Is there anything that I can do to get a little more hp out of my stock 2.0 on my 74 bobcat runabout? Also, can I do anything to get better throttle response? Lastly, hypothetically, would anything be accomplished by hollowing out a catalytic converter?
First of all, there are a WEALTH of performance parts out there for the 2.0 Up to, & including turbo systems. Hypothetically of course, hollowing out a CatCon would open up the exhaust making it freer flowing, adding a couple HP.
Port the head (I know a porter). DEck the head to get 9.5 compression or more if you have real gas there. Put bigger cam (Racer Walsh has them). Get good intake (Racer Walsh) 350 CFM 2 BBL Carb conversion (RW again). Get a full length headder. Hollow out cat is worth a few HP at higher RPM. Those mods Might add 40 or 50 HP. Will feel like more because the car is so light.
I might have over did it but I am sure going from around 82 HP to 120-130 would feel like a ton. PEPPY!
Hollowing out the cat is a BAD idea. It will create an expansion chamber that causes more back pressure. Instead of gaining horsepower, you'll lose it.
The best thing to do is pull the cat off, hollow it out, and weld a solid piece of pipe in it. Thataway it will look like it should, but will flow properly.
-Harry
The STOCK intake manifold on a 2.0 is the BEST manifold you could ever use. Do not spend one dime on a aftermarket manifold. Things I would do would be( in order of least cost and or time). 1) jet the carburetor, 2) weld the advance curve inside the distributor to full advance. 3) header, 4) adjustable cam pulley, 5) electric fan, 6) keep jetting the carburetor, 7)now take the head off and port match intake and exhaust ports, re-shape combustion chamber, install big stainless valves, swap cam( don't raise compression unless you know you wont be using the last steps). 8) go through bottom end with forged 8.1 pistons, total seal rings crower sportsman rods, 10/10 on the crank, windage tray, inlet in oil pan for turbo drain. 9) install turbo kit.
Hey Brad,
When you say weld the advance plate, you mean for an all out race engine right???
From Pintony
Be careful there on welding the advance on a street car. It makes it difficult to start when hot unless you have a separate ignition switch to keep turned off for a second until after you hit the starter button and get the engine spinning. Advancing the low speed timing will definitely help with the throttle response.