A-series doesn't normally requiring boring and new pistons. They are very tough, and normally just require a hone and new rings.

Oh, and they ARE balanced at the factory.

Most of the machining done on A-series is a waste of money. However, if you are racing then it is necessary if you want to win within the class rules.

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Absolutely, I just made the assumption that if you've got $2000 to play with then you'd look into oversize pistons?

Either way I made the comment to give a vague indication of the prices involved with the machining and labour. From memory the bore and hone was around the $275 mark, perhaps this will be of some help when you make the comparison to what your engine builder will charge and what I have paid.

Chris

Yes if I was going to the trouble of rebuilding a motor, definitely a bore & larger pistons... otherwise I don't really know why you'd bother. An A-series is not exactly a powerhouse so it really needs everything you can give it!

L-series and a CA18DE are options also.

Normal overbored pistons won't contribute enough HP to tell. On that note, going to A15 instead of A14 makes a noticeable difference and doesn't cost $2000.

The next step up is doing a maxiumum overbore on the A15 -- not a regular overbore -- but going from 76mm to 79 mm.

For maximum power, only reason to chose an A14 is if racing class rules or government rules prohibit using an A15. Remember that a stock A15 short block will rev to 8500 RPM, so the A14 has no real HP advantage.

Due to capacity starting with an A15 is a no-brainer as long as there are no hidden weaknesses that would cause you to use an A14 instead.

Further, a 79mm overbore would give 1608cc rather than 1488cc. That is actually MORE than the increase from an A14 to an A15 so it would most certainly be noticeable in a small car?

Cutting post short, on my way out te door!

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Yep, certainly noticeable. But that's not a rebuild, that is serious modification.

I dind't cut any corners & my A15 rebuild cost me about 1200 bucks including all machining & parts - no labor as I put it together.
Block was bored, crank balanced, etc...
A15
.030 over pistons (had pistons)
H72 head,
reground cam
double springs
Cannon intake, Weber DCOE & header

doesn't seem unreasonable to get a decent rebuild for less then 2K even 1500. just gotta shop right.

$1500 USD is about what $1750 AUD? I though the exchange rate was closer now?

It's almost dollar for dollar now, by the time currency converters take their bit it's AU$ to 97c US. I think the official rate is about 98/99c but haven't looked for a week or so.

Having done a lot of research on what I can/can't achieve and what I have to do to achieve it, I've decided that a basic A15 rebuilt and fitted with a turbo and splitshaft/vacsec converted 45DCOE is the best option for power, reliability and driveability.

Anything over 100rwhp from an atmo A-series setup starts to get costly and you start to make compromises with cam & carb choice as far as driveability vs performance.

For a similar cost I can achieve a reliable 130-50rwhp from a very basic turbo setup.

i was lucky enough to get an A14 block that had been cleaned up new pistons rings and reground cam all for $250 a H75 head for $250 and dads mate is an engine builder so itl be built for maybe a 6pack plus the price of new bearings and other little things