case vac questions

Is there anyone out there that pulls a vac case? Can you get any power out of them? Is there a cylinder head I can put on that has smaller combustion chambers to raise the compression?
 

Nick, the vac is a bit under powered for pulling where there is serious competetion, on a tough track you will be out of wind probably at 3500 lbs, couple that with the fact that you will be competing with Farmalls with the larger displacement combine blocks in place.

With some work HP figures in the low 30s can be got. There were kits to put larger pistons and sleeves in but are getting harder to find. If your pulls enforce rules about speed limits and tire sizes give it a good tune up on a dyno and go see what happens.

watch what the winners are doing in tires and drawbars and fellow pullers will be glad to get you on the right foot, don't be afraid to ask questions
 

The input shaft must be centered with the crankshaft then the block and lower mounting holes drilled for 5/8 bolts on the bottom and 5/8 NC threads into the water jacket. The block has to be cut out for the starter and a flywheel from a VAC adapted to the engine crank flange.I would not advise it for someone who has limited experience in this stuff. The combine block is longer than the VAC engine. If you plan to pull any sanctioned events it would not be legal if teched.

The combine block comes in two sizes- 188--201 cubes. Without stroke it can be taken to 220 CID and with compression and a decent cam they work! Close to 90 HP with some work.

In my opinion you would be better off to find a 300 with a 12 speed tranny to base your puller off as the VAC is very limited by the transmission. The small 500 will take the combine engine with very little work.

We have been down this road and ended up going the 12 speed route.
 
I think I'll just restore it back to stock and leave the pulling for my h. Didn't know if there was an easy way to get some more out of it. I was trying to build something small for my girlfriend to pull.
 
Just out of curiosity tho what model combine does that engine come in. What is the model number of the engine? Just in case I change my mind that actually might be a cool little project.
 

600-660---450 gas crawlers---630 gas tractors.

My answer was based on areas that have tough pulling tracks and pullers running wider cut tires, if pulling has not advanced to that stage in your area you may build and have fun. Anything can be done, nothing beats cubic dollars in pulling.
 
mEL, what about the 159 or 164 engine? Is that the same block as the 148? Can you use a 511B or 611B block in a VAC? It looks like a bigger bore with the same 4.125 stroke. I would think adding an inch of stroke with a set of billet rods would be a good 200+ cube build, no?

Zack
 
Zack, The vac had a 1.937 rod journal and the later engines were 2.062 so if the crank were offset ground you could get a stroke increase and still use the VAC rods, the later cranks were a bit longer but have heard of them being put into a VAC block with some work on the rear main and adapting the rear seal housing.

I would expect if that were true maybe a little work may have to be done on the tranny input shaft. It would be fun to try to bring the potential out of the VAC block, it will accept 3 7/16 pistons and sleeves without modification and I am pretty certain that 530 sleeves could be put in with minor block boring and downsizing the exterior as we do that with the combine block to take it to 4 1/8.

I have heard of 4" VAC engines but I will not build an engine I can't keep the oil and water seperate in. Lower counterbore sealing issues have been a problem in may engines taken that far.

The engines you mention have a much larger bell housing pattern than the VAC. The work can be done but when it is you are limited to a transmission with two and most times one pulling gear. If you want to stay light a 200-300 12 speed has so much more potential. We have been down this road before.
 
mEL, that is great info. I agree with having oil and water separation. I like the idea of the triple range in the 200-300 tractors. How much of a weight difference is there in the round nose 300 vs the 211B? Is there a remote chance of a triple range tractor squeaking into a 2500# class or is that out of the question? I am exploring all options for a 2500-3000# modified puller.
Zack
 
Zach
my VAC
2800 lbs with driver.
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Left a message for you this morning on your cell, I had the number from a few years ago. If you didn't get it or it went to the wrong number, email me your number and I'll give you a ring.

Zack
 
Nick
My VAC is a 148
Not Enough for the 12.4x36 tires!
In 4000 non cut class ito can run out of power with over 40 hp !

I should go to a 13.6x28 for better gearing and that is great unless your limited to 10% over rpms (1760)and your back to 2.75 mph instead of 3.2 mph!

My old old Rusty Farmall C is a better setup with a Super C 3.25 so piston with a better head and 13.6x36 tires and more HP at 133 cid will pull 4500 most places without any power problem and win.
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