What is a good engine recipe??

[Steve F]

I'm looking for a good recipe for a modest,say, about 100-130 HP, for a T1 or T4 engine.I'd like it reliable,but it doesn't have to be a fire breather and yet affordable.Is there something that you have cooked up that sounds like this? Thank-you in advance for any suggestions that you may have.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

For a Type IV in a 914 with that amount of power, try a totally-stock Euro-spec 2.0 914 motor. The 8.0:1 compression will bump the power up to 100 DIN HP, and you'll have heat (as much as a Type IV ever produces ), a torque curve reminiscent of Nebraska (broad and flat), 100K-mile-plus reliability, and all factory parts.

To get to the 130 HP range, try a full tuned-header exhaust (like Herry Hunter's, Eurorace's, or CFR's), a bit higher compression (maybe 8.5:1), a modestly-lumpy cam and carbs (Weber 44s or Dell'Orto 40s). You'll lose all semblance of heat, the torque curve will be narrower and less flat, and the reliability will be a little off, but it'll still pull great for a good long time.

For more than that, displacement increases will work very well. You can go up to a 2.6 liter (78x103) without serious crazy machining to everything, and that will put you somewhat over your target range if built with any thought at all.

--DD

[Jake Raby]

Yes, just like Dave said....The slip in 96 pistons and a nice web cam, mated to trick heads and a good exhaust will break 130Hp easily.....
My mostest favorite engine is a 2270cc.....ours make about 145-160 HP consistantly....

Jake Raby
www.aircooledtechnology.com

[John Rogers]

Well Jake, if you have to do the smog check you are really limited as emissions have to be in spec. If 73 or earlier, slightly higher compression, little hotter cam, SS heat exh'rs and carbs will be the ticket. I would keep the SS heat exh'rs so you can get some heat as we have seem this winter even the San Diego area gets cold. Remember as DD said, as things get hotter, you'll get more heat and engine life will go down. Give Black Forest and Dieters a call to see what they recommend as they build great engines. There are some others but I am not really personally familiar with them. Good luck.