36 replies to this topic

[Noris8322]

I'm struggling to find a good engine builder!

A lot of people recommended ML Motorsport, but they aren't taking on any new engine builds till about 3 months time. This must mean they are good at what, just as everyone has told me

I don't want to use Bill Richards Racing, due to a bad past experience

Mini Sport, after talking to them on the phone, about one of their engine packages. The guys in their sales department didn't really have a clue

Warned away from Jon Speed Racing by TMF members

I'm gonna ring Mini Speed tomorrow to see if they can do anything within my time frame



Can anyone think of any others? Preferable in the south east of the country, but would travel for a highly recommended builder

[Noah]

Minispeed should be able to help you, if not why not try ringing SwiftTune or MED.

[maccers]

MED? VMAX who specialise in SuperChargers do engine builds (he built mine) too

[oltonlad]

southam mini metro centre (smmc) they are near coventry in the midlands but their engine building work is second to none!!

[Noris8322]

SwiftTune and MED are probably gonna be outta my budget

[oltonlad]

a quote from someone on "turbomini's" about smmc :-

Hi just wanted to tell people about a garage that i have used.

southam mini metro centre (smmc)
Unit 1, Baird Park, Brickyard Rd, Southam, Napton on the Hill, Southam CV47 8NT
Phone:01926 815681



I whole heartly recommend these guys for anything mini related. Friendly helpful family run business who on 2 occasions have turned my quivering wreck of a car back to a smooth running machine.

Edited by oltonlad, 10 February 2013 - 09:12 PM.

[mini-geek]

Head shop Warrington... Wouldn't trust anyone else

[Croker]

Get your name on the list and wait for ML. It'll be worth it.

[blacktulip]

Ian Hargreaves of AVR classics is a very good engine builder and a nice man too. based in guildford surrey. he will build you a top engine.

[KernowCooper]

Paul Inch in Plymouth been doing minis when his father Chris ran the company in the 60/70s, Pauls son/daughter both race minis and they have a good name down in the SW

[Cooperman]

From the companies mentioned it would appear that a top performance engine is the aim.
Now, for that a lot of money will be needed.
A standard engine is straiughtforward to build and could be done properly and to a good quality for around £1400 including parts, but not including assembly onto the gearbox.
Any cheaper and one might suppose it will be a bit of a 'bodge' job. I can quantify this if anyone wishes.
It does seem that some people want an engine re-built on-the-cheap' and then complain when it's not done to a high standard.
I believe Southam Mini has a very good reputation.

[KernowCooper]

Thats the problem quality engineering and cheap are not bedfellows

[Guess-Works.com]

You will find that with most competition seasons about to start, the majority of the 'named' engine builders will be getting their engines ready for their customers cars, so you may have to wait.

I occasionally build complete engines, but I only do them one at a time, they have to fit around my primary business which is gearboxes, and already have a queue. so can't help.

Essentially, December to March is the wrong time to get an engine built, unless you've booked it in early.

[1275GTS]

Another for Southam Mini and Metro centre. I've had 2 engines rebuilt by them and cannot praise them highly enough.

[Noris8322]

You will find that with most competition seasons about to start, the majority of the 'named' engine builders will be getting their engines ready for their customers cars, so you may have to wait.

I occasionally build complete engines, but I only do them one at a time, they have to fit around my primary business which is gearboxes, and already have a queue. so can't help.

Essentially, December to March is the wrong time to get an engine built, unless you've booked it in early.

I thought the race season might have some thing to do with it.

The gearbox is the main reason I was gonna be removing the engine, so I thought that while it the engine was out I could have it rebuilt and get a bit more power.