803 cc 1955 Performance

[Fingolfin]

I love the spirit, David! Keep it as original as possible (except where safety is affected) is my credo too.

[David53]

Thanks Fingolfin It's perfectly safe if you keep the car well maintained and drive according to it's limits. I have taken the car on several long trips out into the Australian bush and it has never let me down. I also use it occasionally around heavy city traffic without probs.

[mike.perry]

[quote="David53"]Where was that in the Aussie manual Mike.

Page 23, Data and Specifications, Maximum BMEP 120 psi

[David53]

Thanks Mike. Wasn't aware that BMEP was engine compression. Looks like mine is right on the money then!

[bmcecosse]

I'm not sure that BMEP IS the 'Compression' - but I expect that's what they mean...........
BMEP is usually the 'mean' (the M) pressure from a PV diagram taken over the whole cycle.
Yes - I thought so (long time since did Thermodynamics...) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_effective_pressure

[jimboreid]

Again thanks for all you replies. It seems I have started a 803cc chain!
Engine was completely rebuilt proffessionally recently as was the car completely restored proffessionally.
Due to go back for minor tweaks ( excuse pun) so I will have the plugs, points and tining looked at.

[dellerie]

can't think why anyone would want to keep their car original. they were c*** 50 years ago. why drive like it today?

i bet those that 'keep it original' have radials and copper brake pipes. oh and sealed batteries.......

[Neil MG]

I think a lot of the poor reputation of this engine is due to poorly set up or tuned examples. When you have so few horses to start with any lack of compression or poor tuning makes the car very slow. After buying mine I believe I was in exactly your position.

I run an 803 as my daily runabout and although it's not exactly nippy it is nowhere near as bad as some are making out. I live in the Lakes and most of the roads round here are pretty hilly! I got myself a spare 1098 engine after buying the car, thinking I might need a bit of extra zip, but have not felt the need to fit it. If your carb tuning, ignition timing, points gap and advance are all optimised the car runs really well. (You need to advance the timing a bit more than the factory setting)

Having spent a bit of time making sure mine is propery set up, it now easily cruises at 55-60 on the flat and needs quite a long and steep hill to fall below 40. I agree that the gap between 3rd and 4th is too big and I will probably change to 948 ratios at some point in the future.

I was in a real quandary initially as my car is extremely original and one of the few survivors with an 803 engine. Should I keep it original or try and "improve" it. Now I have it running so well there is no question. And, if it were much quicker I might have to reconsider my crossply tyres, trafficators and lack of seatbelts...

In conclusion I am very happy with a very drive-able and original little car!

[David53]

Dellerie no need to be offensive. And the smugness in your message is not really appreciated either. Some of us work hard to keep our cars as original as possible. Lack of availability of some items (ie: Crossply 520/14 tyres, old style batteries) does require a compromise, but as previously stated I have a modern car for my regular driving. I enjoy keeping my 1953 as close to original as I can and I love driving it as it is. Why do people who collect old clocks not fit modern electronic movements in them? Its the same logic....

[mike.perry]

Talking of old clocks, my glove box lid clock has a quartz movement. David, didn't you buy the last replica clock from Minor Developments?

[David53]

No Mike, I was very tempted but the price was just a little too high

On the plus side I have finally found the final piece of the original tool kit on eBay, an original jack. Totally useless for jacking up the car of course, but nice to have in the tool roll!

[mike.perry]

Have you still got the jacking points at the bottom of the A posts?

[David53]

Yep. All present and correct

[mike.perry]

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[chickenjohn]

Where was that in the Aussie manual Mike? Looked everywhere but couldn't find it..

Yeah I know a 948 is a better engine but I want to keep my car 100% original and experience driving 1953 style - I have a modern car if I want to go fast

Good for you!

If I had an 803CC car I'd keep it standard as well!

[MarkyB]

One day I'll weaken and buy a 1955 Minor, a very good year it will be an interesting challenge to improve the performance a bit while keeping it standard looking.

[bmcecosse]

Bore out the block and fit a 948 crank....... Could be good for 80/90 bhp........

[David53]

Thanks John

[David53]

I think you're all missing the point a little - yes the 803 was terribly underpowered for the Minor (The engine and box were designed for the much lighter A30). I could easily upgrade to a 948 or even a 1098, I could fit an upgraded crank, bore out the block etc...but my car is a three owner (I am the third) VERY original 1953 Series II built in the brief span of time between MM and Series II production when they simply plonked the 803 and box into an MM body shell and fitted a new bonnet mascot. These cars were only made for about five months before they changed the diff and front hubs, and there are probably very few left in original condition worldwide. My car has the original engine and (I presume) original box. The only departure from original spec has been tyres (Crossplies not avail locally), a modern battery and fitting of flashing indicators for safety. As such it is a little time machine of 1953 motoring and it would be a shame to spoil it. I could easily buy a later Series II or 1000 and upgrade it for modern driving if that's what I wanted to do.

I have no prob whatsoever with those who modernise their cars with modern engines, 5 speeds, disc brakes etc. But for me I can hop in my gutless little Series II and potter along enjoying early 50's motoring as it was meant to be . Each to his own...

[Dean]

I agree with you david53... I'm keeping mine as is although it has been tastefully upgraded to 948 keeping the original diff and gear change.