Purple Cams!

[maytag]

you mentioned that you'll be using bog standard fiat twincam head gasket if i understood correctly? with 9mm dome pistons and 1800 head? are you sure it's the way to go?

that's a 4.5mm, not a 9mm.

[manoa matt]

"I will set my lash as close as possible with the shims I have available right now, using the method described above, with the spacer under the shim."

Not a lot of engine building experience, but from what I've read in Croft's book and website, I'm not sure this is the best method. I think it should be discussed more as there is potential for a catastrophic failure of the valve train. I think the better method would be to use lash caps that are installed over the end of the valve stem prior to dropping the valve bucket on it. However I think my personal preference would be to mill the cam tower base 1mm.

[So Cal Mark]

I don't know of any builder/machinist that doesn't check valve spring pressure. It's crucial to know what the pressure is at the correct installed height. Do a search for Ventura Aces' thread about the race springs he tried and you'll see some of the potential damage improper spring pressure can cause

[maytag]

I don't know of any builder/machinist that doesn't check valve spring pressure. It's crucial to know what the pressure is at the correct installed height. Do a search for Ventura Aces' thread about the race springs he tried and you'll see some of the potential damage improper spring pressure can cause

I'm not a builder. Nor am I a machinist.
I'm just a guy trying his best to get this damned thing back on the road before I lose so much momentum that I throw-in the towel.
Some of y'all may remember that every moment and every penny I spend on this is time & money I am NOT spending on the car I REALLY want to be working on. (Don't hate me, she's also Italian )

Manoa:
I'd love to find some top-hats for the valves. I don't know anyone still doing that. do you?
But as for proceeding with the spacer under the shim; I don't see how it'll fail, really. It's true I was nervous at first glance, and I guess if the clearances were very wrong, the shim could pop-out. But the more I look at it, I don't see it happening. I'll post some better / more detailed photos with some measurements; see if you agree with my assessment.

[djape1977]

you mentioned that you'll be using bog standard fiat twincam head gasket if i understood correctly? with 9mm dome pistons and 1800 head? are you sure it's the way to go?

that's a 4.5mm, not a 9mm.

ok, 4,5mm then. still, do not even attempt to run it with regular head gasket.
years ago i installed 1800 head and doomed pistons in my 2 liter and head gasket blew after about 1k kms. swapped it for reinforced one made for turbo and it lasted next 30k untill it blew piston rings.

you'll be running much higher compression ratio than standard and you NEED head gasket made for that. look for gasket for
fiat 124 volumex
131 volumetrico
argenta VX
croma turbo
lancia delta turbo
thema turbo
delta HPE

if you get a gasket for croma, delta or thema, it will have one oil galley hole less than you need but just compare it to 124 gasket and drill the hole where it lacks it. gasket for 16v turbo will also fit.

[lanciahf]

Maytag Please listen to ted.....

You know the guy that actually races a spider.

What the hell are you doing? Unknown single spring, not good, save yourself the hassle and buy the isky springs the Csaba sells. No issues running 11mm lift cams at 8500 rpm.

Regrind cams? What are the specs? Key factors are LATDC as I see that you have not cut bigger reliefs in the piston valve pockets or even offset pockets on pistons 1&4. You need to verify the valve to piston clearances other wise you maybe stuck run 110-115 lobe centers.

Cam boxes, and shims with reduced base circle, no cam box gasket, just rtv, or make yourself very thin gaskets. The stock gasket is about 0.035". The other method is to cut the valve seats deeper in the head.

Have fun!

[engineerted]

I do agree, well some what. Don,t use the head gasket that comes with the whole engine kit, unless it is the felpro/gotez. No need for the turbo gasket either with this build. Use 93/94 octane fuel and you will be fine. Head gasket failures are from detention, warped head or cylinder block not from the increased cylinder pressured from higher compression.

[FiatMac]

Manoa:
I'd love to find some top-hats for the valves. I don't know anyone still doing that. do you?
But as for proceeding with the spacer under the shim; I don't see how it'll fail, really. It's true I was nervous at first glance, and I guess if the clearances were very wrong, the shim could pop-out. But the more I look at it, I don't see it happening. I'll post some better / more detailed photos with some measurements; see if you agree with my assessment.

Croft sells the top hats, 1mm or 2mm approx thick £8 each according to his latest price sheet.

[So Cal Mark]

I hate to say it, but I see a potential disaster with this build

[engineerted]

Mark, don't leave us hanging! Spill it.

[timinator]

you mentioned that you'll be using bog standard fiat twincam head gasket if i understood correctly? with 9mm dome pistons and 1800 head? are you sure it's the way to go?

that's a 4.5mm, not a 9mm.

The picture you posted is not of a 4,5mm dome. I suggest you measure it again. With that dome you might consider running a flame slot.

[So Cal Mark]

I just have real concerns about the springs, seat pressure, coil bind and installed height. I only know what I'm seeing in the pics posted here, no other knowledge. I do feel beehive springs are a good thing, and proven on many other brands of motors. I just don't want to see Maytag have an engine failure

[narfire]

The picture you posted is not of a 4,5mm dome. I suggest you measure it again. With that dome you might consider running a flame slot.[/quote]

You know I might agree... the one pic showing the block and piston tops above the deck... That is a 10mm bolt holding the water pump on. Just sayin...

[maytag]

damnit! y'all KNOW I don't have time for this!!!

sunnuva......




(that is what it looks like when I'm trying to have a sense of humor about all of this.... when I really do NOT have a sense of humor about all of this.)

I'm going to ignore all of this tonight.
and maybe for a week.
or more.
'cuz I'm pissed off.

I seriously, seriously would rather be working on the Ferrari. This was just s'posed to be a quickie get 'er on the road.

sunnuva.....

[maytag]

The picture you posted is not of a 4,5mm dome. I suggest you measure it again. With that dome you might consider running a flame slot.

just to clarify:
it was SUPPOSED TO BE.
I have not measured it. I will.

Why do I assume that what I order is what I get?