Got ripped off. Looking for a new idea for the inside of the engine. Stroker maybe?
Great advice. I had a nice phone call with Charlie last night and I think I have a good plan moving forward. I've been out to Charlie's several times, so he's familiar with me pestering him!
In my opinion, the best "bang for the buck" comes from turbocharging a slant six.
The cylinder head is the main obstruction to making good power, naturally-aspirated, as it has unusualy small valves and ports, and even with a professional port job and bigger valves, doesn't work very well on a 225 motor. It is, however, a GREAT head and has appropriately-sized valves and ports for a 170 motor. But, a 170 is a fantastic race motor with revs to the sky, it's just not big enough to be very practical on the street.
A turbocharger will let the engine sidestep the breathing problems it has and is a good alternative to hopping up a naturally-aspirated slant motor, I think.
But, it's not cheap, nor, is it easy.... There are a couple of expensive items that take it out of the picture if you're on a tight budget, but, if you have the coin to spend, I think it's a far better alternative than building a slant any other way.
My 15 pound boosted slant makes a little over 350 horsepower, which is probably a little more than what a full-race slant, naturally-aspirated could make. And, it has excellent road manners (idles like a stock motor and has tons of low-end torque.)
If you have any interest in a 10-pound-boost motor (you can use stock pistons and rods...) just ask here, and we can fill you in on the specifics.
OR, just ask Charrlie; he has forgotten more that I'll ever know about turbos (and, slants in general...)
seriously.
Good luck! :cheers: