17 replies to this topic

[andrewd1984]

hi guy 

 

would anyone be able to help me with what mods that are worth doing while i have the engine out for a full body and engine bay respray - 

 

I have just bought a new fletcher radiator and heater matrix, I am thinking an electronic ignition kit and could recommend any?? also I have a new clutch on the list while the engine is out. is there anything else that people would do or chance?? go easy on me im not very technical and like things in simple terms. 

 

 

[DeadSquare]

What is the engine capacity?

How many miles on the clock?

 

The biggest bang for your buck is a more sporty camshaft.

[Carlos W]

The A series head is the biggest power restriction.

Modifications here will really help.

It depends how deep your pockets are.

It's worth checking the state of the carb and dizzy, general servicing and maintenance

[cal844]

A general service, fit an electronic ignition kit

Also do the stupid parts

Timing chain and tensioner (gasket for the cover) if you want to be really technical check the half moon seal

Water pump (silicon bypass hose if fitted)

Clutch and primary gear oil seal.

Fit a new rod change gear selector anti leak kit.

Then a ported and polished head

Edited by cal844, 18 December 2018 - 02:35 PM.

[hhhh]

Water pump (silicon bypass hose if fitted)

 

I find silicon a little crystalline and crunchy. I much prefer silicone hoses.

[greenwheels]

Do you want to tune it up or just make it run reliably. If the latter then Powerspark or Accuspark ignition is first to get rid of the points (1930s technology), followed by a new jet and needle. A new timing chain will put back some of the original sparkle. If you're up to taking the head off then a clean up and gentle valve grind will be good. I once matched the manifold ports to the head which made a big difference (ref Clive Trickey). These are all cheap mods. However if you want to 'tune it up' then get your credit card out.

To my mind spending money on silicon hoses is a waste.

[cal844]

Water pump (silicon bypass hose if fitted)

I find silicon a little crystalline and crunchy. I much prefer silicone hoses.

This made me chuckle, yes you are correct, blame stupid prediction text ?

For the record I fit silicone bypass hoses as they are stronger and will last longer than the other options

Edited by cal844, 18 December 2018 - 10:56 PM.

[toromod]

so the choices are as follows : new timing chain, tensioner etc - excuse my ignorance but what improvement would this give?

                                                 electronic ignition seems fair enough

                                                 new jet & needle - like for like?

                                                 clutch - what kind of mileages do they generally last for? (average use)

                                                 improved radiator

                                                 new water pump

                                                 sportier camshaft - obviously dependent on type of use envisaged  

                                                 head clean-up, valve grind/clean-up

 

I shall be taking the 998 engine out of my Riley Elf during the restoration so these hints or tips would be useful! 

[nicklouse]

Water pump (silicon bypass hose if fitted)

I find silicon a little crystalline and crunchy. I much prefer silicone hoses.

This made me chuckle, yes you are correct, blame stupid prediction text

For the record I fit silicone bypass hoses as they are stronger and will last longer than the other options

Personally I would just delete the bypass totally.

[nicklouse]

so the choices are as follows : new timing chain, tensioner etc - excuse my ignorance but what improvement would this give?
                                                 electronic ignition seems fair enough
                                                 new jet & needle - like for like?
                                                 clutch - what kind of mileages do they generally last for? (average use)
                                                 improved radiator
                                                 new water pump
                                                 sportier camshaft - obviously dependent on type of use envisaged  
                                                 head clean-up, valve grind/clean-up
 
I shall be taking the 998 engine out of my Riley Elf during the restoration so these hints or tips would be useful!

Nothing.
Nothing wrong with points if you can set and service. Electronic it great if you can't set service points.
Needle depends on what you do to the engine.
How long is a piece of string? Easier to do with the engine out and if you are taking the Assy off you may as well change the wear parts.
Rad not really if there is nothing wrong with the current one.
Water pump if it needs changing otherwise no real need.
Cam pointless unless you are having some good head work done.
If that is all you plan for the head then the cam change is a waste of money.

[andyapanel]

Fuel filter and lightened flywheel

I was not impressed when my silicon bypass hose split after only a few thousand miles and 18 months.

[Retroman]

Save the money on the fancy hoses, fit kevlar type and put it towards a 12g295 head and a mild cam

 

You will see more benefit from those than anything else

 

Points are fine too

[GraemeC]

Doesn’t need to be Kevlar type - marketing hype! A stronger yarn won’t stop the rubber degrading.

A short length of good quality heater hose (such as Gates) from your local motor factor will cost pence and will last for years.

[Retroman]

I find the Kevlar type better than std rubber types otherwise I would not recommend them

 

Its pragmatic advice from not just my experinece, a fancy hyped silicone hose is 3 times the price of a kevlar type

 

And heater hose of any type won't replace a top or bottom hose

[GraemeC]

Most of the conversation was around the bypass hose - that’s what I was commenting on.

I have found kevlar ones here no better that quality std hose otherwise I wouldn’t have mentioned it. And around 10x the price.

(for reference, Kevlar and silicone bypass hoses bought ‘off the shelf’ are pence difference in price, but I agree that silicone is pointless and even more marketing hype)