I know here was some chat about this in 2007, but does anyone have any recent experience with these guys? They sell a lot on SAMBA. And the prices / features are right. (Not GEX - but GEM )
Just curious...
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Believe my engine, sourced from JPS w/ a turn-key is a GEM. 2332, 44 IDS, 110 cam etc. etc. Not issue free, but so far it has proven to be a stout engine. Most (but not all) of the trouble I have had has come from the Webers, and my own stupidity.
GEM built my 1776 in my JPS coupe. Been flawless for 8 years.
I have had the opposite results with my GEM built 2110. If it could go wrong it did.
I have had to have someone local get into the motor twice to fix some major issues.
I'm sure he can build a good motor but mine wasn't. Being 3000 miles away is not a good thing when you have a problem.
It got to the point that I had Hagerty ' s tow service number saved in my phone and used it often.
Bummer Jim. I hate that kind of thing. Thanks for taking the time to tell me about it.
Did they offer nay kind of warranty ie - help pay for the service work on the bad engine?
At first I was able to get a new coil as a replacement.
I chalked up the first few issues to cheap Chinese parts that are inherent to Type 1 parts these days.
When I found a local mechanic that would do the work I decided to go local instead of trying to get satisfaction with things like a bad throwout bearing, clutch plate, and valve train implosion.What really set it off was after the alternator quit working I discovered that they had used an old fan that had the center guide worn round and simply tightened off center.
Find someone local. Or use someone that comes highly recommended on this forum.
In the end you are going to need someone local to help keep it running well. They do require attention to be able to enjoy them. Tinkering is a part of the fun. Break downs suck and you lose faith in the car bringing you home.
Good advice Jim. Sadly , as usual , the local repair guys are less than impressive... A lot less. So it will probably be me with the oily fingers and burnt forearms, again. That does not make it any better. I would rather drive it , than lay under it. I have been trying to contact CB Performance to get info on rebuilding the 1776 engine I have (what is in it and what bolt on stuff can I use to up the hp (1.25 rockers, bigger P&C, ...). I need some guidance, and they never respond. Getting a bit tired of it, so I am looking at other options. The GEM pricing is right so I was considering selling the 1776 and getting a 2110. Jake Raby tells me the quality of engine I have , is far better than the new stuff (due largely to the crummy Chinese parts) . But if it is coming out for new rings, I want to consider the larger stroker.
Motocarlo. What number are you dialing for CB? They are a business that is open at least 5 days a week (maybe more) during normal business hours. They answer their phone whenever I call.
Don't go for cheap unless you have towing insurance.
I should have followed my own advise. You will pay in the end anyway. Get it over with and enjoy the car.
Another lesson that I have learned is that carburetion is among the biggest headaches with these cars. My first carbs were set for max performance ultimately giving me max issues. Seemed like it ran different every time I got in it. Fast but not consistant. I sent the carbs off to Dave at Blackline Racing at Stan's advice and got back carbs that so far have improved the driving experience 100%. Toned down the performance slightly but it has been consistently good running. Makes all the difference in enjoying the car. Might even drive it beyond my towing insurance limit.
You might consider Blackline for a motor. I know they are well regarded by some on this site. Including me now.
Troy Sloan posted:Motocarlo. What number are you dialing for CB? They are a business that is open at least 5 days a week (maybe more) during normal business hours. They answer their phone whenever I call.
http://www.cbperformance.com/Contact-Us-s/175.htm
Closed to the public Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. They are there on Modays but they're filling internet orders.
I have been emailing. But will give it a try calling.
MotoCarlo posted:I have been emailing. But will give it a try calling.
They are definitely not very good about returning emails.
Ok . Here is the next question.
IF (notice that is a big if) I go for the cb 2110 turnkey engine, after shipping , I will be at about $6700.
What is my current 1776 cb performance engine worth?
6k miles, 13 years old with all the good pre-Chinese guts. Uneven compression but still runs well. (I'm doing a fresh compression test when the weather cools- Leon suggested I would get more accurate numbers doing it with the carb throttles open.) I feel good about the engine, but I bet the rings are not great. It sat along time unused in Miami. Pretty easy to put in new rings or pistons...
40 idf webers - I just rebuilt with the cb upgraded kit... external oil cooler (with fan) external oil filter, updated electronic ignition, ...
What is a fair deal for someone on this engine?
I for one have no clue -- wish I did. I'd say if you figure out who you want to get your motor from, ask them what they will give you in trade for the old one.
Check the comps on the Samba
IMHO with poor compression you have a rebuildable core, a decent set of carbs, a few bits and shipping is a consideration...I am interested, dialog me a price ~Alan
I guess , as the potential seller, I think a bit more of the engine.
Jake tells me I have one of the best out there - since it is a CB from 2003, built with pre- chinese parts... (6k miles on it) I will ask a fair price, but not going to simply toss it. I might keep it as a back up if I get the 2332 (at least for a year or so) or make it a stroker if I can find the right builder, or sell it as a long block with rebuilt p&c if I get a 2110 long block from Chico, or sell it where it sits needing rings, or or or.
But part of all this is the price. So I am just trying to get an idea. Probably half of what a new 1776 or new 1776 long block would be...
And on top of all that , I am now reading and learning about the Type 4. Yep, shipping is a $500 part of the equation too - for everyone.
As I struggle along, I certainly am learning a lot of about these weird little engines.
You guys, as always, have been a big help.
Motocarlo
Haven't talked to Jake in a long time. I understand he is out of the business of building type 1 engines. Did you talk to him about building a type 1? I'd love to have one of his type 4 engines but $20k is a tough nut and bolt to swallow.
You are correct on both counts. His type 4s $ over my head too, and he no longer builds the type1. (As far as I know.) But Chico does, so that is who I am talking with about a long block... Although I must admit, I just got Jake's dvd on the type 4 conversion. The type 4 simply makes since to me. Problem is info and parts are not that prevalent. But a clean type 4 - 1.7, 1.8 can be had for sub $3k. Of course I don't know what I am looking at or talking about, so ...just forget everything I just said. :-)
I did the Chico Performance thing. Spent about $10K with him.
Talk to Pat Downs or Justin McCallister at Blackline Racing in Salt Lake City.
Got it. Thanks.