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Weakest Link?
With the following upgrades, which components on my Opel will become the weakest link? Assume the car is a Manta, pretty much bone stock at the moment.
1). Engine will be upgraded with a 2.4L (it just cleared customs!). Planned mods include head work, with Rallye Bob's recommendations for larger valves and a set of Samdog's roller rockers that have been sitting in my basement begging to see the light of day! I don't plan to do much of anything to the bottom end, aside from maybe a cleanup with new bearings and perhaps stronger ARP bolts (if I can find them). I don't want to increase displacement. Exhaust manifold will be the one that came with the 2.4 (pretty much the same as a "Sprint" manifold I believe). I'm open to suggestions on exhaust size.
2). I have a set of dBilas twin intake manifolds (and thermostat housing) for the 2.4L and would like to go with a fuel injection setup via megasquirt. No final decision yet on cam, though I'd like something that let's me keep plenty of low end grunt. I want the car to have a muscle car feel, which is why I went with the "real" 2.4 rather than a higher-reving 1.9 conversion. I realize the 2.4 will never see the high rpms that would really let the roller rockers shine, so I'm torn on whether to use them on this engine...but at least they're available. I have plenty of other projects to use them in!
3). Getrag 240 5 speed (I already have it available, hopefully it's strong enough to handle a strong 2.4). I was planning to go with the popular S10 clutch setup.
4). Larger ('75) brakes have already been installed on the front, with Brembo rotors, green stuff pads, and braided stainless hoses. I have the larger 3/4" wheel cylinders for the rear as well.
4). Suspension mods will include a Bob-designed rear panhard rod (thanks again Paul!), and Bob's recommended progressive springs and shocks for 1.5"-2" lowering (if I can ever get out to Duane Foley's to get the parts car!).
Rearend is a major concern I would think. Will a Quaife give it the strength needed to stand up to the new drivetrain, or do I need to consider other options.
How about the torque tube setup?
I'm hoping to generate some discussion on things to look out for when doing these kinds of upgrades to ensure that the car remains safe. I don't really want to radically change the car (no toyota rearends, etc.) since I'd like it to remain fully an Opel.
Cheers to all, and Happy Easter! Not long 'til Carlisle!!!
Todd Kirby
With the following upgrades, which components on my Opel will become the weakest link? Assume the car is a Manta, pretty much bone stock at the moment.
1). Engine will be upgraded with a 2.4L (it just cleared customs!). Planned mods include head work, with Rallye Bob's recommendations for larger valves and a set of Samdog's roller rockers that have been sitting in my basement begging to see the light of day! I don't plan to do much of anything to the bottom end, aside from maybe a cleanup with new bearings and perhaps stronger ARP bolts (if I can find them). I don't want to increase displacement. Exhaust manifold will be the one that came with the 2.4 (pretty much the same as a "Sprint" manifold I believe). I'm open to suggestions on exhaust size.
2). I have a set of dBilas twin intake manifolds (and thermostat housing) for the 2.4L and would like to go with a fuel injection setup via megasquirt. No final decision yet on cam, though I'd like something that let's me keep plenty of low end grunt. I want the car to have a muscle car feel, which is why I went with the "real" 2.4 rather than a higher-reving 1.9 conversion. I realize the 2.4 will never see the high rpms that would really let the roller rockers shine, so I'm torn on whether to use them on this engine...but at least they're available. I have plenty of other projects to use them in!
3). Getrag 240 5 speed (I already have it available, hopefully it's strong enough to handle a strong 2.4). I was planning to go with the popular S10 clutch setup.
4). Larger ('75) brakes have already been installed on the front, with Brembo rotors, green stuff pads, and braided stainless hoses. I have the larger 3/4" wheel cylinders for the rear as well.
4). Suspension mods will include a Bob-designed rear panhard rod (thanks again Paul!), and Bob's recommended progressive springs and shocks for 1.5"-2" lowering (if I can ever get out to Duane Foley's to get the parts car!).
Rearend is a major concern I would think. Will a Quaife give it the strength needed to stand up to the new drivetrain, or do I need to consider other options.
How about the torque tube setup?
I'm hoping to generate some discussion on things to look out for when doing these kinds of upgrades to ensure that the car remains safe. I don't really want to radically change the car (no toyota rearends, etc.) since I'd like it to remain fully an Opel.
Cheers to all, and Happy Easter! Not long 'til Carlisle!!!
Todd Kirby