2.0 injection limitations

[RRoller123]

Ok so on this subject I will lay out my current plan for my second engine that is being built (very, very slowly...) and ask for comments from all. Fire away, don't be shy.

Engine purpose: Better around town Zip, no racing, probably never go over 5500rpms. Want strong midrange acceleration. Don't ever want a Triumph, MG or Miata to pass me around town, back roads, etc. NO track interest.

Starting with:

1981 2L FI

1.) Keeping the FI system.
2.) Keeping the 4-2-1 exhaust system. (just recently replaced most of it)
2.) Adding Lightened flywheel.
3.) Upgrading the ignition.
4.) Changing to Higher CR pistons.
5.) Installing Better midrange Cams.
6.) Replace with Gear Reduction starter.
6.) Blueprint and balance the lower end.
7.) Head work? Here is where I am unsure of what is needed to get the result I want??? Maybe just refurbish it, or do I really need larger valves and porting to get the results I want?

Comments appreciated.

Pete

[BEEK]

everything looks good, except!

never go above 5500 quit driving like grandma! these engines love rpm's

and define blueprint for me, many people have different definitions.

[WYSpider]

Check out Jon Logan's Midwest124.com website for some great pictures of his head work. He rebuilt a 2L head for me last fall. He's an awesome vendor that doesn't get mentioned as much as he deserves.

[RRoller123]

Thanks WYSpider, I will check that out.

Re: "blueprinting". Here is my understanding: We are doing the bottom end first, and my mechanic/close friend says that the first thing our machine shop will do is measure and record the dimensions of pretty much everything that is important (I can't define what that is in any detail, other than the obvious journals, end plays, etc.). Apparently we get a drawing and/or report and it is good stuff to have in hand. Fortunately I have a great helper; he owns a '67 Shelby Mustang Cobra and has done 2 total restorations in the last 30 years on it. So I am in good hands.

I hear you about the rpms.... But I just have never been a high rpm driver. I just like cruising around town and back roads and with good mid range torque, can pull it up quickly from low speed. Surprises everyone and leaves the Miatas behind.

But do I really need to do any mods to the head, or just refurbish it? That is where I am still unsure on this build? Thanks!

Pete

[So Cal Mark]

I think the biggest drawback with the stock fi system is more in the low-mid rpm range. It's difficult to get the mixture correct throughout the rpm range if you're using cams with more overlap. It's more of a driveability issue than max power limitations

[narfire]

Pete, all looks good but I have found the best bang was in the head work with Mark's 274 FI cams with adjustable cam wheels and degreed in properly. Lots of pull in the mid range. I can be puttering around in 5th at about 60kms/hr (40ish mph) put my foot down and the car pulls just fine without having to downshift. Better if I downshift of course but posted speed changes I sometimes don't bother .
Careful about the Triumphs, MG's etc., a number here have had transplants and are plenty quick. I don't believe I'd have any problems keeping up to a stock MG or Triumph and likely loose them in the twisties.
Chris

[RRoller123]

Thanks for the inputs, and you are right about those triumphs.... I parked next to one at the Bass Pro Foxboro Cruise last year that had a nice 289 Ford in it. Moved like friggin' stink. And then there was that MGB with a 454 in it, not kidding. Sub 10 quarters. Crazy. He said he just got bored and did it.

So I guess right now I am leaning to just refurbishing the head and seeing how it goes, I can always modify it pretty easily later.

I do plan to add the midrange cams and the dial in cam pulleys, and I have heard that there is a simple way to trick the FI system into providing a little more juice?

[paintdudeluke]

I put this old filter to use. I got the adapter piece from advance auto parts off the shelf, it comes with an adapter plate that fits the bosche MAF meter. $13 for the part, [spectre 3" sensor adapter #81413] I used an L-bracket to anchor the piece to one of the bottom airbox studs. 20 minutes.

[Daniel]

ok new plan .... piggy bank is for this now .... http://www.amazon.com/Vaterra-Twin-Hamm ... B00B84471K

I was into RC cars back in 99-2000 a lot of fun but far more work then on a Fiat even lol after a while maintaining
the thing was a pta! I had a gas powered 10th scale with Novarossi engine and 2 speed trans thing was fast.