where I'd like to be. I don't need/want to try to get 7000rpm out of a pushrod 4. For reference, how much hp would that engine produce up to 5600 rpm?
Dave

[Jake Raby]

My 2270 engines produce a consistant 145- 155 HP, according to application and tuning..

[Conrad W Peden]

Jake,

Just curious. Where is that HP measured (wheels or flywheel) and with what?

------------------
CWP/VIR
72 914 L20E in rusto.
73 914 L20E 2.0L in resto.
http://members.rennlist.com/a914lover



[This message has been edited by Conrad W Peden (edited 02-22-2001).]

[7391417]

Also on the 2270 engine, I notice on your website the option of carbs or EFI, what is the EFI system that you use, and how does it compare/contrast with the carbs. Also what might one expect to pay for one of these setup's, both carb & fuel injected? How complete is this engine, could I order it and be pretty much ready to lift it up into my 914?

-Thanks, Brent

[Jake Raby]

Flywheel readings were taken..I had a chasis did on it as well, results were 12HP loss..

[rallyman]

Jake,

To second Brent's question.....what FI systems do you recommend for your 2270 kit?

It seems like the 2270 is a pretty hot ticket. Do I follow that the case doesn't HAVE TO be machined but there are some things that you guys can/will do to them to buyers of the kit?

Thanks for the info....

Craig.

[Jake Raby]

I have used the CB performance system, a stock system (highly modified), some experience with Electromotive systems...

This engine seemed to like the CB set up..It has some quirks,though..

This is the most popular engine I build..It has the best of every world....I'm building 4 at the present..

[rallyman]

What are the "quirks" you mention?

[Jake Raby]

The system is a bit "TOO ADJUSTABLE" for an EFI system, the open loops system is hard to dial in correctly sometimes..