engine builders

[saabmp3]

So I'm stuck in upstate NY (for the last time) winter and jealous of all the work Droo and Jack are getting done.

As some of you probably don't remember, last summer I got the chance to replace my rear diff (from a 4.22 to a 3.9), clean up the rear axle and do some minor engine work. When I put her back in storage at the end of the summer I was battling low oil pressure and had just found a dog leg 5 speed datsun transmission to put in there.

I had a blast working on the rear axle. The only downfall was that I was trying to get the job done as quickly as possible so I could get the car back on the road.

Over the winter I started thinking about the low oil pressure issue and the 5 speed install and possible ways to combine them. I think I've decided that I'm going to run my current 1275 with some band aids (aka heavy oil) and my 4 speed while I build a second engine.

I'd like to get in the neighborhood of 80 HP, stay fairly original (so this locks in the 1275 block) and stay with carbs.

So, first off. Where do I start? What are some good books to pick up on the subject? Write ups, etc. I have at least 2 more months of snow and I'm stuck inside.

Second, for people who have built somewhat amped engines, how feasible does this look? I'm starting this plan out with a supercharger in mind (hopefully the purist don't have issue with this).

Third, again for current builders, can you recommend a good starting point. Decisions I need to make and how to pick out parts. I'd like part recommendations too, BUT I'm a firm believer in understanding what I'm doing and then deciding from that knowledge. So far I've only decided on a 1275 block. The bore is going to depend in a large part on the current condition of what I can find.

Finally, where should I look for cheap parts? Old engines, carbs, etc.

Great, I'm looking forward to this.

Ben

 

[Hap Waldrop]

I have lots of engines and carbs spares, but I only sell these to the customers I'm doing work for.

In your post you mentioned two things, a 80hp motor and then a supercharger, well you can't both, the carb motor, the key is to get the compression ratio up a bit, but with the forced induction motor, you need as low as of compression ratio you can do. From your post I can't tell if this is a motor you want to build yourself or hire someone to build, if it's the later, call me.

 

[GB1]

I am a little confused, to keep it looking original as possible a supercharger would deter from. A 1275 has about 65 stock hp (less with wear etc.), to get to 80 isn’t that much of a stretch and the engine can look very original.

The first concern should be the condition of the 1275, the budget, and the desired appearance before deciding which path to follow. Having a sound reliable engine is the core before any modifications should be made.

With more information on this, the infinite wisdom here can provide sound suggestions.

 

[Billm]

Start with David Vizard's book and go from there. There are a few complete 1275's here in the Puget Sound so getting one shouldn't be too much of a problem. See you next summer at the ABFM in Bellevue (July 28)?
Bill

 

[saabmp3]

I am a little confused, to keep it looking original as possible a supercharger would deter from. A 1275 has about 65 stock hp (less with wear etc.), to get to 80 isn’t that much of a stretch and the engine can look very original.

The first concern should be the condition of the 1275, the budget, and the desired appearance before deciding which path to follow. Having a sound reliable engine is the core before any modifications should be made.

With more information on this, the infinite wisdom here can provide sound suggestions.

Well, original parts are important to me in the sense that I don't want to throw a ford engine in there. This car isn't a show car by anymeans.

As far as a budget, I'm not really sure. This is where I need some advice from people who have gone through the process. I figured I would start off with a ballpark of a couple grand spread over a large amount of time and go from there.

I think I want to start with a fresh block, just so that I can continue driving my car during the build. Therefore, the condition of any block is going to depend on what I can find.

I'm not sure what you mean by "appearance", but as long as it doesn't look like a hack job and might pass for professional work, I'll be happy. I know I'm not looking for a huge performance boost (65 to 80), but I'm starting low. If it turns out I can do more, then so be it.

In terms of reliability, this isn't a race car, so I can't be tearing it down every other weekend.

Hap:

I'm looking to build this myself, both for fun and for a learning experience.

Bill:

Thanks for the book name, that's what I'm really looking for actually. Unfortunately I won't be around the end of July, first a friends wedding in PA, then a cousins wedding in MI, neither of which I can miss and still show my face. I won't have a large chunk of time in Tacoma/Seattle until mid August, but from there on out my travel schedule should slow down.

Ben

 

[paulsherman]

Quite a few people nearby, that may know where you can find an engine.