50 replies to this topic

[Cooperman]

You would gain if you fitted a gas-flowed Mg Metro head which has the 35.6 mm inlet valves. Also increase the comp ratio to about 10.3:1.
If you want a real improvement match the improved head to a better cam, such as the MG Metro or the Kent 266 or 276. Don't fit 1.5:1 rockers as they will only give a couple of extra bhp above 5500 rpm and nothing below that figure.
A re-curved distributor, such as the Aldon 'Yellow' will help with the better head and cam.

[huw_jenks]

You would gain if you fitted a gas-flowed Mg Metro head which has the 35.6 mm inlet valves. Also increase the comp ratio to about 10.3:1.

MG Metro cylinder head

Bargain!

[CarsOrBikes]

If your engine was from a sprite originally, it will be a 53hp one, governed by the cam, aswell as head. The guy selling the head linked above, mentions a cam for sale, which was pretty much the cam the Cooper used later which was in 63hp form.

Many many people will claim to be great head tuners, but my own advice would be to invest very carefully here, as the head is where the power is. The cc hike makes torque not power, but don't dismiss 1293 as the rally cars were adjusted to this. Davis Vizard books can teach you how to tune a Mini, but if you want the best power evenly produced across all cylinders, you will be best sourcing a head from Bryan Slark, Swift tune, Downton. They are not cheap! But you will be able to move the head from car to car, later if you wish, as you will gain a very high quality piece of engineering.

My own preference is SRE (Slark Race Engineering), or Slark Cylinder Head Preparation, followed by Swift as recommended by some good people.

Fit a cam maybe, it is inexpensive to buy, and dont go silly with race this or that, just fast road. Or just fit a head, but a good one, to get a decent gain.

A 1293 if claimed to give 140hp, won't do for long, probably 20 laps. So forget it as it is irrelevant information.

'Your' 1293 will get an easy hike if set up, and the power at the wheels will be about 18% less because of drivetrain loss.

Also don't be too concerned about seeking high rolling road figures. They are useful when assessing gains after mods or repairs, ie fit a head, and go back to the same place to see the gains. Also checking fuelling initially. Often people go to different places and the readings are all over the place.

My 2p is go with a very good cylinder head, the engine will be more efficient immediately.

Fitting high lift rockers will give more torque, and if leaving your cam alone, will be a good idea for some extra power. The cc is already higher so it hould work well. JCG used them on 'all' the conversions. So can't be bad can they. If you do this though, spend a bit more and get full roller ones. Less friction, less heat, less wear etc. In fact JCG fitted air filters, exhausts, heads, and high lift rockers, acheiving claimed 80ish brake on an injected 1275 motor, with a cat.

Again only my 2p

[WiredbyWilson]

If you want head work done then try Evendens in Sutton Valence - he was the guy that build my short engine and is meticulous in detail.
He balanced the entire bottom end of min, bored it out to 1330, fitted pistons, cam bearings etc all for £350.

In relation to head work, i have spoken to him and his reply was basically "how much do you want to spend" in relation to getting a std head up to your own spec - as itreally is a 'how long is a piece of string' situation. I heard a rumour he had a race head to do and the bill was 4 figures!

I did my own at home with an electric drill and stone bits, smoothing the ports out and slightly opening the ports as well - im not saying this is the way to go but im guessing it helped get me my 89 bhp (that and the Weber / Morspeed Ph3 Cam im guessing)

Give me a shout if you want more details, as he place i mention is where my uncle has all his engine work done.

Wilson

Edited by Wilson1330, 29 November 2009 - 06:09 PM.

[mcaville]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has added to this thread. Its certainly taught me stuff and given me some food for thought.

I think i'm going to have to make do with 60 horses for the time being, but i'll make a new cylinder head my next priority. My mini has only been back on the road for a week after a 5 month stint on axle stands, so i guess i should just be grateful to have her back instead of looking towards the next mod, but then i guess that's the life of a mini owner

[Sam Walters]

A good cylinder head is essential, mine makes 81bhp with a standard head. yet 107 with a Long-man gt17 (Extra work done on exhaust ports and skimmed down abit) Standard head at the moment, blew the head gasket. So head off to be skimmed again.

It wont be making 81 now (Aldon red dizzy), its running a standard mg metro dizzy. Its a daily driver now, its a state but i don`t care.

[1293sleeper]

There is a guy at pandsmoc how is making 68bhp out of a 998 but he had the engine built for him by neil slark so it should be good.

[blacktulip]

longman heads are excellent too

[mini93]

longman heads are excellent too

except iv heard that they have stopped trading, prior to that stopped doing as much mini stuff and concentrated on peugeot engines and motorsports

[CarsOrBikes]

sorry, forgot longman, they're ace heads also. Probably next to Slark.

imo of course

[mcaville]

I spoke with Bill Richards today and he quoted me £250 plus parts to work on my head. As this was via an email he didn't suggest how much the parts might cost. Anyone have any ideas?

[Turbo Nick]

a stage 2 lcb will probably be doing more harm than good on a std head and cam aswell.

[WiredbyWilson]

did you try ringing evendens ?? he is more local to you and will talk you through the optins rather than giving you a vague price plus parts?? 01622 842555 - say David Wilson recommended him

[01smartc]

I'd say APX prices for head

Valves £60
Guides £20
Springs £25
Stem seals £4.50

£110ish .. maybe more depending on who supplies him and his mark up

Chris

[mcaville]

did you try ringing evendens ?? he is more local to you and will talk you through the optins rather than giving you a vague price plus parts?? 01622 842555 - say David Wilson recommended him

Cheers Dave, I'll give him a call tomorrow. I just thought i'd check out Bill Richards first as he has obviously got a very good reputation.