Rover K series installation

[ratrodmog]

Hi guys & ladys
This may be a silly question but is there such a thing as a guide to installing the Rover K series engine into a moggy? Or has someone got pictures of a conversion they have done and a list of everything needed? Thanks in advance.

[jonathon]

Here you go

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[ratrodmog]

Thanks for the very quick response Jonathon . Are they both the 1.8vvc? And how have you found the air flow as I have been looking at the Jenvey throttle bodies but this is more than the price of the engine . Have you had experience with the 1.4 or 1.6 at this is what I am looking at, unless I should be going for a 1.8? The idea is for a fast road minor that is useable every day. Cheers

[chickenjohn]

It is an engine that looks to fit the engine bay of a Minor very well and looks nice, but apart from the loss of character of the Minor (I and many others actually really like the A series engine). I would be concerned about long term reliabillity due to head gasket problems with the K series and now Rover are no more future supply of overhaul spare parts. There are so many classic cars being preserved around the world still with A series engines in them that i can see parts availabillity being better long term for the A series than the K series.

However, for those that want more power and a modern engine, what about a RWD conversion for another common modern car DOHC twin cam 16V engine- one with a bigger world wide manufactured base. Such as the very reliable twin OHC Toyota 4EFE engine from the 1990's. This is a very clean, reliable modern engine and in 1.3 form as standard produces 88BHP and has a decent amount of torque for a modern engine. There is also something of a tuning scene around the Turbo charged variants of these engines with power of 133BHP as standard.

[jonathon]

I'd choose the 1.4L K series, as it is still in production. However a better choice is the Ford Zetec below, its cheaper to fit and bolts straight to the Type 9 gearbox.
The K series is a great engine and well suited to the Minor. Its 16 Kilo's lighter than the A series and is very economical when mated to the lazy Type 9 gearbox. Our demo 1.4 would do 125mph, 0-60in 8.4 secs and 55mpg on a run, even 32mpg on the track in the hands of Tiff Needell.
Parts are available for these engines, from the likes of Rimmer Bros. The cooling issues were largely due to Rover cost cutting, so you need to make sure that your engine has the MLG gasket and steel dowels rather than the plastic ones. I'd also modify the cooling system , removing the stat from its normal housing and replacing it into a new housing just before the top hose. This creates a more consistant temp in the engines water system rather than Rovers bizarre system. This should ensure maximum engine life.
The A series is indeed a great engine but to reach the power figures of a good 1.4 or 1.8 K series or standard 2.0L Zetec (150)bhp, the A series would become more fragile, more peaky and much less economical. The Toyota engine is indeed a gem but with the latest 'black top' zetec's costing only £800 brand new with a warranty, induction system, alternator and clutch already fitted, they represent fantastic value for money. Depending on which route you take to convert to RWD a motor with loom and mapped ECU will cost around £2800 plus Vat, maybe less.

Here is a Zetec with Jenvey TB's
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Here is the same one with a supercharger fitted

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Pm me for Jenvey T'B's

[chickenjohn]

Looks very very nice Jonothan.

I was thinking about the Toyota 4EFE as when my Traveller was off the road due to accident damage (not my fault and the car is all repaired now and better than it was before) I had no car so bought a cheap Toyota Starlet from where I used to work. This car does have a really nice twin cam engine, even at 100,000 plus miles it is a sweet free revving, reliable and economical car. The engine pulls very well for a 1.3 and is nice and torquey. And means I don't have to drive my Minors on salted roads!

But Imagine a 4EFE engine in a Minor, rear wheel drive, of course has anyone done this before?

[jonathon]

Probably in OZ or NZ as toyotas are more prevelant over there.
trouble is with engine swaps is that really if one is going for 100bhp or more then the running gear behind the motor will be very much the same. So the question then is do you go for a small motor ie 1.4K or the Toyota engine you mention, or go for real power of 120bhp or more. The car will take huge power increases for example the Zetec pictured above is 310bhp and is still 'essentially ' a Minor as the chassis and body are original but with some strategic strengthening.

[chickenjohn]

310 BHP would be great in my Porsche 944, but in a Minor, just a doubling of power would be great. I find the 1098 Minor great round town and local A roads but the only time the lack of power shows is on long runs, eg motorway and dual carriage way usage. In which case nearer to 100bhp would be plenty.

[jonathon]

Have a look here John

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX_NO32S ... re=related

Fresh out of the box at last years national with no setting up time, so a bit wallowy, diff was playing up too so no drive on the long corner at the end of the straight.
All sorted now, and still developing the handling. It is quick, 0-60 4.5 secs top end not sure, but it easily topped 138mph in 4th along the Revitt (?) straight at Snetterton.

[bmcecosse]

Looks great!

[jonathon]

Here's some pics of what needs to be done in the enginebay,

Quite a bit of modification is required to the batterybox and bulkhead X member
front X member. Notice too the chassis kit (part of)

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Brake and clutch header tanks
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Remote oil filter
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Servo
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Mod for dizzy set up, not required if using the later coil packs
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Radiator headertank and 2spd wipers
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Engine mounting plate positions
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[ratrodmog]

Those pictures are really helpfull thanks Jonathon. It is good to see where everything needs to go.

[jonathon]

Are you going ahead with this conversion then ?

[ratrodmog]

In a word, yes . Well if my girlfriend doesn't mind another project and just as soon as I sort out my new house (few months). I'm looking at buying a complete car (Rover 200 or 400 or maybe a Metro) so I can get the engine with all ancilleries, wiring loom and the nice comfy seats. It seems like you can get a whole car for around £400-600 which is a bargain for what your getting.

[Kevin]

Looks great!

You should have tried the passenger seat Roy as I did and a few others on here