Bit of an open ended question really as the cash you have for the motor may also be needed to upgrade the diff to a size that will tolerate the bigger A14.

Speaking from experience the big port heads are just not much use on a street engine, in the larger capacity engines the head performance characteristics may be improved slightly but generally if you go for huge ports you end up with very average low rpm power.

It is difficult to obtain a GX head in stock condition, which is what you'd want really as a starting point. The GX heads have big ports but smaller valves and the H89/H75 heads have smaller ports and bigger valves. The H89/75 heads are much easier to find and they used to be quite cheap too.

3K isn't too much to play with especially when you consider carbs and manifold would cost around $1200.00 (depending if you went for carbs) efi would cost even more if you're using DCOE throttle bodies. Cheapest EFI would be motorcycle induction, but computer etc would be quite pricey.

It's a bit difficult to see how much you could get out of 3k as we don't know your builder but here are some tips that I insist you ought to consider:

Look for a H89 or H75 head. GX heads are pricey and hard to find in good condition (the one en ebay has been welded up).

Look for the lighter A14 crankshaft, it'll save you having to lighten yours.

Get the entire rotating assembly balanced from head to toe.

If possible get all your con-rods at the same weight.

Get some decent flat-top pistons.

Don't go overboard with the cam, huge lift and big duration isn't good for street.

Electronic ignition is a must have and a really worthwhile investment, put this high up on your list.

If going carbs save yourself some cash and look at the cheaper dellorto and mikuni brands, they are just as good as weber if not better.

I would lean towards larger HP, as surely with a limited budget the max HP won't cause too much disturbance to the driving experience.

Out of curiosity, what problems do you forsee with a higher HP driving experience?

Keep it mild for a daily is the best recommendation. Displacement (more is better!), mild head and cam, maybe a set of sidies or if you have the $$, go EFI.

There are a few fantastic A series builders around, bige on here is just one of them.

But first thing would be to decide what you want out of it, big HP/pig to drive, mild HP/fun to drive?

Hey all,
Currently restoring a 1000 Ute (Old pics in Project Builds) and started thinking how am I going to get the most horsies out of this thing? I'm not all that knowledgeable yet in mechanical things, as this car is being used to build up my knowledge of cars etc.

SA req's say the max I can put in is a A14, so thats the motor. I'm looking at spending around 3k. What would you guys suggest if you were to try get as much power from this motor with that budget.

GX heads seem to be all the rage from what I can see. Can these be put onto the A14 block? I've also have been suggested to think about putting in an EFI as opposed to carby, to increase performance. Smart? Stupid?

All suggestions are GREATLY appreciated, I feel like I'm currently thumbling around in the dark.