96mm 2litre bus motor question

[Crew74]

Hi all,

I'm rebuilding my 2 litre efi motor to 2056 (first time motor builder). The motor is going into a double cab, will be a daily drive and do regular long trips.

I'm a bit confused about piston and cylinders, I've been reading that 96's run too hot and Nickies are the way to go. I want to build a motor that's reliable and not needing a rebuild any time soon so willing to look at Nickies. Does anyone have any experience running 96's in their bus?

The motor will be running a modified efi system with Haltech ecu, HAM RAT 7424 heads (compression 8:2:1), mild cam (sorry haven't got details here) and tuned length headers. Next purchase is cylinders/pistons etc so would appreciate any info or suggestions.

Cheers.

[Crew74]

Hi again, should have mentioned that I've done quite a few searches but found most 2056's going into bugs or ghia's, so much lighter and not necessarily working as hard as in a bus. Just thought if someone with a bus was running a 2056 they might be able to give me some first hand advice.
Cheers.

[Piledriver]

Jake Raby in particular didn't recommend 96s in Busses, especially anywhere hot.
Some folks in England have run them with some success, but the definition of "hot" there isn't quite the same as what you or I might consider hot...

This is one of those cases where I try to learn from the mistakes of others.

The Nickies are definitely a good plan if you can swing it, Charles sometimes has very good deals esp on the 95mm SCCA "legal" stock replacements.

Combined with a good 76-78MM crank and T1 rods, ceramic lifters, HD cam bearings (including the HD thrust) and high silicon pistons of some variety (to resist ring land wear) it should last many, many miles while providing excellent power.

(will also work well at ~stock displacement)

[Crew74]

Thanks Piledriver, I think I can swing the Nickies....I've been collecting bits for a while now so a little longer won't hurt.