5 replies to this topic

[speedy_canacott]

Hi All,

I am looking to buy a stage 3 cylinder head for my mini and was wondering where the best/cheapest place to get one is?

I have a 1999 Paul Smith MPI Mini, it currently has a full exhaust system and an induction kit.

I have seen them so far on minisport and minispares websites.

Would you be able to advise?

Thanks a lot

Tom

[miniallsort]

have a look on ebay you can pick one up cheap on there

[mini7boy]

have a look on ebay you can pick one up cheap on there

Buying a cheap ported cylinder head, off of Ebay or elsewhere, can end up being a poor way to save money.

Don't just assume that "anything has got to be better than the standard head" and leave it at that.

Ideally, what you want is someone with a lot of A-series head porting experience rather than a generalist
who will port anything that walks in the door. The use of a flowbench is a good sign that the person
porting your head is well experienced at finding out just what works and, more importantly, what doesn't.
A flowbench also allows for comparison between heads ported by one technician with those from another supplier.

With the Longman firm gone bust, there's one less source of ported heads for the A-series. Of those who remain,
Keith Calver and Adrian (AC) Dodd have a lot of experience. Before you simply commit to the head with the shiniest
ports(extra cost and minimal improvement in flow), have a talk with a manageable number of porting specialists and
see which one of them seems capable of producing a head that will really unlock a serious obstacle to flow and power
on your engine.

Talk with the specialists about what state your engine is currently in with respect to parts installed and let him know
how you intend to use the engine. Road only, Road and trackdays, etc.

Be sure to discuss compression ratio as this is a critical factor which must be coordinated with the cam profile if the
engine is to put out its best power.

To get some idea of just how much work is required to properly port a head, take a look at this excellent in-depth how-to guide
to porting your own cylinder head.

http://specialistmin....com/topic/4576 (you may need to register with Yuku to access this site)

The text by A-series expert AC Dodd is complemented with superb photos showing the areas of the
cylinder head modifications and grinding/finishing techniques.

It's so much better than the mostly text and drawings in the Vizard book. But it would be wise to
consult the Vizard book and combine his advice along with the detailed directions provided by Dodd.

Edited by mini7boy, 30 September 2009 - 12:31 AM.

[mini7boy]

here is a guide to buying modified cylinder heads

http://www.minifinit...e...?f=5&t=4922

You may have to register with Yuku to access this very worthwhile guide.

It's well worth the effort as this guide should be very helpful to you.

[speedy_canacott]

Thanks for all the help! Much appriciated )

[Paul Wiginton]

Value for money, as long as your not after a full race rip snorter, I think you cant beat VMax Scart - Stuart Gurr if hes still going

Paul