Mystery Motor?

[BQS4]

Well, I need help in solving a few mysteries on the "Mystery Manta" The Mystery Manta started as the "$200 Manta in FL", it was bought by Dan Hambrick (Space_Cat) and he in turn bought a rebuild motor from Dave McCollam in TX. Dave has no clue to the motor other than it was in a car purchase deal. This motor was in the trunk of the car. Dan bought the motor, and he, Tony (nephew and 'phoenix' on this site)and I installed it. Dan basically lost interest in the car and Tony bought it. We pulled it up to TN for Keith's "Dyno Day" and in the first time running it (never tuned), it pulled 51 rwhp. Well, some quick, on the spot tinkering netted 61 rwhp on the second pull. Well, we took it home and have been tinkering off and on with it. Well today, we pulled the valve cover off to retorque the head and check the adjustment on the valves and found what you see in the pictures.
Now, if this is indeed a 2.4 head, it was my understanding that the 1.9 intake/exhaust won't bolt up to it. but, in this case it is. Also, you can't see in the pics, but, there are DUAL valve springs! Does this mean a cam of sorts? Also, can anyone tell from the pics if these are solid or hydraulic lifters? How can I tell if I pull one? The plot thickens.....

[opelspyder]

Looks to be a 73 head, as the cast number in the middle. It looks to be hydraulic lifters. I don't think a 2.4 was invented yet in 73. Dual springs were common, I do not like the aluminum spring caps, as I have had them crack. The intake and exhaust on a 2.4 is not the same bolt pattern either I do believe. Seems like they were offset. You might have a cam in it, who knows what size on valves though
Keith

[opelspyder]

Also the side stamp on the head itself should say 1.9 on the flat machined area on the drivers side
Keith

[jeff denton]

I'm not sure that the 24L you see cast into the head means what you think it does, Gene. What is stamped into the head externally, just forward of the side cover?

[BQS4]

Jeff;
I'll have to go and scrape the paint off to see what it says, I'll get back with you on it later.

[BQS4]

OK, scaped the paint off and it says "X 19 A" right next to the side cover.

[tomking]

I'm not sure that the 24L you see cast into the head means what you think it does, Gene. What is stamped into the head externally, just forward of the side cover?

But Jeff that casting clearly says two point four liter!! This is interesting; perhaps one of the Opel gods will know.

[jeff denton]

I think they put those numbers in the casting just to screw with us. The latest engine donated to me said 15L there. But was stamped ^19S.
Check out a similar thread recently about this, called "H head".

[bello]

But Jeff that casting clearly says two point four liter!! This is interesting; perhaps one of the Opel gods will know.

OK Guys- Here are my tcw: those numbers mean nothing to us in terms of compression, flow, identification...maybe had to do with different shifts at the foundry, machine shop, who knows! However! Look just to the right of the "24" characters: "EB" I am flattered that Opel honors me by using my initials on their blocks and heads. So does Audi, BMW, VW, MB, etc! Now if only I could collect royalties or something... Ernie Bello

[heimue]

One of the German forums was saying that the "24L" is completely meaningless as far as the type or style. Somebody has a 1.9 head with "10B" on the same place. "73" was told to definitely being the year of the cast.

Dieter

[Bill Hoffmann]

One of the German forums was saying that the "24L" is completely meaningless as far as the type or style. Somebody has a 1.9 head with "10B" on the same place. "73" was told to definitely being the year of the cast.

Dieter

That's good news for Dave. He can stop kicking himself now.

[David McCollam]

If I'd have looked under that valve cover before the sael that engine might be sitting in my Manta now. It probably has flat-tops and a bit of bump to the cam as well.

Anyway, it is in good hands with Gene and Tony. Plus, it's powering a Manta. We need more of those on the road.

Dave

[Phoenix]

John Lewis says that its has low comp pistons, but the cam is still a possibility. It was pretty strong on the dyno for being in such bad tune. I'll get everything straightened out eventually and bring it to another dyno.