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1380 Engine: Who To Buy From; Help Please!


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#16 Northernpower

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Posted 19 April 2017 - 06:00 PM

Thanks, what does that offset make the capacity?

Mine is fitted with Calver 72.5 mm pistons to give 1342cc. As Cooperman says it not so much about the capacity, what you're looking for (hopefully) is the component parts making a great result. Its no good just increasing the capacity if you don't work out what the compression is going to be and you don't want to work that out until you know what sort of head you're going to fit with what size combustion chambers and what cam you're going to run.

 

As we've said before you will find it very beneficial to talk to a good engine builder about what you want the engine to do rather than just list a specification of parts. There are several good engine builders on here and some who aren't. As I have said before speak to someone like Keith Calver about your requirements. I run one of his cams and it gives 83 lbs of torque from 2,750 revs all the way through to 7,000 revs and beyond, the pulling power is incredible. This is far more beneficial than going for a specific capacity.

 

(edit: the torque figure is at the wheels)


Edited by Northernpower, 19 April 2017 - 06:37 PM.


#17 Foobah

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Posted 19 April 2017 - 06:07 PM

This is all really helpful stuff. There's so many views out their it can get pretty confusing!

#18 Northernpower

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Posted 19 April 2017 - 07:09 PM

The other expense you must budget for is a session on a rolling road, otherwise you'll certainly not get anywhere near the best from it and your money will have been wasted.

#19 cian

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Posted 19 April 2017 - 07:56 PM

Go for a spec you want yes certainly take advice but there's a plethora of opinions that will confuse!

#20 MrBounce

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Posted 19 April 2017 - 09:14 PM

This is why it's a really good idea to chat to one of the well-known engine builders. The two Mini Mags in the 90s and 2000s did nobody any favours by making out that a 1380 was the only way to go, whilst a seasoned builder would tell you that's a load of cobblers. Cue many so-called "Experts" who threw money at their cars buying stuff they didn't need. Great for the Mini businesses, not so much for those spending the money!

 

As others have said, speak to Bill Richards, Keith Calver, Swiftune, or indeed AC Dodd on here about what you want from your engine. They all know their stuff and will be able to advise exactly the sort of spec you need. 


Edited by MrBounce, 19 April 2017 - 09:14 PM.


#21 Northernpower

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Posted 19 April 2017 - 09:33 PM

As others have said, speak to Bill Richards, Keith Calver, Swiftune, or indeed AC Dodd on here about what you want from your engine. They all know their stuff and will be able to advise exactly the sort of spec you need. 

I agree, that's what I've been saying. It's important to tell the engine builder what you want out of the engine in terms of how you're going to use it and what type of driving you'll be doing in it rather than telling them what components to build it from.

#22 Foobah

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Posted 20 April 2017 - 08:46 PM

Thanks everyone.

Ive spoke to Minisport, Minispares, MED, Specialist Components (who now only really go the injection route). Im waiting on Bill Richards and Calver to come back to me.

The chap I spoke to MED was very, very good/helpful and SC sent great stuff through by email.

Still pretty confused but as per the advice on this thread, speaking to the experts is definitely the way to go! Some of the options are eye-wateringly expensive though!!



#23 Northernpower

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Posted 20 April 2017 - 08:59 PM

Some of the options are eye-wateringly expensive though!!

It's only money. We all go into the Mini scene knowing whatever we thought something was going to cost is just wishful thinking. There's always the option of a second mortgage.

#24 nicklouse

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Posted 20 April 2017 - 09:06 PM

Still pretty confused but as per the advice on this thread, speaking to the experts is definitely the way to go! Some of the options are eye-wateringly expensive though!!

yep, not cheap. but be aware of anyone advertising complete engines on ebay or other places as there is one guy just putting paint on old engines.

#25 Northernpower

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Posted 20 April 2017 - 09:06 PM

Don't forget to make sure the gearbox is up to coping with the new spec of the engine, especially second gear syncro. As previously mentioned, also look at a cross pin diff.

#26 Foobah

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Posted 22 April 2017 - 02:30 PM

Bril,

So things are starting to get a bit clearer.

Being of an age where Ive been around the block more than once, Im already decided on doing it properly, with an expert rather than trying to get by on the cheap. As above, its only money after all - just got to find it first; but Im thinking it will be worth it.

Does any one have a view about injection -v- single 1 3/4" SU -v- twin Su's? Its a fun car with grin-factor top of the list. One of the engine builder suggested the twins, saying they are worth an extra 5bhp on a nicely built engine with the right components.

Really appreciating the input from everyone.

Cheers.



#27 Foobah

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Posted 22 April 2017 - 02:36 PM

Thanks re gearbox. Ive included gearbox rebuild and upgrade costs as part of my by budget - the list grows and grows!



#28 Northernpower

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Posted 22 April 2017 - 05:07 PM

Bril,
So things are starting to get a bit clearer.
Being of an age where Ive been around the block more than once, Im already decided on doing it properly, with an expert rather than trying to get by on the cheap. As above, its only money after all - just got to find it first; but Im thinking it will be worth it.
Does any one have a view about injection -v- single 1 3/4" SU -v- twin Su's? Its a fun car with grin-factor top of the list. One of the engine builder suggested the twins, saying they are worth an extra 5bhp on a nicely built engine with the right components.
Really appreciating the input from everyone.
Cheers.

A single carb is the easiest option, everything else costs. I'm like you I've been around for quite a few years and have always been a carb man. I've now gone injection with full engine management; suffice to say, I wouldn't go back to carb.

Be aware, this is a contentious issue on this forum, start this debate at your own risk.😁

#29 Allrounder

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Posted 22 April 2017 - 07:50 PM

Just a thought, have you ever had/driven/been in a mini with the kind of performance your hoping for. Like you i was after more go but once I'd tried it (over 100bhp) found it wasn't what I needed. So maybe you could find someone local who could take you for a run and discuss what they've had done/cost of said build.

#30 Northernpower

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Posted 22 April 2017 - 08:38 PM

Just a thought, have you ever had/driven/been in a mini with the kind of performance your hoping for. Like you i was after more go but once I'd tried it (over 100bhp) found it wasn't what I needed. So maybe you could find someone local who could take you for a run and discuss what they've had done/cost of said build.

It depends on how much you use it and what you use it for and whether you're building it for the enjoyment of the build as well (because you can get that much power out of it).

I enjoy driving mine because it is so quick but it does had a lot of torque over a very wide rev range i.e. 83lbs of torque at the wheels from 2750 revs through to 7000 revs. It's great.




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