Autolinea engine case from CB (or other) versus TF-1 case feedback requested

[mwardvw]

Which case is best ? Plan on trying to build 90mm Porsche journal, wedgemated flywheel. With Pauter 6.0 inch rods and 94mm Mahle "B" pistons. Uncertain about cylinders, (stock w/pistons or Century), if case has raised deck surface up to 7mm. Feedback please !!

[DKK Ted]

All of my motors have used a "mag" case, I finally used a Autolinea case on a built motor, did not like it at first, but finding out that this case is by far stronger, more room, and with the raised deck less thickness of shims unless you use the longer barrels and have them cut. But to me know, I think would be a better choice for a high HP motor. But for sure, mock it up first.

Ted

[mwardvw]

Thanks for replying Ted. With all the horror stories I have read about the Autolinea cases ... (machine work) ... mis-aligned main bearing saddles, etc. Just trying to find out from people with experience, which case would be the better choice ... hoping to get a case without issues found in other discussions.

[DKK Ted]

They seem to got it all straighten out, but I would still buy it from CB. Good luck, you should be fine.

Ted

[cedric]

its now my 3 autolinea case bild never have a problem with it...just clean the case verry good en look for ventilation in the case there are small on the cilinders...

[Jason Foster]

Autolinea is fine and great but if you can afford a TF-1 case I'd go with that. I'd say a TF-1 case is a much nicer starting point than an autlinea case.  I run an autolinea case.

[MC Dyno Don]

mark, Lets see now....mmmmmm.......The Worlds Coolest S/B still in the works and how many engines ready to plug in..?/ LOL....  Come on now buddy boy ,at least some sneak pks of your car or the other engines at least... Hope all is going well.  Your Amigo from years past/ Dyno Don    ps, Good Luck with Everything..!!

[mwardvw]

@ Jason, leaning towards TF-1. Been in contact with Todd.

@ Dyno .... Great friend, buddy ... the 2387 e85 motor has been built. Warned about the horse power. So went with a bus 5speed for that engine. Still have the 4.37 bug 5speed and doing a 3.88 5speed. couple more engines to assemble. Hope you are well. Will be going to GB's shop end of April, first of May. would be nice to see you.

Mark

[MC Dyno Don]

Sweet Mark, E me or ring me before coming into O.C. and I will take you out for a nice lunch.  D.D.

[Bill Schwimmer]

Is this Mark from OC with the light blue SB?

[mwardvw]

@ Dyno,  will do !  Azteca, banana margaritas ... I'll drive !!!

@ Bill, yes. 

[Bill Schwimmer]

Cool , I remember you from the PacBell days, glad to hear you still have your car. Sounds like your building a monster.

[mwardvw]

Hey Bill ... That goes back a ways ... Cambridge office ... yup yup ... To cool !! So glad to hear from you !!!!!!

[WCB Hitler's Hot Rod]

I suggest TF-1. What manufacture crank do you have just curious?

[Jim Ratto]

When I was selling Autolineas wholesale, it got to the point where I would rather make nothing on factory orig VW case and be able to sleep at night. Our defect rate on the alum cases was eye opening. I looked at a lot of the comebacks- there were some that could have been massaged to work, but most were too far off to use.

This was about 6-8 years ago.

[mwardvw]

@ WCB ... I bought the crank, rods, flywheel (minimally used) on the Samba from Paul Ripa of JB Bugs in Florida. Told to me, it is a BugPack crank, with 411 center, wedged stock weight (or near to) flywheel.

@ Jim ... Do you think those problems from 6-8 years ago, may have finally worked themselves out ? Wonder if back then, Autolinea was doing the machining. And today, places like CB and Precision Alloy are doing their own machining ... making a difference in the quality?

I wish to thank you all for the replies ... and reconnections after many years !!!

Committed to a TF-1 today !!!

Mark

[WCB Hitler's Hot Rod]

Cool keep us posted on engine build and new car project.

[mwardvw]

Will do WCB, thank you. And thank you Cedric for replying.

Just to let a little information out about the 2387cc e85 engine. Berg 86mm Swedish forged with 411 centers, wedgemated flywheel, Capri rod journals. Berg Carrillo 5.55 connecting rods, 94mm Wiseco pistons with century cylinders. Competition Eliminator 48mmX37.5 Heads worked from Heads Up Performance, (flowed 240 cfm). E85 fuel was selected to keep cylinder head temperatures down, since this intended for a street car. FK47 with a 102 lobe center, with Berg 1.45 Ratio rocker arms, 11.2:1 compression ratio with Berg 51.5mm IDA Weber carburetors. Two Stepped exhaust system 1 7/8 to 2.0 inch. ... Engine assembled by Doug Berg ... 4000ft altitude ... Dyno'd at 224HP at 7000 rpm, (uncorrected), [32lbs @ 7000rpm's on the Stuska]. (No cylinder head temperature issues experienced, which was remarkable)  // Gearbox is a 091 Berg 5 Speed, with 4.57 ring/pinion, 3.44 X 2.25 first and second, 1.58 third, 1.125 fourth and an 0.82 for fifth. With a Peloquin Automatic Torque Biasing Differential. ... Gearbox assembled by Doug Berg.

Many, many thanks to Doug for undertaking this project for me !!!!!!!!!!!

[MC Dyno Don]

Mark, Paul Ripa is a stand up guy and does some nice work frrom what I have seen and glad to know you purchased some nice items from him. You will be fine with the newer case refinements, just remember as with ANY pre assemble>> CLEAN>>CLEAN>>CLEAN..!!  Between the two of you im sure every nook and cranny will be attended to..!!  I had forgotten the Pacbell connection(80's) with B.S. so im glad to know about your mind at ease/LOL. Post some pics of that Bad Boy sometime before the black hole devoures Everything...haha.    C ya mark, Dyno Don