advise please......

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 9:19 pm

The Maestro motor does fit ,but the process is quite involved,requireing quite a fair amount of machining. Iv'e replied to the original post. but if anyone would like further info then please contact me via PM's.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 8:32 pm

1275 Inline engines seem to be like hen's teeth up here! Is the difference in the crank - because I do have two in-line 1275 cranks in stock (one brand new and one good as new) ? I've got 4 east/west units in my garage in case my Mini needs one - but can't get a north/south one anywhere. All the marinas rusted away many moons ago up here in the winter salt. And since I have two sets of Wolseley drums and NO inline 1275 engines - i would have to say the W drums are easier!!
Thanks Jonathon - at least it is now confirmed it can be fitted. As for K series engines not giving much trouble !!! I know several peeps who have scrapped their K engined cars after struggling with head gasket problems - and huge bills. No thank you.

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 8:55 pm

I don't think anyone has said that the K series does not give some trouble. The problems with the headgaskets are a bit misleading, as the problem has been with the gasket dowels not the actual gasket itself. The main problem with this engine is the small amount of coolant used in the system and the bizarre positioning of the thermostat, in order to warm up the engine quickly. We have fitted 9 K series engines now, most secondhand, all of which have been used to the full. With proper cooling these engines are fantastic and only one of our conversions has had a gasket go (dowel related) They are ideally suited to the Minor due to their low weight, high power output excellent economy and ease in utilising the Ford gearbox.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:07 pm

I accept that - if treated correctly - the K series can be a very useful engine. I was actually part of the bearing design team at Glacier when the engine was being developed! It was multip who stated they rarely go wrong - which I loosely interpreted as not giving much trouble. I think if I was contemplating an engine transplant it would be a Vauxhall unit - my personal views would not allow me to use a Honda engine - but as an engineer I have to admit/admire them as just possibly being the best!

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:28 pm

I'd agree tha engine of choice would be a Honda Ford or Vauhall, but all are heavy units even the new Vetec units. Plus the K series has the historical liniage and despite some small problems it is still a stunning engine. Funny enough we will be fitting a 250bhp Vauxhaull motor into an Austin A40 later this year, and possibly a Zetec into a traveller after that. My new employee now has the modifying bug and has plans to amalgamate his Honda Civic Vtec 200bhp with a saloon. It will be frontwheel drive, and just a bit exciting!!

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:02 am

jonathon wrote: My new employee now has the modifying bug and has plans to amalgamate his Honda Civic Vtec 200bhp with a saloon. It will be frontwheel drive, and just a bit exciting!!

\

Honda and Minors... the perfect combination

*drool*

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:36 am

It's a fairly 'standard' Mini conversion. But they do stretch the (round) front wings forward by 4 " - although it goes in the Clubman ok without changing the body shape.

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:50 am

bmcecosse wrote:It's a fairly 'standard' Mini conversion. But they do stretch the (round) front wings forward by 4 " - although it goes in the Clubman ok without changing the body shape.

Now that *would* be scary.

Hmmm I've got to help my neighbour service his new S reg Clubman estate next week... must make sure he's got all the right service parts

(Coincidentally, where's the lifting pin on a 1098 mini Carb? I couldn't find it the other day when looking at the thing!)

Nikki

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:53 am

Should be there on the right-hand side (standing at the front of the car) kind of tucked up near the inlet flange.