54 and 65 in Australia

[Serge]

Not sure that that's an 821 head, looks very similar, but the inlet port shapes are very different to both my 821 heads. Could be an earlier renault V85 head ( http://img7.leboncoin.fr/images/191/1918ba4c8195a2c452e8517cbb313290c1c089ac.jpg )?

I don't think the fuego head will fit without any modifications. If they also had the fuego turbo block and crank, it might be a good chance to pick one up. The blocks have extra reinforcement ribs and the cranks are supposed to be better.

Serge

[Willa]

Hi Serge,
Thank you for your comments, I have just noticed that the water pump fitting is on the opposite end to the 821 and although it has Fuego written on it in pen, it may not be. Were there non cross flow heads for the fuego? Even if I can not use it, the port design is much better than that on the head I have just cleaned up.

Your project is an inspiration and I can't wait to see the car on the track one day.

I'll keep posting as the car develops, also do you know how to get the best out of the 821 head? If so please share any pointers.

Cheers
Willa

[Serge]

You can install bigger valves in the 821 head, they are 35-31 in stead of 37.5-31 in a 697-04 head. Another thing to consider is using carbs with a single choke per cylinder, to maximise the flow and to separate the strokes.

On the actual port work I have no experience, but there will some people who do.

Serge

[Valerio Leone]

here is my 821 head ported.
38/33 valves

[Willa]

Hi Valero,
Thank you for posting the pictures of your 821 head. I have 38/31 valves in my head and and am hoping for 90+ hp at the wheels. I am about to purchase another 821 head found at the local car yard and want to develop the best port shape I can with a view to achieving 120-140hp. I have read claims of 145hp from an s2 wedge head in the USA and wanted to know how and or if this was possible?
Here is a picture of that car and the engine bay.
Once my engine/car is back together I will post some pictures.
Cheers
Willa.

[Valerio Leone]

I will keep you updated during this time as I am planning to make a bench test next month.
my layout is now as follow:

Lightened crankshaft (-1.5 kilos)
Lightened rods (by saenz) and pistons (-120 grams each)
Aluminium flywheel by fidanza (-3.5 kilos)
Pistons CPS italy CR 11.5/1
cam 43-73-67-37 lift 108
electronic ignition by 123
exhaust manifold by RD lotus
Intake manifold 4 barrels by me.
two weber 40 DCNF
intake valve 38
exhaust valve 33
head totally ported and straightened.
bronze guide

I am hoping in 125/130CV. We will see.

[Willa]

Hi Valero
Thank you for the detail on your engine which I am sure will be great.
I have just purchased an 821 head and am cleaning it up to ready it for working on. In that process, I am thinking about intake manifold/s and wanted to know what people thought was the best design for both a single carb and a twin carb. If there was something already out there or if something needed to be made.
As the ports are full length and separate, how do we maximise their efficiency through the manifold?

Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated

Cheers,
Willa.

[Serge]

The most optimal would be a manifold with a single runner per cylinder (so two double barrel carburetors). Valerio and myself have one of his manifolds with two DCNF 40 webers. But Valerio only made a few sets, and all have sold. You should be able to make something for double DCOE 40 quite easily.

The best option for a  single carburetor would be a manifold for a single DCOE. There are some manifolds available from time to time on ebay or on here.

Another option, and one that works better than you would think is the standard manifold, ported, with a 32/36 weber DGV (modified from progressive to synchronic for all out power) or a DGV 38/38 synchronic.

Kind regards,
Serge

[Willa]

Hi all,
A quick update.

I put the cylinder head back on adjusted the tappets, getting excited to fire it up with the new head on, put the plugs in and ... Cylinder 1 plug thread is gone!! Not happy.
Does anyone have any experience of installing a helicoil or insert and how reliable are they? Can they be inserted with the head on, I only ask as the the manifold nuts are very tricky to do up as there is hardly any room, perhaps some sort of special tool can be made up.

Also where can I find an original style passenger side lower a arm set for the 54, the rear one is bent. Whilst it is being replaced I will do the front and rear bushes, who supplies the best bushes fit for racing.
Thanks for your help,
Cheers
Willa.

[4129R]

In order to put the helicoil in, you have to drill a bigger hole, and then tap a thread in the bigger hole, and then screw the helicoil into the newly tapped thread.

This must be a complete no-no with the head on, as all the swarf will get in the cylinder and completely mess the engine up.

My advice, head off, take to engineering shop, and see if they can sort it out, but this head may be stuffed.

[jbcollier]

It can be done with the head in place though there are some risks.  Helicoil and Timeserts (better) spark plug thread repair kits use taps that cut the larger thread without the need for drilling.  If you coat the tap in grease, and work slowly, you are usually OK.

Try Banks Engineering for used early a-arms.

[LotusJoe]

Hi all,
A quick update.

I put the cylinder head back on adjusted the tappets, getting excited to fire it up with the new head on, put the plugs in and ... Cylinder 1 plug thread is gone!! Not happy.
Does anyone have any experience of installing a helicoil or insert and how reliable are they? Can they be inserted with the head on, I only ask as the the manifold nuts are very tricky to do up as there is hardly any room, perhaps some sort of special tool can be made up.

Also where can I find an original style passenger side lower a arm set for the 54, the rear one is bent. Whilst it is being replaced I will do the front and rear bushes, who supplies the best bushes fit for racing.
Thanks for your help,
Cheers
Willa.

I use Time-Sert with great success on a regular basis. Can be done with removing the head. Striped plugs holes are very common. Don't mess with a helicoil. The Time-Sert is a permanent repair and superior to helicoils.

http://www.timesert.com/
 

[Willa]

I am developing a race head to put onto the car as I was frustrated with the spark plug thread on the last one. The head is from an 821 which I have raised the intake ports by about 10mm to better the short side radius for better flow, all the valves are back cut and the manifold modified and port matched. I have to make a new exhaust manifold flange and a friend and I made e prototype from MDF today, I think it look quite good so will get it laser cut next week as well as new gaskets to suit.
Here are some pics, the rocker cover just needs a lotus logo to finish it off.

[Willa]

Pics of recent work,
Cheers,
Willa

[Serge]

Looks great! What was the base for the manifolds? I suspect you converted some off the shelf units to fit the renault head?

Serge