strokin' it. M20B31 build (finished!)

[e30polak]

it could be worth it actually. port matching the stock manifold doesn't do a whole lot, unfortunately. but it is the cheapest! :)

$/hp, an extrude hone might actually be the best bargain, but you'll also need a BBTB. And even if money was no obect, the dbilas ITBs aren't neccesarily the best thing ever anyway. There isn't really a "perfect" intake setup you can just buy, at any price, for the M20. :(

I totally agree Nanado, I guess I'm just thinking of $/hp. For a full out NA set-up, I'm sure a custom intake manifold would be the best option. But extrude honing with a proper BBTB would be the next best choice.

The Dbilas set-up is awesome, but I'd rather put that money towards a REAL itb engine like an s54. :p

[acolella76]

IE has HORRIBLE customer service, and they aren't even able to tell you the specs of their products half the time. The kit is also "special order only" which to IE means "you'll get it when we feel like it". Metric Mechanic is the king of M20 building and their pistons are works of art. Like nando said you can get the crank and lighter 24v rods for a couple hundred bucks and probably have spent less than the IE kit.

Oh and FWIW, MM's pricing is $195 per piston and another $30 per ring set. That's a total of $930 vs IE's $880 for custom pistons.

Buuuuuttttt.... he did say part of the reason he kept the m20 is sound and itbs will sound sweet!

ITBs would sound sweet but they really don't provide any gain unless you're driving a high revving screamer

[nando]

you can get cranks and rods anywhere, but yes they will sell you individual parts.

there are plenty of other options for pistons too. You can get an 89.6mm crank for a few hundred bucks, get a reconditioned set of S52 or M52 rods for about the same, and custom pistons from a variety of manufacturers from $500-$1200.

[325ix]

I was looking on Metric Mechanic's website and all I could find is complete engines. Can you buy just the crank, rods and pistons?

[nando]

I did, I used their pistons. Because I tried to buy a kit from IE first, and they didn't seem terribly interested in taking my money.

try this: give IE a call. don't tell them who you are. try to ask them about their kits.

then call MM.

are you sure it's me?

[MR 325]

because it's way overpriced and their cust service sucks?

So you've never taken a look at Metic Mechanic pricing then? He said don't use IE, go with MM. I wanted to know why. You're turning in to another arrogant OG.

[nando]

Just curious why you'd say this?

because it's way overpriced and their cust service sucks?

[nando]

Not sure if Extrude honing the M20's super restrictive manifold will be worth the $700 investment. Just port/gasket match the manifold for a larger, smoother transition in the intake path.

it could be worth it actually. port matching the stock manifold doesn't do a whole lot, unfortunately. but it is the cheapest! :)

$/hp, an extrude hone might actually be the best bargain, but you'll also need a BBTB. And even if money was no obect, the dbilas ITBs aren't neccesarily the best thing ever anyway. There isn't really a "perfect" intake setup you can just buy, at any price, for the M20. :(

[MR 325]

Not sure if Extrude honing the M20's super restrictive manifold will be worth the $700 investment. Just port/gasket match the manifold for a larger, smoother transition in the intake path.

DEFINITELY agreed.

[MR 325]

I wouldn't go with Ireland Engineering's kit...

Just curious why you'd say this?

[325ix]

Too much money, not enough gain. Like E30polak said he'd be better off with a stock manifold ported a bit. And probably a BBTB..

Buuuuuttttt.... he did say part of the reason he kept the m20 is sound and itbs will sound sweet!

[acolella76]

ITB setup?

Too much money, not enough gain. Like E30polak said he'd be better off with a stock manifold ported a bit. And probably a BBTB..

[dude8383]

ITB setup?

[e30polak]

Miller setup + extrude hone intake is part of the next stage! I was a little cautious of the WAR chip when it first came out but people seem to be having a lot of success with them so I'll go with that over MS.

Not sure if Extrude honing the M20's super restrictive manifold will be worth the $700 investment. Just port/gasket match the manifold for a larger, smoother transition in the intake path.

[acolella76]

I wouldn't go with Ireland Engineering's kit... and if I were you i'd go with a 3.2L. You're already buying custom pistons so it's not like it's going to cost any more money, and you'll be putting down quite a bit more power. Shell out the extra dough for Metric Mechanic pistons. They are works of art and will turn your engine into a non interfering screamer so you don't have to worry about destroying your engine if a timing belt slips. As for an MAF you could do a volvo MAF swap + Ostrich 2.0 for less than half the cost of Miller's kit just as easily.

Good on you for sticking with the M20, I had the same mentality when building up mine. Sure I could have done an M50 swap but i like the M20...