hi i have 2ltr pinto just want to know what the good and bad bits are if i put a stage 2 head on it
thanks paul
[Edited on 5/2/09 by rosey1]
not so much good or bad, just a couple of pointers really.
To get the best out of the head you really need to use a performance cam. Have a look at the range on kent cams and choose the right cam kit for what
you are going to be using it for, taking into account your driving style etc. - the choice is mind boggling! They can even grind one to your own
specs, just call them and have a chat.
Also, induction will definitely make a difference to the head. For instance, a standard for efi plenum is only really useful up to stage 1, above that
you probably need to think about twin DCOE carbs and electronic ignition.
Just make sure that the bottom end you have is in really good condition or it won't last long, if in doubt, rebuild it.
I built a stage 1 pinto for my old capri with a kent fast road injection cam kit, standard ford efi with an FSE power boost valve - it made 150bhp
which I was quite happy with.
Best of luck!
sorry about this but I have always wondered, what is a stage 1 head??
is it a standard set of mods. is it the same with other engines or is this peculliar to pintos?
how do you quantify stage 1, stage 2....stage 7.
General terms to all engines really
Stage 1, standard valves, ports cleaned up tougher springs, surface skim.
Stage 2, Larger valves fitted and a bit of port fettling to improve flow + a skim to up compression ratio heavy springs.
Stage 3, biggest valves fitted possible and ports hogged out and skimmed to a high compression ratio to compensate for large valve overlap and springs
that will take your eyes out!
But if you do it youself you can usually get to stage 2 at home by optimising the standard valves by cutting back the valve seats to increase flow and
getting the head skimmed.
You are really paying for someones time with a grinder on a flow bench, if its a Pinto get Vizards book, if a general head then Performance tuning of
4 stroke engines by Haynes and follow the principles.
A stage 2 head on a pinto will release some horses, the standard cam is actually pretty good, the secret is bit of head work, bit of carb work and bit
of exhaust work so everthing works together. If its a 1600 use a 2litre cam
Regards Mark
[Edited on 6/2/09 by mark chandler]
quote:
Originally posted by aerosam
...........you probably need to think about twin DCOE carbs and electronic ignition.
One mans stage 2 is another mans 1. From what ive been told there isnt a magic standard formula for head porting.
Injection head, ported, FR33, good carbs, bottom end well built and balanced and they seem to get 150+ quite easily, occasionally up to 180. After
that you are into specialist territory. Jury is out as to wether you need 2.1 or a well built 2.0. Good results have been had with 2.0's for
marginally less cost.