engine rebuild opinions

[26th-Z]

I did pretty much the same thing when I rebuilt the engine for 26th. With the emissions fully removed, I used a new single spline front damper / pulley and had the whole crankshaft assembley (flywheel, clutch) balanced. I also had the pistons and rods "balanced", meaning they were all equal in weight. I think balancing was the major issue with the early L24 engines (L24 2338). Other than that, there was no reason to not put it back together stock with just new rings, bearings, and seals. I bought a Schneider cam and all new valve train with an adjustable timing gear. New head studs. The E31 head got new seats guides and valves. Instead of headers, I chose a non-emmission exhaust manifold. I don't think the exhaust pressures from the stock manifold are very different from a typical header set-up, and I already had the non-emmission manifold, so I didn't go the headers option. It looks more "orginal" that way.

For carburetors I chose to retain the original Hitachi SU because they are unique early types - particular to the car - I can make a pair of SUs work just fine even though I would love a set of Mikunis. I'll be using the non-emmission balance tube also. SOunds like you are having fun and I'll bet you will be happy with the results.

[ajmcforester]

It's a lot more not to just convert to round-tops. Mikunis were used in a lot of cars the parts might get more expensive over time, I just don't see people letting them die out. I'd give Wolfcreek a call he does rebuild them.