Quote:
Originally Posted by GeneBob
Synchro, I was told some of the blocks are discarded because the cam bearing holes or the lifter bores are worn too far out of round. I was a little surprised that the non-cracked but very worn blocks were not sleeved or otherwise salvaged. Of course, I am not the one trying to salvage these either. Maybe is is a losing proposition to try to sleeve or use oversize replacement parts? Maybe there are not lifters that are over-sized enough?
I was hoping someone would correct me and tell everyone that someone is making original spec blocks.
My only disappointment with the Burtz effort is that they are all made in China. I was hoping he could find a foundry in the midwest that would take this on.
An earlier post suggested that the engines should be made to reduce vibrations; 5 mains, a truly balanced crank, updated pressure oiling and more modern rotating assemblies should go a long way to making a smoother running 4 banger. Beyond that, I think you need to swap out to a modern engine, but what's the fun in that?
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Like I said, Genebob, it all depends on how much the customer is prepared to pay. IMO, an original block sleeved properly with the right materials could be better than a new one.
Whether made in the Midwest or China, to us they are all foreign made. It just shows how far we have fallen behind and how many skills are being or are already lost.
I'm counting on the new engine being smoother running and agree with you about swapping to a modern engine.