Hi Folks

I've read a few threads on here about getting the most from the 500 engine. This seems to focus on four things, 1. Engine modifications, 2. Carb upgrade, 3. Exhaust upgrade and 4. Camshaft modification.

So (2) I've located an FZD 32/26 carb to go in at some stage and (3) I have a twin exhaust to add.

(1) I have little mechanical knowledge, but here's a list of the work I've had done by a local firm on my 500-F engine as listed on their invoice (which doesn't mean a lot to me). Clutch hasn't been touched yet:

Engine dismantled, inspected and measured.
Jetwash and hot tank parts.
Machine crankcase to fit O/S liners and wash block.
Check fit bearings and grind /polish crank, M-010", B/E-016".
Wash assemble and align pistons and rods.
Machine up 2 spacers to fit under new sleeves to set piston heights.
Remove two broken studs.
Face 4 cam followers.
Start assembling engine and set up crank and set up crank end float.
Overhaul oil pump.
Strip rocker gear and face 4 rockers, wash and assemble.
Strip, jetwash, bead blast head.
Remove one broken stud.
Weld exhaust manifold stud hole and remachine for stud.
Machine and fit 2 8mm helicoils to manifold faces.
Machine and fit 2 spark plug helicoils.
Reface valves and seats, mill wash and assemble head.
Assemble long motor and set tappets.

Listed under parts are:
Ring set
Regrind camshaft
8mm helicoil thread
Helicoil (spark plug).

Sorry that's a long list, and some of the terminology may be unique to New Zealand. But here's my question (finally). Whilst some of that work is necessary reconditioning, does it also cover the improvements to the engine and camshaft which will combine with (2) and (3) above to improve performance, without going mad?

Because the engine is still out of the car, now is the time to do anything else, if needed.

Well done, if you've read all that and have the time to reply! And thanks in advance

Tim

Hi Tim
That description all seems to make sense to me. I guess that you have either gone for 594 ccs or 652 ccs liners and pistons which require a 10 mms spacer under the liners as the larger capacity ones are shorter. In your list of parts did you mean "regrind" camshaft or should that read crankshaft.

Hi Tim;
Glad to hear of your progress with the engine. 2 Suggestions---(1) fit a 3-1/2 litre ally sump (which will be ample for 'just road' use) and, whilst the sump is off(2) modify the top exhaust retaining strap mounts (on the side of the crank-case)----remove the top studs, tap the thread all the way through, fit machine screws FROM THE INSIDE. Use a flat washer, a spring washer, Loctite and do it up VERY TIGHT. On the outside, use a PLAIN nut and a PLAIN lock nut---do NOT use any form of 'locking' nut as it could pick-up on the bolt and actually loosen it. Use the 'rubbery' sump gasket and NOT the cork gasket---I bolt the alloy sump on with stainless steel cap-head (allen) bolts and the original friction washers. You know where I am if you need any other help.

Thanks Toshi, yes that parts list should have read "crankshaft". Gone for 594cc.

Tom, I've already got a 3.5L sump to add. Still need to get a pickup for this. I was aware of avoiding the cork gasket from previous posts (thank you forum users, where would I be without you!). I'll work through your other suggestions – once again, lots of help.

From this it sounds like I'm on the right track. I was most concerned about the crankshaft, since I didn't fully understand the work that had been done on the engine.
Tim

the hobbler said:

Hi Tim;
Suggestions---(1) fit a 3-1/2 litre ally sump (which will be ample for 'just road' use)

Click to expand...

Hi Tom
Foillowing up on your comments regarding the 3.5L sump, I'm aware that I need a pickup which I assume sucks the oil from the deeper sump. But what does this look like?
I see something on the Van Der Laan site called a suction tube valued at e19.50, part no EP9280. If that's it, where does it attach and does it need any other fittings?
Tim

Morning Tim;
1 of the advantages of the 3.5 litre sump is that you do NOT need any additional oil pick-up in the sump---this is only required if you are fitting the 4.5 litre sump (for which a baffle-plate and the deeper pick-up IS required). The 3.5 litre alloy sump is only just over 1/2inch deeper than the 'tin' sump.

Thanks Tom, good to know. I can count on one hand the times I've found out I don't need to buy something else.
Tim