Hello Again All-
As I've wrapped up construction of the garage addition, I'm back to the
Alpine. I have the block stripped and am getting ready to send it off to the
machine shop.
But first, some questions. No, before the questions I better tell you what I
have and what I'm after.
What I have: 1725 engine, dual webber manifold, 2-weber DCOE 40s
What I'm after: a recreational car built primarily for the street, but with
the pep that the stock 1725 just didn't offer, and the chance to have some fun
autocrossing. It will not be my daily driver.
I will run an electronic ignition, hope to find a re-curved distributor, need
to find a warmer camshaft (but one that will idle reasonably well), and intend
to shape the chambers and lighten the flywheel as specified in Chris McGoverns
book.
Now to the questions. While I cringe at the thought of purchasing anything
from VB, I am considering purchasing their flat top pistons to bring my
compression up to around 10:1 after the chamber shaping. Has anyone had luck
(or bad luck) with their pistons? Is there another supplier? I know I will
have to use a fuel additive, but for the # of miles I intend to use the car, I
don't consider it a big problem.
With the warmer camshaft should I have the pistons cut to accomodate the
potential increased valve travel?
Valve springs. I know from Dick Sanders bad experience that a warmer cam will
destroy the stock valve springs. I have heard about using Ford Escort springs,
but do not know a model year, or if they will even really work. Any opinions?
Will the Escort retainers work with the sunbeam valves?
Has anyone had their distributor recurved? I have heard that it does wonders
for a modified engine.
As to the camshaft, are there any new performance camshafts available? I spoke
with a nice fellow racing an Alpine here in Portland in July who said he was
running an Isky cam. I called LA information for Isky and Iskenderian but to
no avail.
Your opinions and advice on these questions are much appreciated.
Thanks in advance-
David Gaab
PS Hello Jay!! yes I'm still alive!
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