Rebuilding a 1.9 low comp.need advice

[Dale .D]

Want to get more hp out of a rebuild without getting to complicated. Rallybobs probably great but too fancy for me . Want to use the same 1.9 head.Maybe have it shaved .Bore out to 2.o & add the new pistons.New cam ect . Need to get all my ducks in a row so when I go to a rebuilder I won't look to stupid . Also what kind of HP am I looking at when I improve all these things . Want to use regular gas as well . Want an overhaul that has been done & proven to increase hp & reliability .Any help would be greatly Appreciated . Thanks from Vancouver Is

[Tru-Craft]

Dale, I would follow RallyBobs blueprint.
Nothing fancy, just proven stuff that works in the real world.
Maybe angle mill the head.
Keep the compression under 9:1 and regular fuel will work.
115-120 HP for a mild RallyBob setup.
Read some past posts for some great ideas.
Very happy with my motor!
Lyle

[GTJIM]

If you use the unmodified 1.9L head and use 2.0 pistons you will increase the compression ratio considerably. There are several Threads on this site about economical engine rebuilds.

1) Greensmurf's 2.0: http://www.opelgt.com/forums/6a-engi...e-rebuild.html


2) OpelDean's rebuild: http://www.opelgt.com/forums/6a-engi...e-rebuild.html


3) Rally Bob's Info - in several threads: Check through 6A Engine Mechanical section and Performance Rebuild section.


You need to do some intensive searching.

[Dale .D]

Eh guys ,thanks for the advice & threads.Keep it comming .Also what do you think it might cost to get a shop to rebuild the 1.9 RalleyBobs way?

[T-6 driver]

Dale,

I know you are not going to like this, but I have to say it again. I tried the exact same thing. I even bought my stuff cheap on ebay and such, be warned, even if you go low cost on everything, you will end up spending the same amount you would have spent on a 2.2 from OGTS. And, you will have lots of time into it. If I had to do it all over again, I would have bought the 2.2 and saved my time. was it educational, yes, it was, but not worth it. BTW, I did it the same way R.bob's posts dictate, right down to the 265 pistons. One word, the key to all his stuff, is not the .100CC that you gain in boring the whole thing out, its the head (with the bigger valves) AND the intake. those two things are worth spending the money on. So if you can find a used 1.9 w/ high comp pistons, and slap those other two on, you'd be good to go. One last time, trust me, when you get into a motor, its like Forest Gump says "you never know what your going to get?" Good luck!

[Dale .D]

So If I wanted to skip allot of frustration & buy an 2.2 from opel gt sourse.What would be the cost & would that include everything,carb ,alternator ect .What HP would I gain as well?

[opelwasp]

If you mean rebuilding the 1.9L "RallyBobs way" as in the 2.4L build, it is much cheaper than an Opel 2.4L and probably the same as a 2.2L. The nice thing about the RallyBob rebuild is the ease and availability of American iron pistons. 305 Chevy pistons are beyond easy to find.

To rebuild a stock motor will cost you about $1000 if you do it yourself. If you want to add larger valves add about another $400. To make it a 2.4L it will add only about $500 to the price.

The 2.4L will leave the biggest silly grin on your face.

[opelwasp]

So If I wanted to skip allot of frustration & buy an 2.2 from opel gt sourse.What would be the cost & would that include everything,carb ,alternator ect .What HP would I gain as well?

No that will not include any extra engine parts. You'll need a new bigger flywheel and clutch kit because of the power increase, stock just wont handle it.. You will also have to modify the 1.9L intake manifold and thermostat housing, the 1.9L intake, thermo housing and 2.2L head are not compatible. You'll need a new exhaust manifold too, the 1.9L will bolt on but will too restrictive.

There may be even more that I missed, the 2.2L swap is not easy as pie.

[Anonymous D]

Whatever you choose to do, it's best to consult knowledgeable and experienced experts and to do your homework first. Talk to those who've done this before (so you don't have to repeat someone else's horror stories), and consider the history and reputations of all vendors you purchase goods or services from. This will help avoid the kind of a lingering regret which Opel owners have experienced, from buying something at a slightly cheaper price, but getting no (or inaccurate) post-sale technical communication (or having to deal with an outfit that won't warranty their product or work).

Last I heard, the base 2.2 in good used condition, sold for about $1500. (You will need to also consider part modifications or adaptations, and pickup or shipping).

An additional resource, are articles indexed on opelgt.com, and here:

Engine (performance)

[RallyBob]

This will help avoid the kind of a lingering regret which Opel owners have experienced, from buying something at a slightly cheaper price, but getting no (or inaccurate) post-sale technical communication (or having to deal with an outfit that won't warranty their product or work).

Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more...

