Hi Guys...

I realise I'm about to ask perhaps one of the most asked questions around, but I'm looking for a definitive answer.

I've been offered an A14 for $100. The plan is to take my A12 head and flywheel and fit them to the 14 to put into my 120Y, which currently has a 60 Series Dogleg 5 speed and recently rejetted DGV Weber (There was orignially an auto in it and the diff is unchanged from the auto days). Next after the A14 will be 5.5x13" rims and 185/60R13 tyres to replace the standard items

My question is this: Is the power gain THAT much more worth it ? I know that lots of guys have done it, but I guess I'm looking for an all encompassing answer that clearly explains why I should go with the A14. BTW, I have read all of the tech articles... about three times. I'm now looking for personal views...

Thanks heaps in advance guys...

hey mate im in the same boat here, i need a new engine cause my a12 is stuffed but im very undecided as weither 2 put a a14 or a15 in

the a14 hasthe best comprimise of bore and stroke. It has more power than the a12 and can rev harder than an a15, due to lower piston speed. If your not going to rev the ring off your car then the a15 will deliver good torque. It has to come down to what type ofuse the car will see. Also unless your 1200 head is a "gx " one , ditch it and go for the 1400 one .(Bigger valves bigger ports) My preference would be for the a14.
thats my two cents.

That's Great, thanks for the advice... Intersting what you say about using the 14's head... The info I've received is to use the A12 head to bump up compression. Is there a noticeable driving difference between the two. In other words, when you get into the 14 for the first time, is it a case of "Wow!"?

Yes, the A14 feels significantly more powerful than the A12. If it is in good condition, you won't be disappointed. I wouldn't say it's a case of "wow", but more like "that's nice!". To me it is worth $100, but I wouldn't use the small-port A12 head on an A14. Here in the US the A12, A14 and A15 all have about the same compression ratio, so C/R is not a factor of my experience.

The stock A15 has noticeably more low-speed horespower than the stock A14. I've had all three engines in stock form in my 1200.

Now, getting away from personal experience and back to theory and commonly held wisdom: If an A14 and A15 use the same cylinder head, they will have more or less the same peak HP -- the head being the limit to airflow. There is theory about rod/stroke ratio that favors the A14, but we are talking about something like 1 horespower difference. The A15 is only good to rev up to 8500 rpm or so (with upgraded valve springs), but as pointed out, the A14 can apparently rev even higher. If anyone has dyno tests or dragstrip times (personal experience) that shows different, let them speak up now. This talk about A14 vs. A15 is almost all theory, and few people have built up A15s -- those who have generally report very good results, to at least match the A14.

Quote:

Any extra compression is nice, but with the smaller round ports, it's sorta like feeding a Ferrari through a drinking straw. Well, you get the idea.
If the small ports were adequate, the factory would have used that head themselves, & controlled compression with the pistons. Leave the round port heads on A10's & A12's
For $100 Au you have good value, as long as it is in servicable condition.

Have being racing them for years and messing around with them to, A14 is the better to rebuild parts wise.A15 has a very thin rings on pistons A little to thin for my liking.A12 A14 A15 head goes on BUT early B110 heads dont have the oil gallaries for the rockers.Big ports are the go

Thanks so much guys... This is evidence of how valuable this site is...

Going off these thoughts you've shared, I think I'll run the A12 into the ground while rebuilding the 14 and switch the DGV, etc across.

Like someone said, for $100, I can't really go wrong, right ?

I too have had numerous standard A12's and they are great for what they are. However I currently commute 850k's a week using a standard A14 and I am rapt with the way it delivers power - it's an awesome engine that surprises a few other cars. When I stop driving this car then the A14 will be modded and go into one of my race or road cars. If you like A series motors you need to experience an A14!!

Hi guys.
Everyone is prasing the A14 here.
I would like to get a few answers please.
When I wanted to convert to a A15 engine I phoned a place here that imports used japanese engines.
I initially wanted a A14 but the guy said I must take a A15 as the internals are stronger than A14.Please give comment on this?

Another thing.
One night I took on a standard A14 utility with my standard A12GX.
We dragged traffic light to traffic light that are about 400m apart. They were 3 traffic lights after each other.
Everytime when I hooked 3rd I started to visibly pull about a car length out of him.
Is the A14 then really so good?

OK.I must admit.
It is a utility that maybe are created for economy and not performance like GX.
What I mean is, correct me if I am wrong, to get full potential out of a A14 you must modify it.Weber,cam,etc,etc.
This is my experience.Please feel free to disagree with me.I enjoy a good chat.