20 replies to this topic

[jt1689]

so, ive now got the spec of the engine from the last owner who got in touch with the guy who builds these engines for a living,

1380 powermax pistons, minispares evolution camshaft, 10.5/1 compression, Centre oil pickup pipe, comp diff pin.

Can someone please clarify what this all means and if its a good spec? Is the spec anything to do with running on or is it definitely timing issue?

[MiNiKiN]

My recommendation for anyone who wants to run something considerably modified:

• check if you are a talented tinkerer with adequate tools and workshop
• OR check you have a plump wallet and a gifted mechanic willing to take its contents

If your answers to above is twice "NO"  - hands of anything beyond stage 1

[jt1689]

My recommendation for anyone who wants to run something considerably modified:

• check if you are a talented tinkerer with adequate tools and workshop
• OR check you have a plump wallet and a gifted mechanic willing to take its contents

If your answers to above is twice "NO" - hands of anything beyond stage 1

Had minis before which have been modified in one way or another, a 79 clubman and 1990 Mayfair, nothing to this extent and 1380s are new to me but have the basics to learn as I go. Having a dad who spent his youth rebuilding various engines from minis to mk1 and Mk2 escorts to v8s between us we can do many tasks. Like I said 1380s arent an engine I am too familiar with hence the questions willing to get stuck in and learn. I think the last mini I had was about 10 years ago so slightly rusty (like most minis). I've done my research and from what I can gather it is a well specced engine.

[jt1689]

When it first happened to me (many, many moons ago) it was the plugs ... they were too hot and as a result keep firing the mixture that was in the cylinders until they cooled off. I just put the correct spec plugs in and all was good ...

Out of curiosity which plugs did you put in?

[gazza82]

That was a 948cc A-series. Fitted a set of very basic Champion N5 plugs. Can't remember what were fitted before but they went in the bin.

Your 1380 should be no different. It's still an A-series just with more power ...

As for your spec depends a lot on which cam if there are more than one Evolution and I would think the cylinder head and what changes were made to that too.

Edited by gazza82, 08 July 2020 - 11:13 PM.

[jt1689]

That was a 948cc A-series. Fitted a set of very basic Champion N5 plugs. Can't remember what were fitted before but they went in the bin.

Your 1380 should be no different. It's still an A-series just with more power ...

As for your spec depends a lot on which cam if there are more than one Evolution and I would think the cylinder head and what changes were made to that too.

Cheers for getting back to me, ive freed some time up this weekend so going to give it a going over, check plugs etc might swap them whilst I'm at it. Cam wise etc ive found there's a few, dont have the original receipt for the engine work unfortunately so not sure which one it is.