12A1456 Cylinder Head Suitability on a 948cc

[seriesmm]

I have located a 12A1456 cylinder head which originated from a Mini (engine size unknown).

Would this be suitable for fitment to my 1957 Minor which has a 948cc engine? The block in my Minor was replaced with a short motor after piston number 3 decided to go walkabout out of the side of the block some years before I acquired the car. The head is the original and with around 140,000 miles on it probably could do with some looking at as part of the recommissioning process.

The 12A1456 casting has provision for an engine temperature sensor under the thermostat area. If the 12A1456 is suitable, I'm inclined to rework this head rather than the original unless other issues make it uneconomic to do so.

Thanks

[geoberni]

Yes it'll be fine.
If you search the forum for 12A1456, you'll find lots of mentions of it, usually from philthehill, who is very knowledgeable on such things.

[philthehill]

The classic Mini 12A1456 cylinder head will fit the 948cc Minor engine with the added benefit of the temp take off port.
You may find that it has the valve guides with groove for the valve stem top hat seals. The top hat seals only need to be fitted to the inlet valve guides/valve stems.

[seriesmm]

I'm much obliged to you both for the prompt responses.

Thank you

[seriesmm]

I've been sent a few photos of the head - sadly it looks as though part of the face has been sat in water or damp and has some corrosion.
It will need a skim but I'm not sure a skim will get the corrosion out.
Otherwise it looks OK.

[philthehill]

If you are not sure that a skim will do the job then look for another head. Small block heads are widely available.