Hi. I haven't posted in a while because I've been travelling. My '75 914 is parked in the garage with a "Non-Op" Cert because it needs a smog, requiring that I return it to "Smog-legal" status...(but meanwhile, I've been quite active in the Vanagon.com listserve!
Anyway, I'm currently starting the process of building a nice, nearly stock, GA-series 2.0 engine that I can use in my 914 for daily driving, and keep the other stock, '75 GC-series engine in the garage for the bi-annual smog inspection that's required until 2005. The GA-series with Euro pistons should give me at least another 5hp over the '75 motor with it's North American pistons, and I already have the SS heat exchangers, as well. This approach makes sense for me because the '75 that is currently in the car leaks oil and has not had the benefit of a "full" rebuild, although it runs well.
The 2.0 that I obtained awhile back appears to be in really good condition, with all bearings still "STD" and no indication of a worn-out case or cracked heads(though one piston is a bit melted). I will be using the Euro pistons and a Web-cam (00-472) that has a slightly more aggressive grind for use with stock FI & mechanical lifters.
Question 1: I assume that I need to purchase a new "0" crank gear to mate with the new Web-Cam bolt-on gear. Can someone confirm this?
Question 2: I plan to balance the pistons, rods and crank. Should I also consider counterweighting the crank while I'm at it? The car would be used as a daily driver as well as for recreational driving, but I'd like it to be as smooth as possible and to last a long time, too.
Question 3: Are there any other modifications I should consider during this process? Things like screw-in oil gallery plugs, higher-pressure oil bypass springs, etc.? Looking for other people's experience/opinions with these mods. Or any general tips I've not thought of yet.
I'd like to keep the engine as close to stock as possible for longevity.
Thanks in advance!
Dan Schmitz