Landrew

iTrader: (2)

I'm building up my 1.8. Going with Scat style rods, forged pistons, BE Oil pump, ARP studs, ACL bearings etc etc. I'm staying with a stock head and stock RPM levels. Probably a disco or maybe a 2871 level of turbo. Looking for 275-300whp and hoping I will be satisfied with that for a long long time. Mostly a street driver but may try a Time Attack format at our local small kart like facility (67 seconds a lap small) once or twice a year but not sure about that one. I will probably not be going to use a torque plate, just standard bore/hone work. I may or may not get a full rotating assembly balance, not sure yet.

• Use of torque plate when boring/honing
• Spin balance rotating assembly

My debate revolves around price vs. performance. (In Canada it all costs much more)

I would like to know who did or did not have these optional machine shop processes performed ?

Why you did or did not and if you feel it was necessary or a luxury or pure propaganda?

Did you feel a placebo effect or have you had so much experience that you noticed the lack or benefit in how your engine runs because of said work?

18psi

iTrader: (76)

Biggest factor in extra work is whether you want to track it or not.
Its also the only thing you didn't mention

BogusSVO

iTrader: (1)

Due to the limited avaiablity of torque plates for the 1.8, you may want to skip this one, unless you buy or have one made.

I will recommend piston/rod weight match on any build, stock up

A full spin balance on anything that is going to be appox double stock HP level.

Landrew

iTrader: (2)

There is an outside chance of it, I edited my post. Thanks for the reminder

TURNS101

iTrader: (10)

Dont need a torque plate. I had 360ftlbs with out one.

Pistons rods bearings arp balance

JasonC SBB

I rented a torque plate from FM.
Machinist said it made almost 1 thou difference, partway down the bore, IIRC. (Less important than if it were near the top)

I've had one engine balanced and another not.
I didn't feel a difference.

I think getting the piston-wall and ring end gaps right makes a bigger difference than the other stuff.
Ditto choosing a good intercooler, manifold, exhaust, and especially ECU tuning.