Uni Project Ideas

Post by **GuyC** » Sun May 24, 2009 7:57 pm

Evening,
Probably get asked a lot of questions etc about project ideas but I thought I would ask anyway seeing as this forum seems to be very helpful!

I'm in my second year of my Motorsport Engineering degree and need to do a project on a vehicle.
I was thinking of perhaps rebuilding and Turbo charging a 1275 Marina engine for my Morris Minor? Not thinking about silly amounts of boost or power as I can imagine reliability becoming an issue!

I know putting a larger, more efficient engine would be an easier task and probably more powerful and reliable in the long run but would not be complex enough to do as a project.

Has this been done before and if so how successfully? And to what cost?
Has anyone got any constructive criticism or advise?

Thanks a lot any thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Post by **d_harris** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:08 pm

Metro turbo bits are what you need, but don't come cheap. There are a few on here that have actually done it...

Post by **GuyC** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:14 pm

I shouldn't be limited to the Metro turbo as I have the facilities to make any custom manifolds especially turbo manifolds. I was thinking maybe renault 5 turbo or similar?

Plus also what work is needed on the block, can the compression be lowered with compression gaskets? can the con rods and crankshaft take the extra power?

Any info or ideas appreciated!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:16 pm

The turbo bits shouldn't be that expensive - ( http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/mini-metro-turbo- ... 7C294%3A50 ) because nowadays it's generally accepted that Supercharging - not Turbo - is the way to go! The ex MINI Cooper S Eaton supercharger - like this - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Mini-Cooper-O ... 294%3A50is used - and works very well on the A series engine. If you are on a msport degree course - you will surely know what's required without us telling you! And to get the very best from it -you will of course fit fully mappable electronic ignition - with no dizzy! ie Megajolt.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:33 pm

Crank would NEED to be tuftrided and used with leaded bronze bearing shells. Rods ok - you won't be using high revs! Intercooler required - and high spec pistons to withstand the heat - and MG Metro Turbo head with the sodium filled valve stems!

Post by **GuyC** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:37 pm

I do have a relatively good knowledge of what needs to be undertaken but unfortunately BMC they don't tell us everything and is more of an independent study. Plus it is always good to get the opinions of people who have done it or have also researched it as it is an expensive project to start. But i will have a look at the supercharging route also. Thanks for the info.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:38 pm

Just ask - I was only yanking your chain!

Post by **GuyC** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:48 pm

Haha ok, thanks again for the info, can begin pricing it all up and I'm not sure if I am going to like it!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun May 24, 2009 9:50 pm

Remember - if upgrading the Minor engine - you need to do something with the brakes/dampers/wheels and tyres!

Post by **GuyC** » Sun May 24, 2009 10:05 pm

Don't worry that should be keeping me busy this summer!