wbx 1.9 in MV case

[Paul Lee]

Hey everyone. I've been battling with a wbx 1.9 rebuild for a while and have found that my DH case is in borderline condition. Now I'm considering picking up a 2.1 core to build on. Before I spend the money and drag it home I wanted to ask if anyone knows if there are any issues with building a 1.9 in an MV case. I'm pretty sure I remember hearing that 1.9's were built in the later style case through the end of production in Germany but just not imported to North America. Reason I'm considering doing this is because my old pistons, cylinders, rods and crank appear to be in pretty good shape. I will re-check everything for sure but am wondering what my options are. Maybe I'll stumble onto a nice 2.1 and bail on the 1.9 completely, but if I can save some dough that would be good too.

Thanks

Paul

[Jim Andritsakos]

Hi Paul,

No worries about that.Everything fits nicely from your old 1.9 to an 2.1 case...It also use the later chevy style bearings and nice 3-piece thrust bearing...
I see no reason why build a nice 2.1 instead ? If using MV pistons you have 95hp and if euro DJ 112hp...
Also 2.1 cranks are not easy to locate and can sell for about 300 us $ if std/std...

Rgds,
Jim

[Paul Lee]

Hi Jim. That's good news about the compatibility between the 1.9 and 2.1. And you're right, the extra power would be nice. Not to mention the better bearing design. I've located a 2.1 core locally and am waiting for the guy to get back to me. He said it's been "gone through", so who knows what that means. Have to wait and see. Thanks for your reply.

[Jim Andritsakos]

Hi Paul,

The things that you have to inspect very carefully is the head studs and the oil galleys as if there is no often oil changes the oil galleys get blocked and oil pressure issues will start.The wbx is an easy engine to rebuilt but need to know some tricks to make the job easier.One more must do is to replace the 2.1 rod bolts with your old 1.9 rod bolts or with new type I rod bolts...Also Rocky can set you up with nice 96mm pistons and bore your original 94mm cylinders to fit...

Good luck,
Jim

[Paul Lee]

Thanks for the follow up and encouragement. I was already aware of the rod bolt issue and the old rods are in pretty good shape so that is a plus. When I tore down the 1.9 I removed the large and medium freeze plugs to bore brush the oil galleys. The 1.9 case is remarkably clean, maybe because I've been running synthetic oil and occasionally added BG MOA over the years. Most of the studs are in good shape so it's a bummer that it can't be used. I have not heard of a way to clean out the smaller oil passages but my experience is pretty limited. If I find a good case then it's probably going to get hot tanked and soda blasted somewhere. You only hear good things about Rocky Jennings so he'll probably be a source for parts if needed. Thanks again!