engine case codes

Post Reply
kidkoh
Posts: 86
Joined: July 20th, 2006, 7:07 pm

engine case codes

Post by kidkoh »

I found a few engine cases is someones barn but I am not sure what case is the best or what cases are used in fv my engine is at autowerks so I cant look at what I have. the guy has cases that are marked ae,ah, as and some other ones. they all have the 2 pluggs on the bottem so what codes are worth my time to offer him money for thanks
kidkoh
Posts: 86
Joined: July 20th, 2006, 7:07 pm

Re: engine case codes

Post by kidkoh »

also does any one know the codes on the heads that are worth anything he has about 4 sets of squair boss heads but I dont know what they came off any way to tell what they are from also would be great
FV80
Site Admin
Posts: 1195
Joined: June 27th, 2006, 9:07 am

Re: engine case codes

Post by FV80 »

I'm FAR from an expert on any of this, but IMHO...
ANY (old) VW case that has 2 oil relief plugs on the bottom is the "right" case. What kind of condition it's in is another matter. NEW (1600 type) cases are going for ~ $400, but I'd think that about $50 each for cases as described with no apparent damage would be reasonable (less if you can get them for less <g>). It's essentially impossible for a novice to tell if they've been 'pounded out' beyond usefulness - but it's unlikely that would happen in a street type situation.

As for the heads .. I THINK that ANY square boss SINGLE PORT head (that's OLD) has to be the right ones for FV. They went to dual port pretty quickly and the early heads had round rocker bosses. I can't recall the numbers off the top of my head <g> - maybe someone else can...

I might not be perfectly correct, but doubt you could go wrong picking up anything that matches this description. You might have to hold onto it for a while .. to either USE it or SELL it, but it's still worth having and I'd really HATE to see it left to 'die'.

If you decide to NOT buy them, then please pass the info on to the forum in case someone else is interested.
You might want to CALL Dave to see if he is interested in any of it.
Steve
The Racer's Wedge and now a Vortech, FV80
satterley_sr
Posts: 237
Joined: June 27th, 2006, 3:27 pm

Re: engine case codes

Post by satterley_sr »

Be carefull on the square boss heads. Make sure they are 40 hp heads that have the intake port at a right angle to the cylinder face. The 1300,1500& 1600 are square boss but have the intake port at an angle. Also make sure they are not cracked in the combustion chamber. Look for cracks between the seats and from the seats to the spark plug holes. You usually have to bead blast the chambers to see the cracks.

Dave

http://www.ddcracing.com
Dietmar
Site Admin
Posts: 649
Joined: June 24th, 2006, 11:56 am

Re: engine case codes

Post by Dietmar »

If you find some square boss heads, look for the number 373 next to the rocker stand boss.

Acceptable also are the 371F heads with a round boss, but with the rocker stud attached to the head. The ones to avoid are the 371B heads with the round boss AND removable rocker studs ( which really are bolts).

As Dave said, look for cracks. They are rare in the 1200 heads but they do exist. Also look to see if the nobs are still intact on the underside or if they have been machined off- a good sign that the heads have been flycut - maybe beyond what you can use.

On the cases, take whatever is free ( or at a very much reduced price). As Stevan mentioned, new cases are well over $450 and continue to rise weekly.

Hope this helps

Dietmar
brian
Posts: 1348
Joined: June 26th, 2006, 12:31 pm

Re: engine case codes

Post by brian »

An easy way of checking the main bearing bores is to drag a finger nail across the bore feeling for a ridge or bump in the middle. If there is a ridge, chances are the cases are "pounded out" and the bore is not a true circle. This means the cases will have to be line bored. Different builders have different opinions about this procedure and the cases may beyond repair. Commonly, the center and main bearings suffer from this problem and is more common with high mileage street cases. Starting, stopping and lugging are killers. Three actions not common to FV engines. A poorly assembled motor, or a unbalanced crank, can create this problem for Vees.

Anyone looking at used parts can call BRM Engineering at 916-712-5742 and I will give advice regarding the pieces in question.
The above post is for reference only and your results may vary. This post is not intended to reflect the views or opinions of SCCA and should not be considered an analysis or opinion of the rules written in the GCR.
kidkoh
Posts: 86
Joined: July 20th, 2006, 7:07 pm

Re: engine case codes

Post by kidkoh »

thanks for the advice. the deal never went through the guy thinks that a vw case is worth its weight in gold I offerer him the price of a new case for 4 unknown cases and he laughed at me I probibly saved myself money and hassel now I know what to look for thanks again
brian
Posts: 1348
Joined: June 26th, 2006, 12:31 pm

Re: engine case codes

Post by brian »

Another consideration regarding used cases. If the case is going to require reconditioning, professional cleaning, line bore or stud inserts, it will quickly add up and may approach the cost of a new case.
The above post is for reference only and your results may vary. This post is not intended to reflect the views or opinions of SCCA and should not be considered an analysis or opinion of the rules written in the GCR.
Post Reply