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Which engine is best to rebuild GE herald or DH dolomite

Posted By : David Zank, 02-Dec-2005, 07:12pm

Hi

I have the above two engines available to rebuild for my Marlin. Assuming that both are in similar condition which would be the better engine to rebuild. I would probably put the twin carbs back on to whichever engine gets rebuilt.
Main questions would be 1.which has the better crankshaft 2. are there any differences in the heads.

Thanks

Dave

Followups :

Which engine is best to rebuild GE herald or DH dolomite

Posted By : William Davies, 03-Dec-2005, 10:06am

Hi Dave,
I could live quite happily with the DH engine if in good condition, but when it comes to spending good money there's no contest, the GE is a much better starting point. The GE has the small journal crank, so you at least ought to use it's bottom end. I'm not certain on the valve sizes of the DH as my references don't cover that one, but it MAY be worth using this engine's cylinder head. Someone else will doubtless put you right on that aspect,
Chers,
Bill.
- Which engine is best to rebuild GE herald or DH dolomite
  
  Posted By : Chris Taylor, 05-Dec-2005, 10:00am
  
  Not sure on the engine numbers, but certainly at least the later Dolomite 1300 engines had the larger valve head so would be the better head to use.
  I agree that the GE bottom end is the better one to go for (unless the block has already been rebored too many times to get suitable pistons, or there has been a problem with the thrust washers).
  If you use the later head, don't be confused into thinking you need the later head gasket. The later gasket (as for Dolly 1300) matches the "recessed bore" block of the later engines. With a GE block, you need the 13/60 or Spitfire Mk3 early Mk4 head gasket.
  - Which engine is best to rebuild GE herald or DH dolomite
    
    Posted By : William Davies, 05-Dec-2005, 10:54am
    
    I don't know if it helps, but the DH prefix makes this a Toledo engine from 1973 onwards. I don't have much in terms of detailed specs for engines around this time. Best option would be to take off the heads and take physical measurments, that way there can be no confusion caused by previous head swapping.
    Cheers,
    Bill.
    - Which engine is best to rebuild GE herald or DH dolomite
      
      Posted By : David Zank, 05-Dec-2005, 06:22pm
      
      Hi all
      
      Thanks for the info.
      Will hopefully start the strip down this weekend and see what is required. Finally got my new garage cleared of all the building and extension supplies so no more DIY till the rebuild is completed much to the other halfs disgust. But as a sweetner said i'll take her to Paris after the classic Lemans if the car is completed in time.
      
      Dave