17 replies to this topic

[Cooperman]

The key to engine building is cleanliness, patience and accuracy.
remove all the core plugs and make certain every component is fit for use by inspection and measuring.
Do at least one 'trial build' (also called a 'dummy build').
There is nothing difficult really, but that is easy to say if it's something you've been doing for years.
There are little things you can do, such as setting the crankshaft end-float by linishing the thrust bearing back faces to get it exactly right, using offset keys to get the cam timing exactly right, etc..

Remember, we are all here to help if you need advice.

[mini13]

as above,

 

measure everything, all the bearings with plastigauge, check every thing moves slowly, check ring end gaps, deck height, one thing that is a bit trickier is to measure bore clearance as it needs a bore gauge and a micrometer big enough.

 

One other thing well worth doing is putting together a spreadsheet of all the measurments you need to take and print it out, then it will be obvious if youve forgotton any.

[Batmini]

My advice would be to have a go, but maybe try a 'standard' engine 1st. I built mine using tips from the "Ultimate mini" DVD that you mentioned and found it straight forward enough. I would advise maybe build a standard 998 for practice, then build your fire breathing 1380 ! (Cheaper breaking a 998 if there are any mistakes / learning exercises! )