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Thu Nov 20, 2008 2:25 pm

I'm trying to collect parts to build a budget torque motor for my Thing. I originally intended to build a 1776, but my case is junk and the need for durable lifter bores is leading me to consider an aluminum case. For a little extra dough, I think I can build a 1904 or 1955 stroker.

Parts I have:
* CB 044 heads w/ 40x35.5 valves
* 90.5 A pistons and cylinders
* 69mm Welded Counterweighted crank (gently used from another motor)
* Rebushed stock rods.
* Engle VZ-14
* Stock 1.1 rockers & HD Shafts
* Chromo push rods
* Weber 34mm ICT carburetors
* Stock flywheel

Parts I'm considering:
*Aluminum case (see VZ-14 cam) - $600
*Chinese 74 or 76 mm crank (1904 or 1955) - $230

I really can't go above the extra $850 +/- I have available for the case and crank so I want to be sure I'm not assembling a bunch of incompatible parts. Be nice please - I'm not a professional engine builder or racer.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:16 pm

I would sell the 90.5's and your welded crank ,buy B pistons and go 82mm crank. You can get a decent 82 crank and case from most parts suppliers for about $850.

a 2110, vz 14, and the small heads and carbs will work very well in your thing.You will probably have to rejet the carbs, might factor that into your budget.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:52 pm

you have most of the parts you need for a torque motor on a budget. sell your heads and buy some L3's from DRD. buy your case and spend the rest on a good exhaust and dist. you'll still have bearings and other odds and ends. opt for a good used case if this runs over budget. Al

Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:34 pm

Chad1376 wrote: budget torque motor

Parts I have:
* CB 044 heads w/ 40x35.5 valves
* 90.5 A pistons and cylinders
* 69mm Welded Counterweighted crank (gently used from another motor)
* Rebushed stock rods.
* Engle VZ-14
* Stock 1.1 rockers & HD Shafts
* Chromo push rods
* Weber 34mm ICT carburetors
* Stock flywheel

Parts I'm considering:
*Aluminum case (see VZ-14 cam) - $600
*Chinese 74 or 76 mm crank (1904 or 1955) - $230

First I'm going to say your listed combo is as reliable as it gets, if anything at all I would spend the any extra $$ on a little port work to your 044 heads, there is power to be had in a good set of heads.
I would stick with your plan and build up a nice reliable engine. Due to your budget forget the stroker crank, but go with the new case. You will spend more than $230 on the odds and ends to complete the 1776 per your original plan.
You need to consider the "extra's" that come with every build, such as balance work, exhaust, clutch, tune up parts, fuel filter, fuel line, oil, etc. Poof there goes $300.
If your looking for a weekend cruiser or off road 1776 that makes big torque the VZ-14 is the cam for you, if you want more of an occasional driver and plan on making some longer runs on the highway I would go with a Engle W-100.
I'm not trying to shoot down the stroker idea, honestly it's a great way to go, but it will put a bigger dent in your budget than you expect.
Just a little reality check as to how this stuff adds up.
Good luck with your build
SRP1

Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:32 pm

Thanks for the replies everyone..

The $850 was the last of the big ticket items to begin assembly of the block. I had budgeted for the small ticket items like bearings and expect another several hundred on external parts before I have the engine ready to run.

I'm trying to build a motor for slogging up and down trails and power line roads, with highway performance being secondary, so I think I'll stick with the VZ-14.

I hadn't budgeted balancing though. It sounds like spending the money there, rather than the crank might be a better plan.

Would port work be that much benefit to a low rpm motor?

Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:28 am

Chad1376 wrote: Thanks for the replies everyone..

The $850 was the last of the big ticket items to begin assembly of the block. I had budgeted for the small ticket items like bearings and expect another several hundred on external parts before I have the engine ready to run.

I'm trying to build a motor for slogging up and down trails and power line roads, with highway performance being secondary, so I think I'll stick with the VZ-14.

I hadn't budgeted balancing though. It sounds like spending the money there, rather than the crank might be a better plan.

Would port work be that much benefit to a low rpm motor?

Balancing should be right around $100
On the heads, a little pocket work and smoothing behind the seats will benefit your engine, even low RPM. With a little patience and a little internet searching there are article that cover this for the DIY'er.
Sounds like a stroker crank my be in your future, 90.5 x 76 = 1955
sweet little engine, but you will need some custom barrel spacers to set your deck height.