[opelwasp]

Know what I mean, know what I mean? (elbow jab 2X)

[T-6 driver]

I spent north of 2k on my motor because I did not want parts flying when I hit the gas, is it fast............HECK YEAH, but, I think the 2.2 would have been the way to go. oh, 2k is the price i paid, with no repeat services, and buying the expensive parts on E-bay. My pistons were $25 bucks, no joke, but when you have everything machined like it needs to be, take care of the oil system, get the head fitted with the right valves, port and weld the intake, by the time you add it all up, you could have had a 2.2 for the same price, then all you have to do is worry about the intake. If you want education, go for the rebuild, if you want bang for the buck, get the 2.2. You cannot rebuild it cheaper.

[Dale .D]

Eh , even Mr. Rallybob is watching !You have quite the following.Wish you lived up here on vancouver Is. I'd get you to rebuild it for me.I'm learning that nothing is easy.It's been along time since high school & rebuilding my 283 for the Chevy 11.So who to look for to rebuild a motor for you.Buick guys, German Guys,Chevy guys . I'm sure no one up here is to familiar with opels . If anyone knows of a good motor guy on my Island here please let me know.Also if boring out to 2.o ,puttimg new flat head pistons.What increase in compression would it give me. I'm not a real gear head yet but I'm learning the basics.Obviosly getting the motor hot tanked & shave the heads not to lower them ,just to make them flat .New hardened valve seats,Larger exaust valves & have the head ported as well. What about the cam ,what kind should I replace it with?..Also should I get the crank retested for balance.So many questions I know . Hope I'm not being a pain . Thanks to all eh. Dale

[RallyBob]

I'm sure no one up here is to familiar with opels . If anyone knows of a good motor guy on my Island here please let me know.

There is a guy in Seattle, WA who is pretty good with Opels. He mostly builds competition engines, but he could probably build a good strong street engine as well. I don't know if it's feasible to deal with border crossings and whatnot (or even the distances involved), but it's an option. JVL info.

Bob

[CDN OpelNut]

I had all the head and piston work for my 2.4 conversion done in Victoria. PM me and will tell you who did it and exactly how much it cost - in Cdn dollars no less.

Corey

[namba209 (R.I.P.)]

I just purchased a 71 GT for 50$ no engine. Can I install a hot 69-1.9 engine
into this 71 body and how much does a 69 engine go for???
Also i am hoping to purchase an auto trans is there a goin price for these??
MK

Check out these these folks.
Opel GT Source --- Welcome
USA OPEL

[Dale .D]

I had all the head and piston work for my 2.4 conversion done in Victoria. PM me and will tell you who did it and exactly how much it cost - in Cdn dollars no less.

Corey

Eh CDN Opelnut . Yes I am interested in the Victoria gut that did your work . Please email me at daledoebert(at)shaw.ca thanks

[Dale .D]

There is a guy in Seattle, WA who is pretty good with Opels. He mostly builds competition engines, but he could probably build a good strong street engine as well. I don't know if it's feasible to deal with border crossings and whatnot (or even the distances involved), but it's an option. JVL info.

Bob

Eh Mr. Bob.This may be a stupid question but when people are talking about the 2.2 & 2.4L.Are they talking about a 1.9 bored out or a totally different motor?.How much can you safely bore out a 1.9 anyway. Also in the end useing a 1.9 head or a 1.5 head. what's the difference..Please don't say .4! In your directions to overhaul the 1.9 you describe what to do to the 1.5 head .If you were useing the existing 1.9 head what would you get done? I know the questions never stop!!!If your ever on the Island I'll take you a boat ride around the gulf Islands.Take care

[RallyBob]

Eh Mr. Bob.This may be a stupid question but when people are talking about the 2.2 & 2.4L.Are they talking about a 1.9 bored out or a totally different motor?

Both. Opel made 2.2 and 2.4 litre engines in their later cars (not imported to North America). OGTS sells these used engines. But, I did an article a few years ago on how to 'hotrod' the old 1.9's, that is, to weld/stroke the crankshaft, and bore the block out to get a new displacement of 2373 cc's, or roughly 2.4 litres. So people could be refering to either possibility.

How much can you safely bore out a 1.9 anyway

It's no too uncommon to bore a 1.9 out to 3.75" (95.25 mm), which will increase displacement from 1897 cc's to 1989 cc's. Opels have unusually thick cylinder walls.

Also in the end useing a 1.9 head or a 1.5 head. what's the difference..Please don't say .4!

A 1.5 head has a smaller combustion chamber, so the compression ratio is substantially higher than with a 1.9 head.

In your directions to overhaul the 1.9 you describe what to do to the 1.5 head .If you were useing the existing 1.9 head what would you get done?

Same basic principles apply, the engine would just have a lower compression ratio. It would be tough to get it much above 9.8:1 without domed pistons however. This would drop power and torque a bit, but would not require premium fuel.

I know the questions never stop!!! If your ever on the Island I'll take you a boat ride around the gulf Islands.Take care

I've never been to the west coast of Canada, I'm more of a Maritime canuck (my family is primarily from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, even though I was born in Montreal).

Bob

[opelwasp]

OGTS does sell Opel 2.4L engines, but they cost about $5000. You can build your own for around $2000 USD. If you do get an Opel 2.4L or 2.2L and have to ever rebuild it, the pistons are very pricey.