I'm ready to send my spare 1982 ZX's engine block to the machine shop.
Basically what I'd like to gain, after the entire block has been upgraded, is some boost in performance...nothing fancy, but a bit more of performance would be nice.
So, I've been reading, and a friend's been telling me, about cnc machine shops for the engine's head. Will this be too much or is there some other way for me to get boost in performance that I'd like.
Oh, yeah and I'd like to keep this project around $2,000

I also noticed that MotorSport Auto sells some head kits, but don't know if they're what I'm looking for.

Thanks for any suggestions you guys might have.

 

For $2k you can do a lot!!!

-Bore the block & get oversized pistons
-Shave the head
-3 or 5 angle valve grind
-Mild cam
-MagnaFlux & Cross peen the rods
-other minor details....

Total for engine... about $1000

Then get an aftermarket igniton & coil... $200

Exhaust... $300

 

Nismo, give me more details if you don't mind
I'm completely new to this project and I'm doing as much research and learning as I can. I will bore the block, but what kind of oversized pistons do you suggest? I don't want to go 'fast and the furious' kind of profile, just a tad more performance would be nice...so I can get those 120+ MPH speedometers.

What about this cnc machining for the head, that my friend keeps telling me about?

 

I would just contact a local GOOD (aka well known for their good work) machine shop.

CNC Machining isn't a machine shop... it's a way to cut metal. CNC stands for "Computerized Numerical Control" where you plug in axis numbers & the computer controls a cutting system to make a specific shape & size of an object... it doesn't apply too much in your case, tho the machine shop will set up the equipment to cut & shave parts acurately.

 

Hey I have buried my 120mph speedo, in my '82 quite easily. It didn't take too long, and it was running over 5k rpms. My motor is pretty much stock form. I think the only upgrade is the accel coil, I have, which isn't much. Anyway good luck on building your motor. Your goal is not too far out of reach.

 

the most important thing aboot building a good motor, is balance, it is the hardest upgrade to make later, and makes alot of difference, it also raises your redline!! very important. the other very important performance goody, is to get the head flowbenched, it increases the engines ablity to breath, start with those 2 things and i guarantee some great results, everthing else is bolt on, these cant be done later or for as cheap. i love to build high performance n/a motor, and have learned alot. trust me!!

 

MSA sells a performance camshaft kit for about $580.00
I know these guys are usually not the cheapest, but is this the range of money for these?

 

check out http://www.compcams.com/

I talked w/ one of their reps about a year ago, and they wanted about $200 for a custom grind.... I imagine it'd be even cheaper for a normal grind.

 

Then, spend your last $500 on MegaSquirt and an MAF sensor.

You'll be able to tune the hell out of it with a MegaSquirt v3 PCB and the right sensors.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the link Nismo...they have a 'step up' camshaft for aroun $160.00. They don't seem to carry a 'kit' like MSA does.

 

make sure you buy new rockers, itll "tick" forever if you dont, and wear your new cam funny, i found a cam with a duration of aboot 260, and lift of just aboot .5" works very well with not a bad idle, and its still very streetable. with the right tuning and knowledge, it will also pass emmisions testing

 

Yeah, so far I'm inclined to purchase the kit from MSA; they're a bit expensive, but I'm still looking around to save a few bucks on this. I'm thinking of buying the non-turbo Stage 2, the kit which includes everything but the valves.