would stage 4 require a block rebuild?

[littlegearl]

ok, so i've got some huge engine work lined up, this consisted of basically large carbs and a spikey cam to couple my gas-flowed head on a standard block...

but now i've seen an even better head which is tuned to a Stage 4 specification...

this includes twin 45DCOE carbs, Kent fast road/race cam, oversized valves and some porting work to boot!

i was wondering if this would bolt on my standard block quite happily or whether it would never mate properly as the standard pistons/crank are gonna have trouble "keeping up" with the trick top end...

so will i need my block rebuilt with slightly "racier" pistons? if i don't, would it be adviseable to do it anyway as my block's done 72,000 miles!?!

my engine's pretty standard anyway being the Vauxhall/Opel 1979cc cam-in-head 8v iron lump

anyone in the know or with experience i'd be interested to hear your thoughts!!!

cheers,
Gareth.

[littlegearl]

was thinking along those lines, you see the head i'm after is really for a 2.2, but can be machined to fit a 2.0... i wish i bought the 2.1 i saw for £100 now!!!

[littlegearl]

Sheepy said:

Gareth, Just a quick question: When was the last time you completely stripped and rebuilt the brake-system on that Cav? It's now more than 20 years old, and you're moving onto engine mods Obviously if you've already done the brakes, then you can tell me where to go, and I'll buy you a drink on Monday! Sheepy

fear not, about 18 months ago i had *BRAND* new discs, calipers, master cylinder and lines...

brake pads were new before Le Mans (still plenty left at service 2 weeks ago), and drums were tightened and new shoes at same service...

plus i've recently got some Ford RS Turbo vented discs that'll fit on my standard calipers (with spacers) that'll be bunged on either before/with engine mods...

whats more worrying is i'm likely to get the engine top notch *THEN* stiffen the suspension to cope!!!

want the power, then worry about the handling...