6 replies to this topic

[skoughi]

Hi folks, i know there won't be many on here that can help but you never know! I'm looking for an engine builder in the Aberdeenshire area, as i stay in the Shetland isles Aberdeen is where our roro ferry docks at so it'll make things a little easier. I have a 1330 a series with what i think is an mg head ( going by the valve sizes) however the previous owner said he had to run it with a lead additive so the head needs converting and it did smoke quite a lot so depending on cost i may want the block to be checked and rebuilt as well, the bores are quite polished. So if anyone can recomend someone in the northeast of Scotland then please let me know, cheers!

[AndyMiniMad.]

I can recommend Precision engine services in Inverness. but I suppose thats just a bit too far...

[skoughi]

Thanks for the reply, that may be ok as won't cost much more to have it sent there than to a place in aberdeen, i could even pop down on the ferry and nip over and drop off the engine myself. Always better to speak to someone in person rather than over the phone. Have you had much work or heard reports from them, also what kind of services can they offer as i'm looking from getting the head converted to having the whole engine checked over, possible cross hatching or rebore.

[AndyMiniMad.]

They bored my 1380 and ported my 12g940 head...They did a fantastic job...Andrew who is the owner has a keen interest in classic cars and owns quite a few...the previous owner was Andy horn who rallys a merto 6R4....The photos of their cars competing at various events are plastered all over the walls at reception....Carefull not to get them talking to much because you could be there all day....Frank who is one of the machineists used to rally a mini cooper and still has a garage full of spare parts..
So in short....you will be in good hands...I would gladly meet up with you and introduce you to them....I need a block honed myself so we could kill 2 birds with one stone.

Its been a while (8 months) since i was last up in the Shetlands...was not the best ferry ride ive ever had.....Bouncy bouncy....but I was up to the north isles....bloody lovely up there.. (In the Summer lol)

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 29 August 2011 - 07:45 PM.

[skoughi]

Thanks for that, i may give them a call in the near future. As i don't have much experence with rebuiding the engine then i would like to know the block etc is sound and properly rebuilt, after that i can put on whatever i like! Yeah the ferry can be a bore, ok on a fine night with a few beers but a total drag on a crap night!! We'vw had a crap summer, not many nice days! Shame as Shetland can be very nice on a sunny day with fantastic roads for a mini!

[AndyMiniMad.]

Dont worry about rebuilding your engine...Once yoiu have had the block bored and the head sorted, the rest is pretty much a case of bolting stuff together. Ok so you need to know what to do, but you will never be stuck on the forum....Loads of us seem to be constantly doing stuff to our engines...

Click on my project link below for an example of what not to do... LOL..

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 30 August 2011 - 07:06 AM.

[skoughi]

Yeah my thoughts exactly, if i can get the block and head sorted by someone who has the tools, knowledge and experence then i've got the confidence to tackle the rest. This website is a godsend as far as getting info and tips on the rest is concerend, may even have a go at the gearbox myself! I could regret saying that come to think about it!!