Rover "K" series, any ideas

Post by **Bart** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:06 am

Having been "chewing the fat" and "shooting the "s**t" with a couple of buddies, I am looking into using the Rover "K" series engine in a Minor
As with many of these ideas there is always heresay and rumour!!
But if this is possible then it opens the doors of possibility!
I have run out of options concerning Fiat twin cams for the new project and the one we have fitted to the pick-up is becoming somewhat tired!
The engineering works wont present too many problems as I have access to fabrication facilites and a machine shop.
If you have any info on these engines please let me know (I have never even looked under the bonnet of a modern Rover!)
Dont worry about being technical!!!!
Thankyou

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 11:06 am

There is a conversion kit avaliable from JLH, but it is ££££££££ no idea of the contact details.... someone will tho

Post by **Cam** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 12:29 pm

The only thing that concerns me is that the dizzy comes out of the right hand side of the engine, which would be the rear in a Minor installation. I don't think there is room for the dizzy in it's standard location but I don't see how it could be changed easily.

JLH is running one so maybe a visit to him would help clarify a few things (then you can see it for yourself too).

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 12:51 pm

Fitting any FWD engine isn't simple and the K-series is probably more complicated than most due to the dizzy as already mentioned. It's far more work than other engines but if you are sure about it, then it's worth the hassle, as it is similar weight to the A-series

I'd also recommend visiting JLH. He's far from cheap but he can also help guide you on all the other bits that should be done that most people are completely unaware of (right down to strengthening plates for the steering rack mounts etc...)
His number is 01926 421199

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 1:00 pm

Fitting any FWD engine isn't simple and the K-series is probably more complicated than most

There are also RWD K series, think MGF and MG TF, apparently its very easy to convert a fwd engine for a rwd application.......

Post by **Cam** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 1:13 pm

I think the MGF anf TF are mid mounted?? So essentially a FWD application, just set back in the car. Mid engines have the same orientation as FWD cars. So, same problem!

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgf.html#Mechanical

Yes, it is mid mounted.

And it's definately RWD as I had one sideways around a roundabout in Macclesfield!!

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 1:21 pm

Good point Cam......

There are a couple of companies that do K series conversions for spridgets, and as a spridget eninge + box bolt in these should (?) also work......

(I have asked people about how hard it is to do the conversion for spridgets and to convert the eninge to rwd is really quite simple.....)

Post by **Cam** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 1:25 pm

JLH has also branched out into the MG market and is offering a K-Series spridget conversion due to the lack of demand from us Minor lot!

I would like to know how they get over the dizzy problem, maybe you don't have to in the spridget?? Would be a nightmare to change the rotor arm though with it poking under the scuttle!! On a K-Series the rotor arm is held on with a small bolt through the side, so you can't just flick it off like you can with an A-Series.

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 1:27 pm

I will ask the spridget/B people

Post by **custommartin** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 5:06 pm

Hi All,

These engines can, on occasions, be a complete nightmare

Morgan Cars fitted them for a few years, in the mid to late nineties (while Ford developed the Zetec), and us dealer chappies have been fixing the b....y things ever since

.
The factory went back to Ford asap, thank goodness. (never thought I'd say that!!!)

As standard, the engine management tends to fail, especially the sensors (crankshaft sensor in particular).

You can change/upgrade the engine management but this is, obviously, seeeerious money, or go over to carbs or throttle bodies etc., but again none of this is cheap.
I understand the engine alone can cost a thousand pounds or so, to start with.

The head-gaskets are another problem area, but we have never had one of these go......yet

.
Apparently the early engines are better than later ones.

To get clearance for the distributor, in a Minor, you have to cut a piece out of the bulkhead cross-member, cut the battery tray and relocate the battery.

To be fair they are good engines on the whole (look at the cars that use 'em) but need a lot of money spending to make them worth considering. If money no object then why not.

If I were doing my conversion again (I have a fully rebuilt Fiat Twin-Cam sitting in the garage, next to the V8

) then I would have to consider a Ford Zetec/Focus Zetec or perhaps a Toyota twin-cam (this has been done in a Minor - seen the van from Kent???)

Moan over. I hope that helps.

BTW
There is a feature in Retro Cars magazine this month on up-rating the Moggie, featuring the K-series and Jonathan of JLH, worth a look.

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 5:22 pm

Apparently the early engines are better than later ones.

Its the other way around, they modified the engines to make them less prone to head gasket failure

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 6:06 pm

Apparently the early engines are better than later ones.

Yes - I heard that too, but I heard that they have changed to different head gasket materials now so maybe they've cracked it.

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:33 pm

And it's definately RWD as I had one sideways around a roundabout in Macclesfield!!

Isn't that one of your standard test drive requirements before you buy a car Cam?

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:35 pm

surely you could have done it with an FWD? handbrake or lift off oversteer ;)

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:53 pm

surely you could have done it with an FWD? handbrake or lift off oversteer

It's done by left foot braking Matt. handbrake turns are for russ swift or the baseball-capped f-witts.

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:55 pm

I have had oversteer on a FWD car by lifting off the gas (from understeer)

Post by **Cam** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:55 pm

Isn't that one of your standard test drive requirements before you buy a car Cam?

Yes, Pete......... yes it is...........

surely you could have done it with an FWD? handbrake or lift off oversteer

No mate! RWD is a totally different thing. A RWD powerslide is NOTHING like a FWD handbrake turn or anything else to do with those horrid FWD things.............. one of the main reasons I got rid of my Minis....... I experienced RWD in all it's glory!!

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:56 pm

I know its not the same, you can still get oversteer in a FWD car...... (NO BRAKING INVOLVED...)

Post by **Cam** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:58 pm

Yes but it's about controlled powersliding. Spinning the back wheels and having the car go at 45 degrees up the street! Can't do that with a FWD!!!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:59 pm

I have had oversteer on a FWD car by lifting off the gas (from understeer)

that's not a powerslide though..