37 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

 

 

An Experimental Alloy A Series, Made By BMC.

In the late 1950's BMC realised that their "Workhorse" engine the A series could do with a bit of a face lift. To this end they commissioned The British Aluminium Co. to investigate the possibilities of making an all Alloy A Series. This project was overseen by George Harriman with input from other BMC worthies including Issigonis. By 1963 "BA" had produced a number of these blocks in varying configurations, with blocks actually running in at least 1 Riley Elf and the project looked like it was going to go somewhere.

More here:

http://mk1-performan...mental_dept.htm

 

http://mk1-performan...lock-report.pdf

[leaky]

to be honest with A series engines going up the way they are more people will soon be doing things like the 1.3 16 Valve micra engine swap. They more reliable and quieter then an A series and you can buy whole micras as doner cars for £300. A good 1275 is more then that these days.

[Cooperman]

to be honest with A series engines going up the way they are more people will soon be doing things like the 1.3 16 Valve micra engine swap. They more reliable and quieter then an A series and you can buy whole micras as doner cars for £300. A good 1275 is more then that these days.

Bu then again maybe not. The way the prices for the classic Mini are increasing outweighs the engine costs and cars in original or 'period modified' condition will always fetch more than a 'hybrid' with a non-original engine type.

The future for the classic Mini is as an original classic car.

[Jase]

I'm building a 1275GT at the mo with a heritage shell. Just bought a brand new engine and box from minispares. I was going to keep the original engine and box but now thinking of selling it. Any ideas of its value? Out of a car with just 40k on it. Complete engine with box, car, rad, starter etc.

 

I've not had it running and it hasn't been running since 91 when it was driven onto a drive and left to rust in peace with an expanding family.

 

The car is a 78 GT

Edited by Jase, 02 May 2013 - 08:55 PM.

[miniaddict92]

i have just bought a complete running mg metro for £350 and just stripping the engine out now to put in my mini.

 

 

cheaper than ebay etc which were averaging about 600 quid

[cradley-heathen]

i knew i heard something about an aluminium block somewhere! why oh why didnt they persevere with it!

 

as for the micra engine conversion, i must admit i dont think its a conversion thats going to get hugely popular. if your going to the trouble of chopping your mini about, making new shafts and engine mounts, sussing out wiring etc, its the same hassle for putting in a micra engine as it is putting something a little more "fruity" in. if i was doing a conversion, it would really have to be worthwhile.

[TopGearRules]

i knew i heard something about an aluminium block somewhere! why oh why didnt they persevere with it!

 

as for the micra engine conversion, i must admit i dont think its a conversion thats going to get hugely popular. if your going to the trouble of chopping your mini about, making new shafts and engine mounts, sussing out wiring etc, its the same hassle for putting in a micra engine as it is putting something a little more "fruity" in. if i was doing a conversion, it would really have to be worthwhile.

 

Didn't BMC also produce a diesel A series for the 'mini tractor'... a DERV mini would be something!!! I also agree that most people would cough up and pay the extra money for an original A series replacement. 

 

But hang on.... surely the Margrave reproduction Mini must of had a brand new A series engine, or did it just have a refurb??? 

Edited by TopGearRules, 05 May 2013 - 08:55 PM.

[Jase]

I would imagine they bought the outstanding stock of new mini engines from what was Rover which is what I did for my car.

 

Brand new engine and box.