I think a 2.8L M20 is great- but for the $ I'm not sure keeping standard bore and modifying old parts for clearance is the best bang for your buck.
I still think that building a 2.9L using an M52b28 crank, 135mm rods, and the IE Mahle Ultimate Street/Stroker 85mm pistons is the best way to go, because you gain stroke while keeping a longer rod (better R/S), and you're able to maintain max quench to match the 885. Takes out all of the guesswork, too. Honestly I'd bet all said and done you'll spend the same amount as putting together a 2.8 using ETA parts.
If you want to get fancy, too, it's only a hair more expensive to use an S52 crank, 135mm rods and get custom JE pistons made (~$900) with matching 885 dome profile and have a 3+L.
And at that point, it begs the question, why don't I just throw a stock M30b35 in there with a decent cam and nice headers? They weigh close to the same without AC as an M20 with AC and come with 3.5L el-stocko.
I still think that building a 2.9L using an M52b28 crank, 135mm rods, and the IE Mahle Ultimate Street/Stroker 85mm pistons is the best way to go, because you gain stroke while keeping a longer rod (better R/S), and you're able to maintain max quench to match the 885. Takes out all of the guesswork, too. Honestly I'd bet all said and done you'll spend the same amount as putting together a 2.8 using ETA parts.
If you want to get fancy, too, it's only a hair more expensive to use an S52 crank, 135mm rods and get custom JE pistons made (~$900) with matching 885 dome profile and have a 3+L.
And at that point, it begs the question, why don't I just throw a stock M30b35 in there with a decent cam and nice headers? They weigh close to the same without AC as an M20 with AC and come with 3.5L el-stocko.














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