179 V's 186?

[tmudie]

Hi guys,

I'm collecting bits for my wagon project, and have found a pretty good 179 motor for sale. My original plans were for a 186 with tri-matic, any advice on whether the 179 is as good an option? just looking for any "gotchas" that might make me feel remorse if I go ahead and buy the 179 and it doesnt quite work as well with the tri-matic or whatever. At this stage I also plan to put a complete HR rear end and maybe fuel injection from a VK

The 179 was out of a HD

Thanks

Tony

[RET]

AFAIK there's almost no difference between 179 and 186 in terms of performance, economy and so on.  Bolt-up is identical.  If the 179 was out of an EH then I would definitely lean towards it, since it would have the necessary sump and pickup you need.  I would also take a 179 HP over a stock 186.  Otherwise it just depends on the condition of the motor.  If it's a better 179 than the 186 you were looking at, take it.

cheers
RET

[brads59]

Hi Tony,
            I would have to agree with RET,
there is not much differance between the two,but a
HP motor is favourable because of the steel crank,
and allegedly thicker bores,which means you can bore them right out.On the other hand,you could mix n match.
I had a 186 bored to 192 with the crank from a 179 HP
block,with TQ20 cam,2.8 blue 12 port closed chamber head,(good compression and 50% more flow ) extractors,350 holley on the varajet manifold in a HR with 4 speed and 336 diff gears and i blew away a few V8's.
So the choices are endless,and the fact that they are holdens makes the whole thing relativley cheap.
CHEERS and goodluck..........BRAD

[RET]

Tony,

Tell the rest of the guys what you told me about this motor's history when you get the chance and you have it in your hot little hands.

RET