19 replies to this topic

[T3rry]

Hi, I'm at the stage where I need to get my 998cc engine upgraded before I put it back in my 1986 mini mayfair (called Terry) that I've been renovating for a couple of years. Does anyone know someone in Norfolk who rebuids engines? I'm looking for a rebore, unleaded conversion for a Cooper S head etc. I know of a couple of places nearby but I can't afford the £4000 or so they charge. Thanks David

[Cooperman]

If you are intending on staying interested in classic cars, then maybe you should look into doing the engine rebuild yourself.

The ancient A-Series BMC engine is very straightforward and by doing it yourself the saving on labour costs will buy the very few specialist tools you need for the job.

We are all here to support you, give advice and provide technical guidance.

You just need to find a good machine shop to do the re-boring, crank grinding, block facing and valve seat re-cutting. I would recommend Cambridge Rebores in Burwell which is not too far for you.

With TMF+ membership you will get a discount on parts from Mini Spares.

It can be a bit daunting doing your first engine build, but so long as you take it steadily, take care with the assembly and measure everything as you go, all will be fine.

The 998 engine can be improved quite easily to give a bit more power and torque as well.

[nicklouse]

4K for what you say is cheap.

as above you will need to invest in the correct measuring tools and understand how to use them.

 

also never presume any supplied part is correct. Measure and check before sending parts to the machine shop for work.

 

also define with the machine shop what work is to be done. Are they just machining. Or are they doing a dry build as well and then additional machine work. 
 

or are they going to provide you with a fully machined and checked and assembled short motor for example.

 

what I am saying is when discussing jobs make sure you understand what they are going to do. And therefore what you must do.

 

eg. A rebore. Does that include removing the oil gallery plugs and the oil galleries and drilling’s being scrubbed clean. Or do you need to do that.

 

Also consider buying a built short motor that you can attach to your transmission and then bolt your head onto?

 

back to the head. Don’t forget to get it crack tested before getting any work done on it.

[Norfolk Boy]

Give Damico a call they’re at East Harling.

[Lord Oversill]

I was lucky enough to find Mini Farm, Newton le Faith a few years ago. James was very helpful. Sure if he cannot help, he’ll know who can. Been awhile though...01603 898280

Edited by Lord Oversill, 16 April 2021 - 07:05 AM.

[ACDodd]

If you want someone to build it for you it is going to cost to get it done properly. £4K is not overly steep.

Ac

[MrBounce]

Depending on where you are B & E Randall in Diss are used by the company my friend works for (they do a lot of classic Jag work). They also did the work on my Midas engine. Very approachable and really know their stuff. 

 

https://www.banderandall.co.uk/

[mab01uk]

DAMICO ENGINES LIMITED

East Harling, Norfolk

https://www.damico-engines.co.uk/

 

"Following a long working relationship with Damico Engines Limited, owner Darren Snelling and Calver Special Tuning's A-series and all things Mini specialist Keith Calver have decided to combine forces to maximise and strengthen both companies capabilities. Damico's excellent and well appointed dyno facility is what attracted Keith to work with Darren on a regular basis some 10 or so years ago. Darren's desire to further expand his company's capabilities and Keith's desire to claw back some personal time to re-build his 7 Minis, especially his historic Clubman GT race car, was an opportunity too good to pass up. Damico Engines, based in East Harling, Norfolk, a mere stones throw from Snetterton racing circuit, covers all automotive engineering from a simple head skim to a full race engine development program. With a deeply experienced background in automotive engineering, Darren started up Damico some 15 years ago. Specialising in top quality and very successful racing engines for all marques as well as restorations - classics to current."

https://www.facebook...eEngines/posts/

Edited by mab01uk, 16 April 2021 - 05:33 PM.

[OzOAP]

DAMICO ENGINES LIMITED
East Harling, Norfolk
https://www.damico-engines.co.uk/

"Following a long working relationship with Damico Engines Limited, owner Darren Snelling and Calver Special Tuning's A-series and all things Mini specialist Keith Calver have decided to combine forces to maximise and strengthen both companies capabilities. Damico's excellent and well appointed dyno facility is what attracted Keith to work with Darren on a regular basis some 10 or so years ago. Darren's desire to further expand his company's capabilities and Keith's desire to claw back some personal time to re-build his 7 Minis, especially his historic Clubman GT race car, was an opportunity too good to pass up. Damico Engines, based in East Harling, Norfolk, a mere stones throw from Snetterton racing circuit, covers all automotive engineering from a simple head skim to a full race engine development program. With a deeply experienced background in automotive engineering, Darren started up Damico some 15 years ago. Specialising in top quality and very successful racing engines for all marques as well as restorations - classics to current."
https://www.facebook...eEngines/posts/

Keith has left and gone back up north.

[mab01uk]

 

DAMICO ENGINES LIMITED
East Harling, Norfolk
https://www.damico-engines.co.uk/

"Following a long working relationship with Damico Engines Limited, owner Darren Snelling and Calver Special Tuning's A-series and all things Mini specialist Keith Calver have decided to combine forces to maximise and strengthen both companies capabilities. Damico's excellent and well appointed dyno facility is what attracted Keith to work with Darren on a regular basis some 10 or so years ago. Darren's desire to further expand his company's capabilities and Keith's desire to claw back some personal time to re-build his 7 Minis, especially his historic Clubman GT race car, was an opportunity too good to pass up. Damico Engines, based in East Harling, Norfolk, a mere stones throw from Snetterton racing circuit, covers all automotive engineering from a simple head skim to a full race engine development program. With a deeply experienced background in automotive engineering, Darren started up Damico some 15 years ago. Specialising in top quality and very successful racing engines for all marques as well as restorations - classics to current."
https://www.facebook...eEngines/posts/

Keith has left and gone back up north.

 

 

That did not last long then?

Edited by mab01uk, 17 April 2021 - 08:19 AM.

[minimat]

Can you get someone to build you a short engine and get the hard bits done so you can refit the head and gearbox/ clutch to save some money?

[Shooter63]

I'm not sure if this helps but if you fancy having a go yourself I've collated a few prices just by looking about the net

Rebore £100.00
Re-face block £50.00
Grind crankshaft £120.00
Head skim £45.00
Overhaul head £90.00 ( this may include the skim)
Fit pistons to rods £40.00
Acid dip £100.00
Unleaded head conversion £ 175.00 (if you need it)

New pistons £170.00
New bearings £80.00
Gasket set £40.00
Oil pump £20.00
Bits and bobs £200.00

So for around £1200.00 and a few tools you could have the engine done, Guessworks sells gearbox rebuild kits for around £400.00 and a new clutch £120.00, so for less than 2K you could be back in the game.All for the sake of a bit of your own time


Shooter
Shooter

[T3rry]

Thanks guys. I'll give mini farm and the place in Diss a call. I'm really keen on the idea of doing some work myself but working full time and having 2 young children limits the time I have. I'm finding it difficult to justify spending d £4 to £5k when the completed car won't be worth that much

[T3rry]

Shooter you're a hero thanks

[Shooter63]

Shooter you're a hero thanks

Not according to my Mrs

Shooter