9 replies to this topic

[Fin695]

Afternoon experts! looking for a little advice.

I am about to embark on my first engine build, I have a 1275 block taken out a 94 rover that will be the starting point, it will be more a learning process and am not under any time restrictions, budget is around 2k.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on building a great little engine. I’m not overly fussed about mad power! (85/90HP) I just want something that is fun to drive.

Any parts that I should be looking at? I know there might not be a right or wrong answer for such a project but I’m just keen to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks in advance!

[sonikk4]

A decent head, camshaft, good quality exhaust system, Hif 44 all set up on a rolling rd will get you very close.

 

A lot will depend on the state of the engine to start with. It may need to be refreshed so possible re bore to 1293, reground crank, new cam bearings etc.

[cal844]

I would only bore to next size (once measured by the machine shop) maximum on a standard bore (my preference) being 1310 so you get 2 further bores from the engine.

It is best practice to measure what's there to start with.

Edited by cal844, 07 January 2021 - 10:41 PM.

[MiniMadRacer]

Dont forget to budget for a G box rebuild too....

[Dusky]

Being a budget build for the road I wouldn’t go to a 1380.
An evo001 camshaft from mini spares, big valve 940 head, lightened flywheel will be a good combo. Keep the original carb saved some money.
Rebuild said carb as sell, and how confident do you feel to rebuild the gearbox too?
Change all bearings everywhere and take great care of dailing in the cam. You’ll love it.

[ings]

i made exactly the same, one year ago.

 

start early with the calculation of the compression. you need to know what volume your new Pistons and head have. there are a lot of options...

 

most time you will spend is messuring.... its a good idea to spend some money into nice messurement tools.

 

And spend a little more money for quality bearings and quality gaskets.

[OzOAP]

A relatively cheap 'road' engine would be one built similar to Mini 7 'S' Class.

1293, std crank and rods, std unported 33x29 head with 3 angle seats, minispares valves, conical springs. MG Metro cam, 10.8cr, Minispares steel flywheel and backplate, std gearbox. S Class uses 3.6 cwp but would go 3.4 for the road, also use HIF44 instead of single side DCOE.
Nick Croydon Fowlers S Class in 2018, the last one I built, had well in excess of OP target figures, remember that is with a std unported head.

Edited by OzOAP, 08 January 2021 - 09:30 AM.

[nev100]

i made exactly the same, one year ago.

start early with the calculation of the compression. you need to know what volume your new Pistons and head have. there are a lot of options...

most time you will spend is messuring.... its a good idea to spend some money into nice messurement tools.

And spend a little more money for quality bearings and quality gaskets.

[nev100]

Ings.


What measuring tools would you recommend??

[ings]

there are different options to messure, in most cases the best is a dial indicator.

 

feeler gauge                     :      to messure the final gear play, the crank thrust washer play, piston ring gap

dial indicator with magnet:      to messure OT, the timing of the camshaft, the crank thrust washer play.

outside micrometer          :      nice to compare the thickness of the thrustwasher

 

and i can also highly recomend plastigauge to messure the play of the bearings.