Opening up a 202 head

[BaritoneUke]

Got a couple of spare 1098 heads kicking about and have decided to have a go at improving one (a la David Vizard's interesting book) so I need a die grinder...prob. mains electric (my compressor good for paint but runs out of breath with rotary tools) anybody found a good one? The main target is opening up the cylinder head around the valves a little to improve air flow, the ports themselves just need a bit of smoothing apparently.

[King Kenny]

I did the same many years ago when I overhaled the engine. I followed the book but did not go the full hog. One thing I did do was open up the carburetted in the way he suggests, from round to square bore and feather the throttle disk etc. Every thing went smoothly and the car runs OK. I can't say that it dramatically improved things or produced more power but the engine seems to run smoother. Good luck with your project.

[BaritoneUke]

I did the same many years ago when I overhaled the engine. I followed the book but did not go the full hog.

Yes I might not go the whole hog either. Bigger inlet valves would prob. make a big difference but then there's a trade off with fuel economy.

[BaritoneUke]

After reading some bad reviews re: longevity of electrical grinders, think I'll prob. go back to air, also more choice, including 90degree beasties which i think would be easier to handle. Anybody used one of these for carving cast iron?
https://ffx.co.uk/products/draper-drape ... der-117022

[les]

Hope the modifications go to plan, on a personal note, and it’s just my view, it’s not worth it !

[philthehill]

I have to agree with Les.
If you want improvement - source a 12G295 head, skim 0.060" from the head face and you have a very good and efficient head without having to do much work.
The down side of the 12G295 head is the price.
Saying that here is a 12G295 head going cheap (at the moment)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/135038889336 ... Sw0HlmL5Qz
I would suggest that a straight grinder would be better than a right angle grinder.
My cheap and cheerful WorkZone 135W combi tool/mini grinder is more than adequate for re-shaping cast iron cylinder heads.

[BaritoneUke]

Cheers folks, some good advice there.
I'm just a bit curious as to what could be got out of the 202 head, probably not a lot, but I've got a good inlet m'fold, lcb and a cooper cam so I've got the basis to get enough out for a more interesting drive hopefully without upsetting my reground 60 year old crank? Perhaps needs another think, there are other jobs that need attention 🫣