How do I tell if my '76 is a "federal" model without looking at the pistons.
My rebuild goal is to clean and tighten things up. I would like more power
but do not want to sacrifice ease of starting and reliability. I am open to
suggestions. I have already installed a Weber downdraft and Mallory
distributor. I am considering electronic ignition. I want to paint the
engine compartment and block, address a transmission oil leak, review the
clutch and just go though the engine in detail. I have had the car since
1979 and although it is very clean I would like to update it.
Your suggestions?
Ben
_____
From Chris King [mailto:cbking at alum.rpi.edu]
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 6:44 PM
To: bouchard@umich.edu; spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Midget 1500-CA Engine Rebuild
Ben,
All US spec 1500 engines (except for 1976 Federal models) used dished
pistons that resulted in a 7.5:1 compression. All other markets used
flat-top pistons with a compression ratio of 9:1. Camshafts for all markets,
including the UK, were the same. The major differences between all of the US
market cars were in the carb needle and the distributor advance curve.
That said, it'll help us with the build advice we give you if you tell us
what your goal is in the rebuilding - are you just looking for a warmed-up
street motor, or something a little more radical?
-=Chris
<-----Original Message----->
From: Ben Bouchard
Sent: 11/21/2005 3:47:45 PM
To: spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Midget 1500-CA Engine Rebuild
I am considering rebuilding my Midget 1500 engine. This is originally a
California car with the CA Emission setup. I would like to rebuild it to
non-CA specs. Does anyone know of any differences that are internal to the
engine? I assume that there is a different cam due to the different
ignition timing recommendations between CA and non-CA cars.
Thanks, Ben
Ann Arbor, MI
'76 Midget 1500
.
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