Re: New 78 LUV Mikado
 

There are places out there that still have reman stock engines for those things. Also there's a lot of upgrades that are hidden that will improve mileage, performance and emissions. Like the Crane 1/4 mile dirt track cam, the Jacobs Omnipak ignition system, and a Weber carb from a Pinto.

The original OHC engine that came in the LUV had the cam timing retarded 4 degrees to reduce power to come into line with the competition. But the Crane cam corrects that.

The original Hitachi HH240D vacuum secondary carb was detuned also to reduce performance. A Weber mechanical secondary has no such restrictions, which gives better performance but also improves emissions.

The Jacobs ignition helps burn all that extra gas mixture, improving emissions there, too.

You can easily bump the original 74hp engine up well over 125hp with those mods alone and still skate past emissions testing like a breeze.

The weakest links in the drivetrain are the head gaskets and the 4 bolts at the rear U-joint. And if you happen to carry around almost 4,000 pounds in the back doing 125 miles in 1st, 2nd and reverse 6 days a week, you'll eventually wear the idler shaft out in the tranny. Don't ask how I know this...

Can you tell I wish I still had mine?

Re: New 78 LUV Mikado
 

All of the upgrades would have to be internal.
We cannot use Webers in Cali because the do not have an E.O.# :(.
We can't mix and match carbs (Pinto carb on Isuzu engine etc.)
We also have to use stock ignition components, unless the have been approved by CARB and have an E.O. # for your vehicle. :(.
They also check timing during the emissions test, so that option is out also :(. Here in Cali we have to keep 'em stock.

Re: New 78 LUV Mikado
 

No, I'm not talking about ignition timing, I'm talking about valve timing with the Crane cam.

And I'll have to check on the Jacobs but I seem to remember they're 50 state.

You could always go Chevy TBI from a 2L Celebrity or Grand Am... :hm:

Re: New 78 LUV Mikado
 

Yeah a TBI would be a good start. The carb is what was giving me trouble in trying to pass emissions testing. A friend of mine suggested a 1992-94 Cavalier 1.8L TBI system. If I have to use a 2.0L TBI system, then I'll use a 2.0L Isuzu engine. I would hope that they'll let me use a TBI system off of a different vehicle. I'll have to check into it. I'm hoping since it's a stock GM system it would be OK. I should probably see about using an Isuzu Impulse electronic ignition system.
Cam timing; sorry I misread your post.
There has to be a way to pass emissions and get great performance.
Thanx for the info.
Dano
Keep you posted!

Re: New 78 LUV Mikado
 

Tghe Isuzu injection system is a bit of a headache. The injection computer is inside the cabin, so there's a LOT of wiring harness issues to swap it in. The reason I suggested the GM TBI unit is there's only a couple sensor wires (O2, temp, throttle position, air flow and a couple more) and four injector wires plus power and ground. A lot easier than the rat's nest of a full multiport injection system and close to the same performance and economy.