What parts should go into my5/1600 engine?

[rupert14]

I picked up a 5/1600 car here on the forum that needs a motor/trans. I have an 091 with all weddle close ratio gears, super diff, etc built for my turbo sand rail I sold. It will bolt in but I need a motor. I don' want to spend 8K on a motor and I have a local VW guy that builds street/strip motors but has never built a 5/16 motor. He will help me assemble it. Can anyone give me tips on what componets you recommend for the engine? I sent him the snore 5/16 engine rules and he has questions like can you stress relieve the main bearings? Are there any fan limitations like can I remove fan blades? He also wants to know if we can use Jimco pistons because they are 150 grams lighter than the Mahle pistons. He is wondering what cam to put in it and I really don't know. If you know exactly what parts might make a good engine let me know. I most likely won't offset grind the crank but I will shave the heads to raise the compression. I know I need strait cut gears, titanium wrist pins, HD oil pump but I still need some help. I tried to post on "thesamba.com" but an ass hole moderator deleted my thread. Hope someone can help. I know I will get more out of a fat motor but if I get 75-80 out of it myself I will be happy. Being new to off road racing, the limiting factor will most likely be my driving not the motor. Thanks in advance. Hope to be getting bumped by you soon. If I start last it will take a while for those lapping me to catch up.

Bob

[rupert14]

I have searched and have read this thread.

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27930

I know I can order from Fat, Scat etc but I am wondering what parts you decided to go with. Cam and piston choice is one of the main things I am looking for.

How many of you offset ground your crank to get a true 1600?

[Ol' Curmudgeon]

Where do you plan to race? In any case, check out: http://www.bajacoalition.net/

It's all about 5/1600's.

Good luck!

[Deenracing]

You should ask yourself how competitive you wish to be. NO, you don't need to spend 8k on a motor, but yes there are many parts that go into these things that are expensive. I believe that th JE pistons are almost 700 bucks, they should last a whole season, and the list goes on from there. I can't think of anyone that doesn't offset grind the cranks. IMHO trying to build a motor yourself is foolish. Most engine builders have their own grind and not so willing to give up that info. You might find someone on here that knows one that works well but these builders spend alot of time testing and dynoing. Thats where they make their money. Do some research talk to people. I garantee that if you don't get a name brand motor your going to wonder how I pulled you in the wash.

[rupert14]

I would not actually build the motor myself. My air-cooled only street strip drag race dude who has his own local shop would assemble it. I just want to be sure we are putting the right parts in the motor. I also found a guy in Phoenix that builds competative motors for around 5K. I am considering that but ultimately I will need to make a list of all the parts and what it would cost for me to buy everything versus buying a complete motor. I obviously want to do well racing but I also want the motor very reliable because I really really don't want it to break. That would ruin one of the precious weekends I take off to race.

Bob

[rupert14]

You should ask yourself how competitive you wish to be. NO, you don't need to spend 8k on a motor, but yes there are many parts that go into these things that are expensive. I believe that th JE pistons are almost 700 bucks, they should last a whole season, and the list goes on from there. I can't think of anyone that doesn't offset grind the cranks. IMHO trying to build a motor yourself is foolish. Most engine builders have their own grind and not so willing to give up that info. You might find someone on here that knows one that works well but these builders spend alot of time testing and dynoing. Thats where they make their money. Do some research talk to people. I garantee that if you don't get a name brand motor your going to wonder how I pulled you in the wash.

When I am stuck in the wash, will you pull me out? My co-driver is my brother and I picked him becuse he can push good. You may pull me in the wash but I will catch up when I go off that cliff.

Bob

[Deenracing]

When I am stuck in the wash, will you pull me out? My co-driver is my brother and I picked him becuse he can push good. You may pull me in the wash but I will catch up when I go off that cliff.

Bob

Touche'!

Finding out what parts you are going to need is kinda like asking a magician how he does his tricks. I don't know what cam I have, It's supposed to be the latest and greatest, I do notice a beter power band. Off-set grind you crank, get the JE pistons, Titanium wrist pins, single rev sprigs on the heads, Titanium valve spring retainers, compression to almost 12 to 1, a bus DP intake manifold with the big vacume port of the side for an air box, and lighten your flywheel. You could go of the deep end with the motor and spend 8k but if you chose to go simi-budget deffinetly get a off road guy to do it at least first. Be expecting 83 to 86 HP I'd like to see a dyno sheet with a motor close to 90 HP.

YOu probably won't save any moeny buying the parts yourself VS getting one turn Key. Look back on the classifieds to see if anyone is parting with a used one.