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rtroy
Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2009
Posts: 260
Location: California
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 Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:32 pm Post subject: Resources for Vintage Speed enthusiasts (Oakland CA) |
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Hi Folks,
in 1986 I bought a '59 Karmann Ghia Coupe' that was delivered to its first retail customer with an Okrasa 1500S. That engine had problems so the first owner replaced it with a 40 hp engine with Iskendarian cam and a Judson blower - Ghia Scoop and all, delivering that all running and the Okrasa in boxes. Here's an image of it in action, and its engine getting some attention after a decade of hard service:
Since 1986 I've been making parts for and rebuilding Okrasa and other vintage engines such as Porsche and Denzel, mostly for myself but some for others. I went through four piston designs to replace the Mahle 80mm cylinders used in my first Okrasa, and I'm surely the only provider with such long experience. My offerings are forged and are made to order so you get YOUR choice of compression ratio without shimming, YOUR choice of pin diameter, etc. This just one of my many offerings.
Here are some Denzel head shots - I've got three Denzel engines and plenty of extra bits.
For my day job, I'm a scientist but my discipline, earth science, has been poorly funded these last 8 years under Bush and I've gone broke waiting for a more friendly administration. So, a couple of years ago I decided to open up the doors to help others and thereby help pay the electric bill. I'm focusing on the vintage Karmann Ghia (GhiaCoachworks.com) and Porsche 356 (356Coachworks.com).
A '59 Karmann Ghia before, and after:
And for Porsche people, a '63 cabriolet not quite before, and not quite after:
Lately the Vintage Speed community has opened up with the 36hp Challenge. And, coincidentally, I have gotten my Stuska water brake engine dynamometer online. It's fully instrumented, and I've even added a 5 gas exhaust analyzer to complete the package - full vintage Okrasa, Denzel and Porsche 356 engine building and tuning from someone who knows how, has for decades and who actually DRIVES them - and HARD...
...like this, of course...
I host an open-house every month on the third Saturday evening. We usually have a pot-luck barbecue, too... If you need to call, 510-717-6942.
Keep the shiny side up, rubber side down, and your foot in it.
Richard
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected]
(Images copyrighted) |
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Freeform Metal
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2005
Posts: 130
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:32 pm Post subject: |
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Welcome Richard,
I will be having my Okrasa rebuilt very soon. Since you are new to The Samba, can you give some references (you can PM me) or maybe some of the members can chime in. Thanks for joining and sharing your experience.
Rob Freeman
Freeform Metal Werks |
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KMW
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2009
Posts: 35
Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:45 pm Post subject: |
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An Okrasa 1500S, what kind of engine is that? What are the specifications?
We hear of the TS1200 and the TSV1300 but 1500S?
/Anders |
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John Moxon 
Samba Moderator
Joined: March 07, 2004
Posts: 14191
Location: Southampton U.K.
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gimmesomeshelter
Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2004
Posts: 1466
Location: San Carlos, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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Hello-
Would you provide some specifics about your 80MM piston/liner kits? I'm planning on installing a Porsche crank/rods in a two piece case, and purchasing custom pistons to keep the engine as close to stock width as possible. I've been looking for a set of 80mm P/C for my old speed project, and so far, I've identified three options.
1) Nickies with JE pistons. Very nice, but $3.2K is out of my price range.
2) 80mm AA Performance liners modified to work in a two piece case, and custom JE pistons. This is the least expensive option, but I'm not thrilled about the idea of using anything from AA Performance.
3) Durabar liners from Shasta with JE pistons. This option would still cost ~ $2K, but I've heard good things about Duane Spencer and his products.
How do your products compare?
Thanks,
Paul
_________________
"I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned."
Richard Feynman |
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KMW
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2009
Posts: 35
Location: Sweden
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| Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:47 am Post subject: |
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| John Moxon wrote: |
| KMW wrote: |
An Okrasa 1500S, what kind of engine is that? What are the specifications?
We hear of the TS1200 and the TSV1300 but 1500S?
/Anders |
You'll find the German Okrasa Brochures in the archive...under accessory brochures: |
Yes but Richards engine looks to be built on an early case and not the later with separate generator stand. Those in the brochure are built on the later engine. |
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pbaptist
Samba Member
Joined: January 02, 2005
Posts: 1206
Location: Netherlands
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:22 am Post subject: |
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Hi Richard,
Hallo my friend, welcome on thesamba.
Good to hear you are still into the old ghia's. My okrasa engine is currently in revision, so I have to join Hessisch with a standard 30PK engine.
I need some advice on the Okrasa, so check your PM.
Regards
Patrick
_________________
Dutch Karmann-Ghia and coachbuild lover.
1* Karmann Ghia Coupe (1966 Teak)
2* Karmann Ghia Convertible (1958, 1971)
4* Rometsch Lawrence (nr 534, 555, 558 and 561)
Karmann-Ghia Lowlight page and registry
Karmann-Ghia Collectibles database |
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