10 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

Looking for some opinions experiences of the specialist components 7 port vs their 16v k1100 head. 

 

Things I need to consider 

 

16v  - 1380

I can't afford a built 16v engine from SC

So I would need to buy their kit (minus the machining), then try to built the engine myself (this scares me a little) 

 

7 port

​I would go for minispares built short block, a guessworks box and the 7 port head with engine management. I feel a bit more comfortable bolting all this together. 

 

 

I see that the the 16v head should be develop around 10 bhp more over the 7 port. but it is not with out issues, clearance of the manifold and the head itself,  filling oil and probably more complications i haven't mentioned. The 7 port seems a lot more simpler. 

[Tupers]

Unless you know an engine builder/machine shop near you I would steering clear of the 16v engine as a build yourself option. They're quite involved conversions that require machining work to be done to the head, block and pistons as well as welding on the head. 

 

It's a conversion worth considering but you should definitely find someone willing to do the machining work before you invest any money in it. 

 

 

 

The 7 port shouldn't really be any more complex a build than a 5 port so as long as you do your reading first you should be pretty safe. 

[Alex_B]

What about local regulations? I'm not sure on what you have with regard to MOT's and registering alternative engines, a half bmw half mini unit might prove to be tricky. 

I am currently collecting parts to build my own TwinKam K head mini unit with the aim of building it myself. I am going to get the block and head to SC for them to machine it and then from then all assembly will be done by me. The reason for me picking 16v is because I am going to be using the engine for sprints and some road use so a high revving short stroke unit with good vol efficiency is what I am looking for. Also I will be gaining more than that amount of BHP but I will be operating the engine at the top of its rev range for the majority of its use so will loose low down driveability. 

If you are making a nice road engine then a 7 port might well be a more affordable simpler solution which will still give you a nice engine and more poke than a 5 port. Plus they look more period correct and retain the mini exhaust tone from the siamese exhaust ports.

[mk1leg]

I have done the 7 port conversion and its a good way to go......just remove old head and fit new......mine uses 4 motobike carbs....

 

 

[kezzkitkat]

Bear in mind the both conversion are not cheap e
Also regarding the 7 port I can't really comment about it as I've never done/touched one so ain't going feed you lot of bull .... Regarding
The bmw conversion it not straight forward block mods are easy but the head isn't welding and etc also if you consider dry decking then more welding is needed which may take 3 or more times to weld and skim . There's a few people that have made there own conversion kits which they said don't bother just buy a kit as it much easier so I went with sc one which I think it great engineering but forceracing does one also .there is also loads of little parts that add up also the sc conversion guide is quite confusing and takes a few reads to understand
Also As above make sure your near machine shop

[AndyR]

Having gone through the same conundrum myself i would go for the 7 port.  SC recommended the 16v to me which i went with, and am happy with.  However it is a much more involved process, cam timing, machining etc.  The 7 port is going to be more of a  "bolt on" approach, which giving your distance from SC/a mini specialist i would say this is wise.  I have not driven a 7 port so can say, but the 16v is great to drive - not sure if it is worth all the money though.  I am sure you can get the 7 port to produce fantastic street performance for much less money.  Be aware that the 16v most likely wont fit under your standard bonnet so will also need modding - even though its advertised to fit.  The 7 port will. 

 

Where is Sweden are you?  Im about and 1.5hrs from Svinesund.  As i can help with any engine building if you get stuck.

 

Andy

[minisilverbullet]

Unless you know an engine builder/machine shop near you I would steering clear of the 16v engine as a build yourself option. They're quite involved conversions that require machining work to be done to the head, block and pistons as well as welding on the head. 

 

It's a conversion worth considering but you should definitely find someone willing to do the machining work before you invest any money in it. 

 

 

 

The 7 port shouldn't really be any more complex a build than a 5 port so as long as you do your reading first you should be pretty safe. 

 

 

Yip, I wouldn't even consider tackling the modification needed for the head and block for the 16v, I would buy the head from SC I would also have them pocket the pistons, and have my own block done locally. What worries me is actually building the engine. potential it will produce a lot of power and it would need to be built perfectly. not sure I could achieve that first time. 

 

I am thinking with the 7 port option, to buy the built short block from minispares a built gear box and then the head. Then "bolt" these three major component together. That I think I can handle. 

[minisilverbullet]

I have done the 7 port conversion and its a good way to go......just remove old head and fit new......mine uses 4 motobike carbs....

 

 

 

I did look at that kit it looks great in your car. I will need to retain the lambda sensor, so that is why the SC kit appeals. 

[minisilverbullet]

Having gone through the same conundrum myself i would go for the 7 port.  SC recommended the 16v to me which i went with, and am happy with.  However it is a much more involved process, cam timing, machining etc.  The 7 port is going to be more of a  "bolt on" approach, which giving your distance from SC/a mini specialist i would say this is wise.  I have not driven a 7 port so can say, but the 16v is great to drive - not sure if it is worth all the money though.  I am sure you can get the 7 port to produce fantastic street performance for much less money.  Be aware that the 16v most likely wont fit under your standard bonnet so will also need modding - even though its advertised to fit.  The 7 port will. 

 

Where is Sweden are you?  Im about and 1.5hrs from Svinesund.  As i can help with any engine building if you get stuck.

 

Andy

 

Cheers Andy, confirmed my fears and highlighted my thoughts on the 7 port being simpler. 

 

I am way down south, 50 km from malmö

[mk1leg]

Bear in mind the both conversion are not cheap e
Also regarding the 7 port I can't really comment about it as I've never done/touched one so ain't going feed you lot of bull .... Regarding
The bmw conversion it not straight forward block mods are easy but the head isn't welding and etc also if you consider dry decking then more welding is needed which may take 3 or more times to weld and skim . There's a few people that have made there own conversion kits which they said don't bother just buy a kit as it much easier so I went with sc one which I think it great engineering but forceracing does one also .there is also loads of little parts that add up also the sc conversion guide is quite confusing and takes a few reads to understand
Also As above make sure your near machine shop

My kit from Vintage mini in Holland coat 2000euros for large valve head and carbs....

[Ethel]

I don't know, but I wonder if you'd have emissions problems with bike cams in a car? Aren't bike regs a bit more lenient? You'd have more choice with a 7 porter and I don't think you'd be giving away much if it's a well thought out engine for road use you're after.