Thanks John..
That engine did have severe cracking issues (did it before it it ever came off the dyno) and I posted pics on my forum on the STF. This was an early case and I understand that they "have gotten better" but they won't get another chance in my shop... That was teh first and last and now its laying out in the boneyard filled with buckshot!
The combination was built with 90% used parts, and only had new DRD heads and a new cam and lifters. That engine lived for over 30 hours on my dyno, the last 12 or so with the cracked case! I originally built it as asimple "heat generator" for my cooling system testing for the Type I DTM system and didn't even blueprint it.
The 187 BHP is definately contributed to the combination of cam, CR and heads as a unit. That same engine made a trip down to the "Southeast Dyno Day" and is in Hot VWs and VW Trends this month in my Blue Bug. Even after all the hell, and a 35 HP loss at the flywheel from wear and heat damage it still pulled off the "Highest HP from a streetcar".... Its all in the combo.
The new combo is a culmination of My thoughts, DRD's heads, Johns Squishies and LN Engineerings Nickies. It will run 12.3:1 and will burn pump gas. HP is plotted now as an estimation at 215 at the flywheel.
This engine will be a direct test bed between ickies and a set of cast iron cylinders, as they will be traded out and tested back to back on the dyno with exacting CR and tuning.. This will be for heat differences as well as HP and crankcase pressure.
I have taken a 1 year break from building customers engines to produce these test engines, my new TIV heads and a very demanding SCCA E production race engine....
Stay tuned and I'll share what I find.
John, This engine isn't far from yours. Since you already have Nickies I have a few mods we can make for you someday that will really blow your mind! Thanks for your kind words!