I'm building up my 1.8. Going with Scat style rods, forged pistons, BE Oil pump, ARP studs, ACL bearings etc etc. I'm staying with a stock head and stock RPM levels. Probably a disco or maybe a 2871 level of turbo. Looking for 275-300whp and hoping I will be satisfied with that for a long long time. Mostly a street driver but may try a Time Attack format at our local small kart like facility (67 seconds a lap small) once or twice a year but not sure about that one. I will probably not be going to use a torque plate, just standard bore/hone work. I may or may not get a full rotating assembly balance, not sure yet.

• Use of torque plate when boring/honing
• Spin balance rotating assembly

My debate revolves around price vs. performance. (In Canada it all costs much more)

I would like to know who did or did not have these optional machine shop processes performed ?

Why you did or did not and if you feel it was necessary or a luxury or pure propaganda?

Did you feel a placebo effect or have you had so much experience that you noticed the lack or benefit in how your engine runs because of said work?

 

Biggest factor in extra work is whether you want to track it or not.
Its also the only thing you didn't mention

 

Due to the limited avaiablity of torque plates for the 1.8, you may want to skip this one, unless you buy or have one made.

I will recommend piston/rod weight match on any build, stock up

A full spin balance on anything that is going to be appox double stock HP level.

 

There is an outside chance of it, I edited my post. Thanks for the reminder

 

Dont need a torque plate. I had 360ftlbs with out one.

Pistons rods bearings arp balance

 

I rented a torque plate from FM.
Machinist said it made almost 1 thou difference, partway down the bore, IIRC. (Less important than if it were near the top)

I've had one engine balanced and another not.
I didn't feel a difference.

I think getting the piston-wall and ring end gaps right makes a bigger difference than the other stuff.
Ditto choosing a good intercooler, manifold, exhaust, and especially ECU tuning.