Sand Rail Project

[bren]

Next summer we will have to go up there and play.

[bren]

I decided to rebuild the motor I kept from the orange sand rail. The motor was making some noises when we bought it but it ran. When I tore it down I found the bolts holding the cam gear to the cam were loose, finger tight. Cam gear was shot. Cam was OK. (anyone want to buy a eagle 34 cam?)

Greg Hudson align bored the case and opened it up for 94's. Also opened up the heads for 94's. Now the engine building begins. Going to be a 2109. 76mm crank, 94's and a engle 110 cam. Single Dellorto 45 carb. This is going into go in the sand rail.

[MadMike]

Bren, Why such a tiny cam for a 2liter?That thing will be done @4500-5k I'd opp for the W120 w1:1 or 1:25's rockers or an fk8 w/1:4's and maybe find another 45 dell at the Buggy Show That thing would hawl A$$ then ;D with a nice P&P head job 8-)It will have a good power band also:Good bottom Great mid-range and pull good to 6000,IMHO,Madmike

[MadMike]

Dual carbs are way easer to dial in then the singles,run better in cooler weather too,Intakes don't frost up ;D

[bren]

Well, I have not had good experiences with dual carbs yet. At this point I am going to try the single. I realize I might be giving up some power but I am going to try it first. Someday I might have to tell you I was wrong but I'm not there yet.
As for the cam. I ran this setup by George and Greg. They felt this was a good overall combination. Not positive this engine will stay in the rail, might find it's way into a car. I want this engine to be a good all around engine. Good on the street, at the track and on the dunes. I understand you can also overcam an engine. From what I gathered the 110 was a good all around cam.

[MadMike]

I wouldn't put a w110 in anything bigger then a 1776 there great for small cc motors I have one in the Laser917 but it's a 1641cc ;D Just my 2 cents,Madmike

[clintonddk]

Bren, I would have to agree with George and Greg, for an all around engine a 110 will work just fine just be sure that the compression is on the low side.
What happens with those bigger cams is people don't run enough compression with them and then tell everyone that the engine is over cam-ed.
Now with the carbs, I would agree with Mike but this is probably because my first experience with a single carb was bad.

[bren]

I have started in on the motor build.
Cleaned the case, crank, rods etc.
Used plastigauge (sp?) and got good and consistent readings there. All of them also weighed the same.
Assembly lubed them up and put them on. Made sure the tabs were facing in the right direction.
Tonight it was time to install the gears. Got them on fine but about burned the house down doing it. I followed the books recommendation to do it in a oil bath. Big mistake. In the end no damage but there were definitely flames! Worked much better simply placing the gear on some foil directly on the burner. Anyways, they are on and the retainer went in place. So far so good.
I hope this is my last fiasco. Dan, I've got to say it, you are making me nervous!

[bren]

I also bought some seats. Decided the fiberglass ones were not going to cut it, at least for the two fronts. Saw the Corbeau ones Greg has, very nice. Decided to try to find some for myself. Found a great deal on some Race trim ones: www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=919815. Action Imports in Bossier City, LA cut me a really good deal. These same seats sell for over $500 a pair at Chirco. Feel bad I did not buy through George but this was a deal hard to beat!
Bought a helmet too. M&M motorsports in Kzoo had a good sale. Got a HJC with a M2010 snell rating. This one: www.soloperformance.com/HJC-CL-16-Full-Face-M2010-Helmet-_p_1558.html in solid white. Also bought some Yamabond there for later.

[MadMike]

For heating up the crank gear I just place it on an old Trouble light 100w bulb Heats it enough to burn your fingers (Don't ask ;D)Place to crank in the freezer or in my case outside ;D gear slides right on,sometime with a little help,NO messy oil ;D ;D ;D

[dansam]

I usually just place the gear on a pan and put on the stove then use welding gloves and it goes right on the crank no prob. As for me making you nervouse Ive built 4 engines and never had this kind of luck before. I think the first failure was my fault as one of the bearings was not seated correctly onto the pin (really thought it was) Now this failure is beyond me. All I did was throw on cylinders and heads and stuff. I can only imagine whats up. Anyway if it was a stock motor Im sure this would not be an issue (A.J. dont even start!!)

[ghiastein]

Don't worry Dan we all have had our failed attempted start-ups just keep with it. My father told me once if a engine fires up and runs perfectly the first time that is a sign of bad luck. Every engine should need tweaking after the first start up.

Any pictures Bren?

[bren]

Dan, you are not making me nervous. I am nervous about having some of the experiences you are having. Just to clarify. I keep thinking, Man I hope I don't have the problems Dan is having. Maybe I should have this built. No, I can do it. But maybe I should have it built. I guess if I do get in over my head I will just take it to Greg and pay the man.

What, pictures of the fire?! Nope.

I do have these though.

The cooking begins:


Waiting for the Hot VW parts:


After the smoke cleared:

[dansam]

I have youtube video of me doing that without the oil that is. I just used a dry pan.
As the taco dog said You Can Do It!!!
Just be careful when seating the bearings into the pins thats where I have problems... You think they are in there but, no not quite.

A.J. Im tired of luck I just want it right at this point

[bren]

Small block is done!