847 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

Today I took out the old SPi fuel pump and fitted the new after market MPI pump for minispares, which seems like it has come via a supplier Glencoe (they seem decent)

 

https://www.minispar...|Back to search

 

No fitting instructons included 

 

I searched a bit on here and over at the 16v forum and i found bits and pieces of info but nothing comprehensive. So I thought I would document my process, with the hope it might help others. Though, this is not a definite guide, just how I did it. Any input appreciated. 

 

So here is the old (larger) pump out if the tank and the new Mpi pump layed beside. 

 

 

 

Old pump removed, I wanted to use the base support the old pump rested on, but that meant the pipe that connects to the pump was too long.

 

 

I cut about 25mm of the pipe and deburred and filed the end round. 

 

 

New pump installed, I have seen others cable tie the pump on to support it better. I felt this pulled the pump too much. I had some thicker fuel hose so I added that to the return pipe and then cable tied it all together. 

 

Then the wiring: Large speed connector to Live and the smaller to Ground. CAN SOMEONE CONFIRM THIS: I found conflicting info on here, but another member had posted that minispares had told him large - live and small -ground. 

 

[minisilverbullet]

 

 

Seems the water pump pulley will rub on the oil hose (which runs from the block to the head), Is there smaller diameter pulley in the market? 

 

http://www.theminifo...r-pump-pulleys/

 

4.2" here

 

4.75" here

 

3.875" here

 

3 7/8" (3.875) seems to be the smallest but given what was said in the link above it seems the largest pulley that will fit is best as the water pump can go too fast especially at higher revs.

 

 

Many thanks!

 

Although I understand the pump will spin quicker but I really need a smaller pulley for clearance. I am gonna measure up and see which i need. hopefully not too small. 

[minisilverbullet]

I actually fitted a larger diameter pulley for the reason above (pump was knackered after 1,200 miles). You may also find you need a spacer so the fan misses pipes, but yours look differently routed than mine.

 I actually had a spacer on the pump. it made the clearance a bit better. but it would still rub. 

[Streetscreamer]

.... as I am preparing a same kind of block, I studied your photos well.

Nice build, nice parts.

 

However one doubt: I see the pistons installed with the large valve pockets at the exhaust side, the small valve pockets to the intake side.

As the intake valves are bigger than the exhaust valves, shouldn't it be installed in the oposite way....?

 

Sorry I hope I am not right, as your engine is already build up quite far now....

 

regards, Bart

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

Good spot, think you have saved minisilverbullet a potential expensive rebuild further down the line!

[59 Speed]

+1 on the spot!

Ps I've got a small water pump pulley if you need it

[AndyR]

It is the right way round.  The big pocket is on the back side of the engine.  The head is offset towards the back of the block, hence the valves being closer to the cylinder.

Edited by AndyR, 19 June 2016 - 04:57 PM.

[minisilverbullet]

I would hope they are the right way around it was Specialist components who built the short block. 

 

Though better safe than sorry, so i had a look at their build guide and yip it is correct:

 

 

 

Though many thanks for being observant! One reason I have this thread is to catch any mistakes i might be making. 

[minisilverbullet]

+1 on the spot!

Ps I've got a small water pump pulley if you need it

is it the 4.2" version? or the smallest 3.85" 

[59 Speed]

 

+1 on the spot!

Ps I've got a small water pump pulley if you need it

is it the 4.2" version? or the smallest 3.85" 

 

It's the 3.875" diameter one.

 

I searched high and low for a medium or 4.2" pulley as my  4.75" was very close to the head (especially with the wrong belt, fits fine now though  )

[minisilverbullet]

yeah the only 4.2 inch one i can find is the 50 quid MED one. 

[Streetscreamer]

Happy that I was not right.

 

I will keep a sharp eye on this matter when building my block.

Many other builds show the oposite.

I think the pockets are not that thight around the valves, however you prefer a certain shroud around the valve.

When drybuilding my block I will check with some Playdoh of my daughter what is the clearance between the valves and the pockets

[minisilverbullet]

I feel I am getting close to lift the engine into the car. 

 

Some questions:

 

What are these three holes at the rear of the crankcase? 

 

 

Where should I fit the fuel pressure regulator, beside the tank or in the engine bay?

[nicklouse]

Non Mini engine mounts. Regulator tends to be fitted close to the carbs or injectors.

[minisilverbullet]

Cheers Nick!