So I have a strange one here... a 1981 Avallone (one of 2 sold new in the US in 1983) built from all new Brazilian Vauxhaul Chevette drivetrain and chassis parts. About 60 were made (my chassis number is 60).
Brazil didn't get the 1.6 so apparently Avvalone used a 1.4 block bored for larger pistons "(84 against 82 mm original) and crankshaft which extended the course of 66.2 to 74 mm. 7.8: 1 compression grew to 8.8: 1 and the cylinder of 1398 to 1660 cm3" per a period article at the time. It also has a header and a Weber 2bbl carb (very similar to the "Scat Pack" Weber setup used for VW's in the 70's)
My car sat for decades in Vegas and has only 2000 miles on it.
I went through the carb and fuel system (I couldn't figure out where the GM fuel tank came from... ended up cutting it apart to blast and coat the inside), carefully oiled down the cylinders, turned over by hand then starter and finally fired it off. It smoked at startup, but otherwise ran pretty decently. A lot more power than I expected!
I put about 200 miles on it and the car began smoking badly... but only intermittently. One trip it wouldn't smoke at all, the next trip I would be the lead car in a James Bond chase!
I'm hesitant to tear the engine apart, not knowing what parts I may not be able to get for the handbuilt engine (not sure even a stock head gasket would fit and rings could be very tough).
I'm thinking "valve seals" (which would be relatively easy... but I've never seen valve seals smoke this much when running.
Thoughts on what to do next? (I have a Miata drivetrain that I'm considering dropping in, but the car is so rare I'd rather keep it stock... maybe add a Chevette 5sp trans if that would be an easy upgrade)
http://www.fnader.com/avallone.htm
Thanks!
Bill
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