WD_45 Kit

Rock_Picker(MO) · Feb 18, 2015

Every once in a while I see a "WD" advertised for sale that the seller says "Has a WD_45 Kit" installed in it. What exactly is a WD_45 kit and does it really improve the power output of a WD? Thanks.................RP

Lonnie Smith · Feb 18, 2015

A WD45 has a 1/2" longer stroke so more Cubic inch and a little more horse power. WD is 201 ci and 30/35 hp, WD45 is 226 ci and 37/43 hp. Most think the WD45 stands for 45 hp but it's for 4.5" stroke. 45 parts will fit in a WD motor so until you check the stroke you don't know what you have.

chalmersbob(Pa) · Feb 18, 2015

The new rebuild kits are 4 1/8" sleeves, increased from 4". Which gains you more cubic inches, but not enough to match a WD45. But that is what they are refering to. However, sometimes people will put the WD45 crank and pistons in a 201 WD block. That would be a true WD45 upgrade. Bob

Rock_Picker(MO) · Feb 18, 2015

I know about the "real differences" between WD and WD45 engines. Thought maybe they were just putting in higher compression pistons or something like that. Thanks for the info.

CTucker · Feb 21, 2015

The 45 pistons put in a 4 inch stroke WD will give a lower compression ratio than the flat top WD pistons so unless a 45 crank was added, putting a "45" kit in a WD WILL make it have less power.

BushogPapa · Feb 23, 2015

In my opinion, the best "Kit" for a real "Working" WD-45 is the D-17 kit with 7.2:1 compression..but it will require conversion to 12V, for reliable cranking...
I know, it is hard to tell what would be in one, but if you are installing a "Kit", that is the best one and works very well with 87 Gas..

Ron.

thdrduck · Feb 25, 2015

Back in the 70's the WD45 kit was popular. Cost was the same as a regular rebuild kit just had slightly larger sleeves and pistons. Maybe inched a couple more hp out it, but I don't think it was much.
I do know the blocks are different but parts will interchange. WD block has a plate bolted on the side and a 45 doesn't. I have a 52 WD with a 45 kit that was put in it early 70's and it still runs fine.

DrAllis · Mar 5, 2015

The actual engine changes to the WD-45 to increase HP was higher compression "Power Crater" dished pistons combined with a 4 1/2" stroke crankshaft (1/2" stroke increase), a larger carburetor, larger air cleaner, and a better cold intake manifold. Many WD's got M&W piston/sleeve kits instead (no other changes) which upped their HP to 40, but the WD-45 still had more at 43 HP. As a kid we had both and the WD (with M&W's) never ever matched the WD-45 with standard motor parts.

WD_45 Kit

Rock_Picker(MO)

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Lonnie Smith

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chalmersbob(Pa)

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Rock_Picker(MO)

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CTucker

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BushogPapa

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thdrduck

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DrAllis

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