Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all,
I'm after some advice about the level of power that my moggie is putting out. We are currently running at about 55hp at the wheels according to a dyno test we had done, but considering the work done to the engine this doesn't really sound like enough especially as I have had a read of David Vizard's a-series "bible" and according to him we should be getting at least 75hp with our current setup.
Currently we have a 1308 which had a full rebuild a couple of years ago, apparently having a polished head, reprofiled cam and cast rockers. It has a sports exhaust system, electronic ignition and 1 1/2" SU carb with sports manifold.
I understand it might be quite difficult to give suggestions without looking but any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Loz and Russ

Maybe the power you are expecting is prior to the wheels, or maybe you haven't actually been given the tuning stuff you paid for. Your post suggests someone else fitted all these bits.

We have fitted all of the bits apart from the ones included in the engine rebuild (i.e. the camshaft and head modifications). According to the paperwork I have just dug out it is a fast road cam part number ARA/270/367, and power at the engine is about 60hp which still doesnt seem very much :/

Well the head is a main source of power, how do you know for sure how well its been done? If it's been on a rolling road, the operator would have made any adjustments needed, so presumably it's not there.

For that sized engine you really need an 1 3/4" carb, HF44 is best. What exhaust are you running, when you say sports manifold is it an LCB?

A 'polished' head is not going to do much - you need a large valve head - properly gas flowed. It's actually better to NOT be polished. A genuine Cooper S head (big inlets and big exhausts) would be worth another 5 bhp. The cam should be fine if installed correctly. And yes the carb is too small - you need a 1 3/4" carb (BDL needle) on a good flowed manifold as above - to get something like 75/80 bhp at the engine - which would be about 60 or maybe 65 at the wheels. Remember - some dynos read more than others!

Sorry, I havent checked this in a while. I got some advice from some people at my local branch meeting and they recommended a few bits and bobs. Thanks for the help

And what were the 'bits and bobs' ?