19 replies to this topic

[vala]

well im looking to start building a supercharged engine. i was originally thinking to go with a 1380 however after some research I have read up that they may not be ideally suited for reliability. what has been mentioned is to use a 1275/1293 instead (or maybe even a smaller capacity engine). im not looking for massive power (100bhp at the wheels ideally) but really something that is just fun on the roads and has a lot of drivability. I don't really want to be revving the nuts off it to get any power.

can anyone suggest or add anything else I should be looking into?

[Wil_h]

Don't believe everything you read on the internet (not even this I guess).

A 1380 is fine for reliability if built properly, but IMO if you are going forced induction, why go to all the additional expense of building a 1380 when you'll get planty of power from a 1293.

[vala]

thank you for your reply Wil_h.
what you mention with regards to why go 1380 is something else I forgot to mention. Cost. I think if I can get the power I want out of a 1293 then the extra it would cost to go 1380 could be spent on upgrading/improving the internals for a more reliable everyday engine.
Through extra reading I have noticed a book is mentioned (one by David Vizard I believe) which I think would also aid me with building this engine. Does anyone know if it includes information on forced induction on a a series?

also is 100bhp (at the wheels) fairly easy to achieve? also what sort of performance figures can I expect roughly?

[Wil_h]

The Vizard book is light on forced induction and I wouldn't bother. Lot's of info on www.turbominis.co.uk and www.turbo-mini.com Although these sights are more geared to turbos the engine basics are the same.

Typically supercharged 1293 motors produce around 130bhp at 10psi, which is pretty decent.

I would suggest that this would get you to 60 in 7 ish seconds or better.

If this is for a daily drive (and I'm sorry if it appears that I bang on about this all the time) but you should at least consider a turbo. you will get 30 to 50% beter fuel econmy for one.

[vala]

to be honest the only reason I want a supercharged engine is I've had N/A engines and turbo'd before and just wanted something different. i understand about the fuel economy however when I mentioned everyday I don't mean it would be like a commuter car. simply something for the occasional commute and weekends, although most weekends in the summer i'll be on my R6 so this reduces again the amount of time I'd be driving it.
having a look at the moment on the 2 websites you mentioned and its helping a lot. thank you for this.
I'm thinking at this stage best bet is to source a 1275 engine, strip it down and see what's what.
What sort of price should I be looking at for a 1275? and are there any particular versions I should be on the lookout for or does it not matter as it will be modified?

thank you:)

[Sam Walters]

For a core unit 150 pounds.

it will cost you the same to go 1293 or 1380.

Ill always go 1293 over 1380 for the simple reason, if it all goes pop the block may be serviceable afterward.

[vala]

For a core unit 150 pounds.

it will cost you the same to go 1293 or 1380.

Ill always go 1293 over 1380 for the simple reason, if it all goes pop the block may be serviceable afterward.

thanks for the response. i'll start looking for the engine.

[richieg]

If rebuilding an engine like this what internals (crank, pistons etc) & head should be used? How far do you need to go to build a reliable base for a 7-10psi supercharger?

[Sam Walters]

If i`m honest with you, i`m not a fan of super chargers. Ive taken note about what youve said about having a turbo charged car before. However i really think you need to go out for a ride in a good turbo mini..

[lwssthbst]

i went with a 1293 block and just refreshed the rings and boar as there is so much pressure you dont want the rings to let by.....
its handled the sc for a couple of years now with no problems, and its 165bhp!!!
just make sure your bottom end is strong!

[mini.cooper998]

what good value pistons would everyone recomend if building a supercharged engine without decomp plate probably going 1293 as i have a standard 1275 a+ block at the moment

Andy

[Turbo Nick]

AE 21253's and have some machined out of the dish if you need to. mine are at 11cc but i know you can take them to 14cc.

[mini.cooper998]

cheers bud they are cheep to ideal

whats the lifespan in a 15psi install expected to be

[Turbo Nick]

mine have done over 30,000 miles so far..

[Pitcrew6464]

great topic, looking at the same deal 1275/93 supercharged what options is there to improve the bottom end??