14 replies to this topic

[lukeb854]

I was looking about on YouTube and I saw a 16v A series engine with a new head but A series block? I was wondering how expensive this is and if it's worth doing:) I wouldn't be doing the work myself do anyone who knows where I could get it done give me a bell, thanks guys!

[James_1]

There are a few options, one is a motorbike head from a BMW K-series and the other is the specialist heads made just for the A-Series by KAD. I think there are other bike heads that can be made to fit but there is a kit out there for the BMW heads. Both routes are very expensive and require a full engine rebuild and machine work to the block

[MJWarren]

Have a look at my project, or mini mag or mini world this month for KAD examples. In short, yes it is expensive.

[malynch27]

James is right. You are looking at a few thousand to do the minimum amount required for the BMW option as there is a bit of machining to do on the head to get all of the oil/water galleries to match up unless you go dry decked. The KAD head will cost that alone without any work doing to the blockto increase capacity.

I have looked at both options and have been swung in the replacement engine direction. There are plenty of options out there from a Nissan conversion if you want smaller bore right up to Honda Civic Type R conversions. All of these will get you a minimum of 16V, 1300cc's and 5 forward gears and the Nissan variants start at a couple of hundred quid for the engine and ancillaries etc... All you need to do then is modify the subframe, wiring and connect it to your wheels and away you go. Theres plenty of projects in the engine conversions section of this forum and there is also the 16v Mini Club forum to check out too.

Cheers

Mark

[James_1]

You make it sound so easy! But yes, unless you have access to a machine shop an engine change will probably turn out cheaper and has the potential to give more, reliable power... but it's not an A-Series is it?!

[lukeb854]

thanks for the advice guys, i phoned specialist componets who can supply me with a K series head A series engine, and for the fast road engine which would have 135 bhp at least it will cost me in the excess of 6000 pounds :0 i can stretch my budget this far but im not really sure it will be worth it. although if i get a turbo fitted to the engine it could give out anything above 170bhp

[matty...]

The best thing to do if you can't do any machining yourself is to buy it in kit form and assemble the engine yourself.

At least that way you get to learn how it all goes together, so you know how to take it apart when something goes wrong, plus you'll save a packet!

170bhp is easily acheivable with a turbo setup, but as there is no turbo kit available it is a case of make everything yourself.

[lukeb854]

Yeah, I suppose I could buy the kit for it myself and then pay the extra for them to make a turbo kit? If not they already hae a supercharger kit which I could buy with the 16v kit:) thanks guys

[mini13]

or you could just turbo the 5 port, 170hp is still achivable.

[James_1]

For about ten minutes in the wrong hands and it wouldn't be that drivable, if you seriously need this sort of power then an engine conversion is probably the way forward. The A-Series is a very very good but you are going to struggle from reliability problems with that sort of power output, especially from the poor gearbox which is the real weak point. Obviously if you want to keep the A-Series and want this power 16 valves are the way to go.

Building an engine isn't hard so long as you really take your time, ask for advice if you are in any doubt, expect parts to be wrong and carry out the build in clean conditions. The kitchen counter is perfect ;)

On the other hand the Micra CG13 will put out 160 when turbocharged without much fuss. I am expecting to spend about £600 on my conversion which will be totally reversable with a much stronger gearbox that doesn't loose 20% of the power and a rebuild for one of these isn't very expensive, uprated pistons being the most expensive part of a turbo build coming in at a few hundred pounds for forged items. This is what I am intending on doing eventually with my build as I should be able to get more power for far less money more reliably with less weight and an extra gear. And I'll be able to keep the standard bonnet which isn't possible sadly when a 16 valve head is fitted to the A-Series block with a roundnose car

Edited by James_1, 09 January 2012 - 03:24 PM.

[mini13]

never had an turbo charged A series then?

[MJWarren]

Theres plenty of people running 5 port turbos with 170bhp and more with no issues. The engine is only as reliable as the quality of the build.

Anyone can go to the scrapyard and plonk an engine in.

[matty...]

Im just stripping my engine down, for its first inspection/rebuild in 4 years... I wouldn't call that unreliable to be honest.

Standard bonnets can fit with the K head aswell.

Besides the quickest minis are A series.

[mini_nutz]

Hi Luke,
If you are going to change the engine for anything other than an A series, I would suggest you save yourself some time and money and go and buy a Corsa, with 16v DOHC (100bhp), injection as standard. They are also pretty reliable.

A mini is not a mini without an A series engine, gearbox and a few oil leaks here and there, oh and not to forget the odd break down. I would much rather see a well tuned 998cc, than a mini with a bike engine dumped in it. Well that’s my opinion anyway, hence why I went for the BMW K conversion. The BMW conversion could if needed be reversed with minor machining. The conversion is not cheap and it can be cheaper to buy a brand new car. I would also recommend getting some insurance quotes prior to starting any project.

Remember the more parts you change on any car from standard the nearer you get to the dreaded Q plate.

Warren

[1380roadmini]

i have to say im a big fan of the A series engine in a mini, however i can see the benefits of the other engine swaps, especially VTEC.