Identifying an 803 engine.

[rogerowen]

I'm having a bit of dificulty identifying engines. I think I have an 803 currently fitted and have just got hold of a 948 to replace it. What suprises me is that they both look identical, cast iron water pump, same looking joined manifold. Both have lost their engine numbers (must admit it was a bit daft to put the numbers on a riveted on plate!) I just want to make sure that my 803 isnt actually already a 948. Apart from measureing the bore / stroke - is there another way to confirm the engine as an 803? The new lump must be correct as it has '950' in large numerals on the front N/S of the block. Any help greatly appreciated.

[mike.perry]

The obvious difference is that the 948 has a large oil filter with a renewable element, the 803 has a canister screwed to the side of the block

[PSL184]

and an 803 will not have 950 cast into the block

[bmcecosse]

And an 803cc engined car will be desperately slow.......

[rogerowen]

That's the strange thing. This car is not slow at all, which I find unusual. I recently restored an Austin A30 (same engine), and that certainly was slow. Maybe I'll notice a difference once the 948 is installed.

[bmcecosse]

So -does the old engine have the screw on filter on the side of the block ? If it wasn't slow then I think not......

[mike.perry]

If you fit a 948 it would benefit from a 948 gearbox, much better gear ratios

[rogerowen]

Yes, the alleged 803 does have the old type cannister oil filter, ergo - definitely an 803? Just must be a particularly good one! Luckily, I've got a 948 gearbox too.

[mike.perry]

You may have to swap speedos as well

[rogerowen]

Good point! But, current one doesn't work anyway. Not sure what speedo would suit - as keeping 803 diff.