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Re: Which engine to rebuild?

To: Ken C <sdspitfire@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: Which engine to rebuild?
From: Joe Curry <Spitlist@gte.net>
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 08:48:30 -0700
Ken,
The easiest solution to the clutch differences is to simply use a 1500
pressure plate and an early 1500 (10 spline) disk.  There are two
different clutch disks available for the 1500 (the early 3-rail and the
later single rail gearboxes).  Both use the same pressure plate,
throwout bearing and flywheel.

Regards,
Joe

Ken C wrote:
> 
> Hi Kevin,
> 
> Lots of opinions out there on this subject. The '69 1296 engine is
> considered to be a good one. A bit less lower end weight to throw around,
> higher rpm capability, easier on the thrust and crank bearings. That said, I
> still prefer the 1500, which is what's in my '72. It's got more low end
> torque, more hp, and is a bunch easier to drive around town.
> 
> If your engine will spend a lot of time above 5000 rpm, go for the 1296. If
> you're just out to have a good time, the 1500 is the way to go.
> 
> But, and there is always a 'but', you can't just throw a 1500 into your '69,
> they are not completely interchangeable. The 1500 normally uses a different
> clutch/flywheel and will not mate up with the 3-rail transmission, the
> splines are different. You should be able to use the flywheel and clutch
> from the 1296, or you could re-drill/tap the 1500 flywheel for a 1296
> clutch, but check it out first. I ended up changing out both the engine and
> transmission, they were purchased together.
> 
> And in addition to the normal engine rebuild, if you massage the cylinder
> head a bit (larger intake valves, gas flow), shave off about 1/4" (brings
> the compression up to about 9.5:1), drop on a couple of HS4's, pop in a
> 'high-lift' road camshaft, and pump everything out through a less
> restrictive exhaust system (4-2-1 header, 2 1/2" pipe), you will really
> enjoy driving it !
> 
> Good luck,
> 
> Ken C

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