FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

G'day all,
              Since i am fairly new to all this i don't feel to stupid to ask what probably is a stupid question, i have a mate who has a 186S motor , and he doesn't want it, the question is " what is the difference between a 186 and a 186"S" motor and would it make a lot of difference if i changed it over for my standard 186?
                           Cheers Rusty

IMHO, Grab the motor, but keep the existing 186 in the car.

I think a lot of stories about the Holden 6 are almost urban myth and when you consider that your true driving style for 95% of the miles you cover is pretty sedate, these "special" motors are probably not worth the extra effort (to find) or the cost (to obtain).

I may be wrong though!

Plus, It's better to ask a stupid question than make a stupid mistake!

The 186S has a two barrel carburettor, known as a "WW" Stromberg.

They replaced the X2 motor from the HD's (maybe HR's?) which had twin single barrel carbs.

I'm not sure if there were other changes such as compression or camshaft grind. Perhaps the exhaust manifold was different, I have a feeling they were like Meyers headers, ie two piece cast iron.

When I had an EH with a 179 in the late 80's, a WW off a 186S was the good thing to have, being cheaper etc than a 350 Holley for a warm red motor. I never got one, I sold the EH and bought a Charger with a 265 Hemi.......

the 186S had better valve springs and i think slightly higher compression ,not positive about comp though, better profile camshaft very mild,cant remember if crank was the steel one like the HP179 , had two barrel stromberg carb and manifold,the stock 186 with manual box was good for around 100 to 105mph and the 186S was good for 110 to 115 mph, another thing i found in my HK Monaro was it had slightly better fuel economy than the standard 186 on the hiway even though it was more powerful.
reguards Nick

If it is a genuine 186S then the engine number on the block should start with 186S.....  , otherwise it may be just a normal 'ol 186 tarted up with a twin barrel carby and fancy aircleaner.

Earlee

I had a 186s in the wagon of about 10 years that i brought for $100 it was out of a X2 HR. Im pretty sure  they had a 2 barrel carb 'thou this was not on the one i got' slightly higher compression, steel crank, & better cam grind. Which ever mine had or didn't have $10 per year was cheap motoring.
Glenn

Thanks for all the info guys , as usuall the forum has come through,
                            Cheers Rusty

the 186s ive got in my fc was out of a one owner hg sedan ""( i knew the old girl who own it for years )" its was never rebulit or touched, got no had twin carbs, now 350 holley, when i change the sump to eh  an old Holden guru said and mention to me that it was running a steel crank same as 179hp motor.
he also mention that they have heavy valve springs, and a slightly better cam
hope this help ;D

Grab the 186S, even if you don't use it. Guys restoring later model (HR-HG) cars with a 186S would love this motor. As has already been said, it should have 186S as the engine no. prefix.
Colin

The "S" stands for steel crank.
I was told by my TAFE lecturer (all those years ago) its the only difference between 186 and 186S.
I have not read any documentation on this and will stand corrected.
I have worked on many 186S engines in the past on the HK to HG series and most of them were the standard single carby and exhaust.

Seb

186
Type:Conventional water cooled four cycle reciprocating piston type
Capacity:186 ci (3050 cc)
Number of cylinders:Six
Configuration:Front mounted longitudinal in-line
Head design:Pushrod and rocker actuated overhead valve and hydraulic valve lifters
Fuel system:One barrel downdraught Bendix carburettor.
Bore and stroke:3.625 inches (92.1 mm) x 3.00 inches (76.2 mm)
Displacement:186 ci (3050 cc)
Power output (DIN):126 bhp (94 kW) at 4200 rpm
Torque (DIN):181 lb/ft (244.3 Nm) at 1600 rpm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
RAC rating:31.54 HP

186S
Type:Conventional water cooled four cycle reciprocating piston type
Capacity:186 ci (3050 cc)
Number of cylinders:Six
Configuration:Front mounted longitudinal in-line
Head design:Pushrod and rocker actuated overhead valve and hydraulic valve lifters
Fuel system:Two barrel downdraught Bendix Stromberg with automatic choke
Bore and stroke:3.625 inches (92.1 mm) x 3.00 inches (76.2 mm)
Displacement:186 ci (3050 cc)
Power output (DIN):145 bhp (108.2 kW) at 4600 rpm
Torque (DIN):184 lb/ft (248.4 Nm) at 2200 rpm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
RAC rating:31.54 HP

the S did not stand for steel crank it was for sport

my undrestanding of the 186s was that it also had some head modifications but prepared to stand corrected.

i am currently running 186s carby and headers on an otherwise stock 186 in my ht. putting them on made 1/2 kw difference on the dyno but by crikeys it climbs hills so much better!!!  8)


denis

ps: rusty if you dont want the 186s i'll have it ;)

G'day all,
               So much information from a simple question , what a fantastic forum this is, thanks everybody, and fe that 186 is going to stored in my garage until i check it all out and maybe go in the phantomibile, you are only around the corner as well FEHOLDEN, i am in Seville East
                                    Cheers Rusty

WHAT A SMALL WORLD WE LIVE IN RUSTY. HOPE TO SEE YOU AROUND THE TRAPS. [AS IF A PURPLE FC WOULDNT STAND OUT ANY WAY  :)]


DENIS

Keep your eyes open DENIS she should be on the road iwithin the next six months
                                          Cheers Rusty

Rusty,

I don't mean to hijack your thread...but... The heading is correct, how many Maxwell Smarts can we have in this world?

On another note, the 186S should feature different valve timing to the 'shopping' 186.  Someone should be able to post the valve timing here.

Maxwell Smarts? what do you mean Spinner?

giday rusty

i think he means like how many 86's were there [only one] get it? ;D ;D ;D


denis