Hello this questions are for those who have had either a half or full Bridgeport 12a. My question is what are the pros and cons of both( I got a new engine to build, Wanna go big) is it impossibly hardy to make one produce over 240hp, get over 12 miles to the gallon, be safly able to take 8000-8500 rpm without danger or damage to the engine and all be under 6000$?

IM sure need a great tune,port,carb and balenced rotors.
The car will be a weekend enjoyment car so I don't mind ***** to the wall. Any thoughts or into is welcomed thanks

 

1. 240hp would probably take a full bridge, and some playing with the exhaust (there is nothing off the shelf that will be optimal) and a good tune.

2. my friend used to have a big bridge 13B, and it would do upper 20's mpg on the freeway, again tuning... EFI will make getting optimal power AND economy easier, but it can be done with a carb, it just can be a compromise.

3. the first RPM limit is the iron apex seals, i like to keep them to around 7k tops, switch to carbons and you can go to 8k all day, going further you should bump the oil pressure, use the 17.5mm oil pump if its not already. over 8500 you probably need to do the hardened stationary gears. balancing will help, and its inexpensive. its not a hard and fast rule, a totally stock engine can hit 8500 here and there and be fine, but the more you do it, the more these mods would help

4. under 6k is totally possible. my peripheral port was right around 6k. i got some good deals here and there, but i also made a couple mistakes and that gets expensive. ideally you'd want new housings, new or resurfaced irons, new rotors, all new seals. but since you can't buy new housings, you automatically save $1000... keep in mind also that you don't need the bling bling parts, a well built stock engine with some oil pressure and carbon seals will take lots of abuse....

 

thank u j9fd3s! this really is helping me out bigtime now i just need to start gathering and building. its going to be a thread on here soon. Money is the only thing holding me back -_- would a weekend rider peripheral port 12a last that long? iv heard that they dont like being used longer then 6 months without a rebuild....that true?

 

well the cheatin answer is that mine has been together and running for something like 4 years already... although i don't have many miles on it