>I followed many a post on the bluebird list concerning the infamous L/Z
>hybrid motors. The Hybrids are even TALLER than the plain L motors. So tall
>in fact that they have to do some major engineering to rig a super long
>timing chain. I would venture that one of these in a roadster would have the
>"60's" "Ratfink" look (remember? cartoon cars with enormous motors sticking
>out of the hood, driven by slavering beasts)
Yes and no. While I don't remember the actual dimension, I do remember
that the L-20b and Z-20/Z-22 blocks are 3/4 of an inch taller than the
L-16/18 blocks, and the Z-24 block is another 3/4 of an inch taller than
the L-20b/Z-20/22 blocks.
Since the L and Z blocks are from the same general family it is popular
to put the better breathing L-head on the bigger Z-block. The only time
this creates a big challenge is when using the Z-24 block. Its added 3/4
inch deck height requires fabricating your own timing chain and extending
or fabricating a new front cover, not the easiest things to do right.
That's probably the main reason that the more popular setup uses the Z-22
crank and some combination of Z rods and pistons either in the L-20b
block or the Z-20/22 block. This produces a 2200 to 2300 cc motor for
very low cost. Remembering that the 510 started out at 1600 cc, that's a
big increase in size with torque and power gains down low where they'll
really be felt, and usable, on the street.
Lately though, it's been popular to go with the KA-24 which gives you the
extra cubes AND EFI. If you really want to push the envelope, Dave
Carroll has a bolt-in kit to drop in a VG-30. For the truly certifiable,
there are several V-8 cars running around.
Always more ways to spend money on our toys.<G>
FWIW, Ron
Ronnie Day
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ron510@mac.com
ronday@home.com
ronnie_day@acd.org
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Dallas/Ft. Worth
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'71 510 2-dr (Prepared Class Autocrosser)
'73 510 2-dr (Street Toy)
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