173 or 202?

[medlock666]

So the current engine in my van (202) is giving me more dramas and ive had the offer from the old man tohelp me rebuild an engine for it. Ive got the choice between the original 173 that came with it including some nice big holes in the tops of 2 of the pistons or another red 202 (thanks mty). Just wondering if any of you guys have any experience with the old 173 compared to the 202 and any advice on which way would be best to go? was also maybe thinking of even putting the 173 head on the 202, im open to suggestions. (v8 is down the track but not an option right now).
thanks Medlock

[restoreid]

Don't let them fool ya BIGGER is always better Go to the wreckers & get a low mileage BLUE 202 Much better engine & will prob still be in good nick Mine is a sweet motor & pulls a 308 diff with ease

[rumax]

173 red = 118 HP
202 red = 135 HP
173 blue = 98HP
202 blue =111HP
202 black = 115HP
These figures are from wiki and would vary depending on pollution gear you "remove" 
So what to do.... Why waste lots of $$ on a major rebuilt if your ditching shortly. and the 173 head, if it's standard would be a low compression job.
If it was me, for the short term, I would either install the 202 from mty or do what restoreid says.... just make sure you get the extractors as well, as are different on a blue/black. You will need to cut the floor to clear the carby, but are going to do that for the V8 add anyway.
That's my 2 penny's worth.
Russell

[Marishka]

I thought a blue or black 202 would have more horsepower than a red 202 

[medlock666]

thanks for the input guys. Going with the 202 seems like the way to go, need at the HP i can get to carry the van up those hills.

[Sammy]

well there is pollution gear to consider in the above numbers, that was one of the biggest killers of HP.

i definately agree go the 202 over the 173, its the cubes that you want!

i would also personally try and use a blue/black with efi head if you can find it, that will be the best starting point HP wise. the EFI head is slighty better than the black carby head in stock form but also any blue/black head will require the correct inlet manifold and possibly issues with the engine cover needing massaging!

[restoreid]

Hey guy's those HP figures for the red 202 are prob XUI figures My 202 blue is way better than the red 202 that was in it quieter & smoother As far as cutting the floor No need just cut all the pollution gear off the side of the manifold [Prob all cocked up anyway] & fits in easy Just check out my camper updates posts it's all there you only have to put a bubble in the engine cover to clear the carby too easy

[Marishka]

Hey guy's those HP figures for the red 202 are prob XUI figures My 202 blue is way better than the red 202 that was in it quieter & smoother As far as cutting the floor No need just cut all the pollution gear off the side of the manifold [Prob all cocked up anyway] & fits in easy Just check out my camper updates posts it's all there you only have to put a bubble in the engine cover to clear the carby too easy

Whats the new blue 202 transplant go like compaired to the old red 202?
Ive got a black 202 im thinking if putting into nightngale soon
Untill i get the 350 chev organised

[MaTTe]

I think you'll find the drop in rated HP is to do with the changes in the way HP were measured over the years. At the very least the late model motors will make the same HP, however with HEI I have no doubt they would surpass the stock red motor figures even with pollution gear.

The 202 is certainly the way to go. Red, black or blue are all fine if you have a good running motor. Unknown condition motors can still be fine, however require a strip down to save the hassles down the track.
Personally I'm partial to the red motors, tho I don't have much experience with stock motors. In bone stock form with no intention to modify, the black and blue are likely better options being that they have the 12 port head and hei, although wont bolt in and wire up exactly the same as what a red motor will.

If you're going V8 later, just get something cheap and reliable in there while you work towards the future goals

[Sammy]

yeah thats right, im not sure where the change was but i know somewhere along the lines they started measuring the HP with all the accessories, like p/s a/c alternator etc on the motors, so really a most "real world" figure than previous.