10 replies to this topic

[speedracer]

Hi all. I'm new to the mini world, having just bought my first one. This is my first post on this forum so go easy.

I recently aquired a stage 3 cylinder head for my Rover Sprite 1.3i. I hadn't realised at the time, but it is drilled to accept 11 studs. My block has the standard 9 studs. The copper gasket I was supplied with from Mini Sport also has holes for 11 studs. Will fitting this head cause any problems?

[Rosslin Racing]

Hi all. I'm new to the mini world, having just bought my first one. This is my first post on this forum so go easy.

I recently aquired a stage 3 cylinder head for my Rover Sprite 1.3i. I hadn't realised at the time, but it is drilled to accept 11 studs. My block has the standard 9 studs. The copper gasket I was supplied with from Mini Sport also has holes for 11 studs. Will fitting this head cause any problems?

Welcome..
no it will not give you problems. you could even have the block drilled to take the extra studs if you felt like it.

[speedracer]

Excellent!! I'll get on with it then

So did some heads come from the factory with 11 studs?

Also its an older style head than my spi one and has the temperature sensor on the front right and heater take off on the front left. I have a blanking plate to fit the heater take off and a plug for the temperature sensor. Is that all I'll need to do in order to fit it? So far they are the only differences I've found between the injection and standard heads. I'm assubming my injection manifold will fit it ok?

[Rosslin Racing]

they did come from the factory like that if you look it should have a number on it something like 12G940 and maybe it also has anumber stamped next to the thermo out let.
the injection stuff should fit all ok.

[speedracer]

Oh ok. Thanks Well, I'll see how it goes with 9 studs for now and if I get any problems I'll concider drilling it out for the extra 2.

Actually, I've just noticed the number stamped on the top of the head (would normally be hidden under the rocker cover) has been skimmed off. It looks like the top side of the head has been skimmed. Is that normal practice? Why would that side need skimming?

Also should a stage 3 head have double valve springs? This one only has a single spring. Valve sizes are Inlet 36mm & Outlet 29mm. Basically I've been told its a stage 3, but I have nothing to compare it too.

[mike.]

The top of the head is sometimes given a quick skim to freshen it up and make sure it all flat and ready for fresh gaskets and things.

The top of heads only need to be skimmed a very minimal amount, so that the little groove for the thermostat is still there.

THe head number is one of the lowest parts of the head so if thats been taken off the top of the head much have been skimmed a huge amount!

[Rosslin Racing]

who made the head? it depends on that as to whats been done, you will see some work in the ports around the valve seat and chambers

[speedracer]

I'm not sure who made it. I haven't had the valves out yet to check out the port work in the chambers. The only obvious port work I can see at the moment is the inlet ports which look like they have been enlarged slightly. Looks like they have been machined to make them more circular. What else should I look out for?

[Rosslin Racing]

get some photo up thats the best.

Edited by Rosslin Racing, 01 October 2008 - 05:46 PM.

[speedracer]

Ok, I've just re-painted it so I cant move it for a bit, but I'll remove the valves and get some pics of it up for examination in the next couple of days.

Thanks for your help for now.

[Kerrin]

Will it make any difference to you if it isnt suitable for unleaded fuel?

For example the exhaust valves should have hardened seats fitted. This may of course have been done. Otherwise you will need to add an unleaded adative to the fuel.

Are you intending to run the standard injection on the car, this in itself isnt a problem, just leave the standard temperature sender in the front of the head plugging the hole, I am pretty sure all the other kit will bolt straight on . My motor was an SPI out of a rotten cooper now in a 81 shell and runnng a carb.

Just wouldnt want you to go to all the trouble of fitting it without knowing the facts.