22 replies to this topic

[jamiemack]

Hello,

I'm looking for some advice on engine builders. I have used the search function but most of the threads were a few years old, they did give some insight however.

I have managed to buy back the mini clubman my Dad bought for me when I was 18 (13 years ago!). My Dad and I are planning to go through it and sort the various niggles one of which is a new engine and gear box.

We want to buy the engine and box built ready to drop in as we have plenty to do else where.

We know we want the following 1380cc, webber 45, straight cut gear box, but apart from that we will be looking to the engine builder for advice on the detail. I would like to leave the option open for maybe converting to supercharger or turbo later on though so it might be worth investing in a decent bottom end.

We have narrowed down the following companies and are looking for any advice/feedback from recent experiences

ML Motorsports - https://www.facebook...rt-14546041155/ - I can't find a bad word about them on here but the threads are old.

MED Engineering - https://www.facebook...ceTechnologies/ - It seems they know what they are doing but can be expensive?

VMAX SCART - https://www.vmaxscart.co.uk/ - This guy does the supercharger kits which is a plus as likley i'll get the kit from there one day if we go SC. It doesn't explicitly say on the site but I've read somewhere he does complete engine builds?

Guess Works - http://www.guess-works.com/ - I've heard great reviews about the gearboxes from here and same as VMAX I've heard rumors they do full engine builds but it's not expliclity stated on their website?

The Car Kitchen - https://www.facebook.../thecarkitchen/ - These guys seem fairly new, look pretty pro and seem to have a lot of experience with mini's.

 

Any thoughts on the above or someone else I should look at?

 

We live in Jersey so it will need shipped here anyway so as a result location doesn't really matter but no further up than Yorkshire would be a pain.

Thanks for reading

- Jamie
 

Edited by jamiemack, 13 February 2018 - 10:48 AM.

[Steve220]

Rob Walker? AC Dodd?

 

Rob did the engineering work for my engine and has built a collegues recently. Both to a very high standard and he's happy to talk about your specs and requirements. 

[nicklouse]

why the 45 weber and SC box? are you going to be hill climbing it?

 

as with there being a max 40mph limit on Jersey a weber would be my last choice of carb as it would be pushing too much fuel into the engine most of the time.

[jamiemack]

why the 45 weber and SC box? are you going to be hill climbing it?

 

as with there being a max 40mph limit on Jersey a weber would be my last choice of carb as it would be pushing too much fuel into the engine most of the time.

 

It will only be used for weekend blasts, possibly sprints and a few track days. Basically I've always wanted a balls out mini and while the engine is out we may as well cut the bulk head and fit a webber box.

[johnR]

Shame there aren't any on Jersey - I've found having your engine builder close to hand a real bonus when picking up and dropping off parts.
I'm using Auto engineering in Chard Somerset - they seem to have a good local reputation for motorsport work incl minis but as I haven't got anything machined back yet I can't say either way yet.

[johnv]

vmax are too busy to do engines (i asked) and i suspect John Guess is too.. slark?

[johnv]

.

Edited by johnv, 13 February 2018 - 08:40 PM.

[Spider]

As well as considering build quality, consider too how they handle any warranty work. Hopefully that won't be needed but it would be nice to know that won't turn in to a nightmare of it's own if called on.

[imack]

Can highly recommend MED, have always had very good service from them. Work has always been done on time, any posted items delivered next day, and friendly advice. They're not cheap, but you get what you pay for in life.

[MeredithW]

I can definitely recommend Andy Davies at ML Motorsport. He works closely with AC Dodd, and they built me a great road engine 3 yrs ago that's still going very strong. Backup and support are top notch as well.

[OzOAP]

I would defiantly include dynoing into your budget, then at least you know the engine is fully sorted, ready to install.

[cal844]

AC Dodd or Keith Calver, I suspect most builders will be busy with Motorsport prep

[Zach P-D]

+1 for Keith Calver at CalverST, top bloke to deal with and really know's what he is doing with the A series. 

[Haynes]

Another vote for Slarks

[ace01]

My vote would be for Southam Mini and Metro. 

 

Good quality build and machining.