Questions on head swap for 2L

[NorCal21b]

Hello All,

I've read a bit on the 1800 head swap on a 2L. And was wondering how much more power it will give to the motor. My wife decided that she wanted a Spider, so I bought her a 79, with the 2L. Instead of smoging it she took it to the shop she was working at and striped the car to the frame. I also bought her a 78, as a parts car, that has a siezed 1800 in it. After a few years of sitting in the garage, I was ready to cut both up with a plasma cutter and be done with it. Then I was thinking I have a running engine, and a complete car. So.... after a bit of checking, I read that the intake, carb, exahust (i think the 78 has a 4-2 exahust), and head from the 1800 will give that 2L block more power, does anyone know how much exactly? Are we talking 5-10, or like 20-30 more ponys? It also has to remain CA legal... for the time being. So is there a difference in the 79 cam? Or are the grinds the same. And should I go with the points distributor off the 1800 or the electronic off the 2L. And what timings should be used?

Thanks for any input.

Aaron

[So Cal Mark]

the complete head, intake and carb swap is probably good for 15 hp or so. If you swap the egr system with the head you can keep it smog legal too. Leave the cams, there isn't any difference

[NorCal21b]

Do you know what timing belt I would use? IAP lists two different belts. And would that be 15 up from the 2L or the stock 1800? I was trying to check some of the HP ratings online. It looks as if a lot of people list that 2L for having less then 80hp and the 1800 seems to vary anywhere from around 90hp to 100hp i'm assuming 90 for the CA motor. I think i'm going to go ahead and re-ring it and stick some new bearing in the bottom end since the motor is coming apart anyway.

[mbouse]

when i did the swap, i used the two litre timing belt. there is no difference in the cam height, the difference is in the depth of the short block.

you will thoroughly enjoy the performance difference - - with or with out the smog removal. like mark said, leave the cams alone..if you want a smooth running, quick responding cruising car for you and the Mrs.

[alexGS]

My wife decided that she wanted a Spider, so I bought her a 79, with the 2L. Instead of smoging it she took it to the shop she was working at and striped the car to the frame.

If I understand correctly, it sounds like you have a fantastic wife. Does she let you work on the car?

My '78 came with a 4-1 exhaust manifold and for some reason it still has it, even though someone fitted a 2L motor. Unless you need it for the EGR port, I really don't think the 4-1 exhaust helps at high revs - mine doesn't seem to go over 5000.

Mine has a cam-mounted distributor with a right-angle cap, I don't think this was standard for the '78 1800 so presume it came with the 2L engine, which I think was from a 132 (but then, I guess they all have that 132A code). Electronic ignition would be preferable, of course. More consistent dwell and easier starting.