14 replies to this topic

[Geomorphologist]

Right then, here's a question for ya'll...

Once I've completed the 1380 conversion of the rusted lump of scrap masquerading as a Metro engine that I've blagged, I like the idea of the 16v Beemer head conversion. I'm also familiar with Megasquirt and incorporating that too would be fun.
So...
I was all excited by the Specialist Components conversion which looks a beautifully executed bit of kit. Then I saw the Force Racing conversion, which is cheaper, and got me to thinking about which of the two would be best.

There's a Mini in this month's MiniWorld mag on the dyno with a Specialist Components 1380 K-head in it that only managed 92bhp which also made me think "that's crap for a £2k engine". I've worked on a number of competition Minis and even the ones that were unfortunate enough to have me build the engine did better than that with much, much less exotic heads!

Anyone on here got one, or had experience of, either the Specialist Components K-head or the Force Racing K-head?
Drivability? Durability? Extra components outside of the comprehensive kits that needed sourcing?

As usual, any comments, thoughts or experience welcome.

Cheers

Edited by Geomorphologist, 22 June 2012 - 09:51 AM.

[MiniLandy]

If you're going to throw that much money at a project, and make it so far removed from standard, I don't get why you wouldn't just ditch the a series and stick something better in it.

For example, the smallest Rover K series (1.4 16v) produces 103bhp as standard, and I got a quote from a scrapyard for everything i needed for the conversion for £225.

[TopCatCustom]

Bigger engines often weight more and you have to change all the geometry of the front suspension which makes a lot of them handle like crap. I'd either go for a decent ported 5 port or a proper 7 port head.

[Udo]

Well my SC 1380 16v is 167bhp at the wheels (so approx 180bhp at crank - ish ) so no idea why it that one made 92bhp

My engine was the first kit or maybe even pre production one from SC

The Force racing kit was developed by Spocket (member on here, efiminis and turbominis)

[MiniLandy]

Bigger engines often weight more and you have to change all the geometry of the front suspension which makes a lot of them handle like crap. I'd either go for a decent ported 5 port or a proper 7 port head.

The whole K series conversion weighs slightly less then the a series assembly (gearbox etc), which is partly why i suggested it.

If you modify the standard subframe or buy an allspeed one then all suspension components are standard.

The only reason i'd keep an a series in a mini is nostalgia, and if you're looking at a 16v head then you're clearly not feeling very nostalgic!

[Turbo Phil]

I don't think either of the kits will give you any difference in power, afterall it's just a few bolt on bits, cam pulleys etc
The key will be a proper build, timing of the cams, whether the head is ported, what exhaust system is used & how well it's setup etc

[Geomorphologist]

Well my SC 1380 16v is 167bhp at the wheels (so approx 180bhp at crank - ish )

That's more like it. Not bad for a few 'bolt-on' bits...

[Taylor]

Force racing k head kit is better fit & more value for money & u get a better service with Carl

[Geomorphologist]

Force racing k head kit is better fit & more value for money & u get a better service with Carl

Thanks Taylor. Is that what you run?
Did you have to buy any extra ancillaries?
What fuel injection do you run or have you done a carb conversion?
Many thanks for any info.

[Taylor]

I am going to use the fuel injection that came with the head I just need to decide on what ecu to use , I am using force racing kit

[Taylor]

Ancilarys manifold , pistons, ecu, fuel pump,head welding & skim. Head bolt holes on block filling in & skim if u go on turbo minis forum you will find pictures of all this in engine MOD

[Taylor]

Sorry it s on this site not mini turbos http://www.theminifo...n-1380cc-block/ engine projects other

[Tupers]

Personally I'd go with the SP kit with their ECU and throttle body set-up. Every time I've rang up to order and ask about their other products they've been really friendly and helpful plus they seem to be doing more of these engines than anyone else.

[Taylor]

Sc expensive and helpfull cause they want yr brass

[Taylor]

Sorry I fort u said sc