Any thoughts/comments on my proposed spec?
Turbo Mini Forums

I have recently undertaken a turbo conversion project on my SPI mini.

This engine is a budget build as i am going to be ploughing most of my money into restoring the body etc. I have acquired a complete MG Metro Turbo as the donor.

Just wondering if i should be looking at doing anything else.

Looking to get 2-3 years from the engine before a comprehensive rebuild and upgrade. But will prob cover no more than 10K in that time.

Standard MG Metro Turbo Engine & Box
Keith Calver Stage 3 Head (rework chambers to lower CR)
Modified Plenum with DV
8psi Actuator
Escort S2 Intercooler

any ideas roughly what sort of output this would be? and would the box cope with it if treated sensibly?

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

BAAARRRRNNNSSLLLEEYYY EYYYYY! Sounds ok to me. Just dont go silly with the boost or the gearbox will give up the ghost.

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

Go and see Mike's.

It'll make you want to spend thousands.

Pretty much same spec as mine, 120bhp should be perfectly obtainable. :) Not massive compared to some people on here, but still goes like shit off a shovel.

should be ok,

for peice of mind i would whip the Diff out and check the diff pin, as this is the weakest link.

any pics of the metro turbo?

If you want ill change the diff pin for a few beverages fella! Its pretty straight fowards!

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

If you can stretch to it I'd recommend straight cut drops and a cross pin diff. This will eliminate the two main g/box weak spots, cost approx £350-400 for new bits.

What he said! I would also think about rebuilding the box before you put it back.

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

I can see me spending thousands lol!

I have 2 spare engines and boxes which i am planning on rebuilding with more boost in mind. prob plough my money into that once the car is done.

reckon i may chuck a new diff pin in it to be safe and stick to 8psi boost. hopefully if i treat the old girl nice she will be ok.

then i will rebuild one of my spare engines/box using the aformentioned upgraded bits

PS have attached a pic of the metro for the person who asked.

Attachments:

156.28kb

Edited by John on 4th Jun, 2008.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

Just another question.

The Stage 3 Cylinder head I have is a Keith Calver N/A item.

Has good quality stainless valves in it so am not worried about the heat.

However I am wondering if the methods for modifying an N/A head are different to modifying for turbo applications. Apart from the obvious chamber sizes.

Do you require more/less porting? Different chamber shapes etc??

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

Chambers i think, Benross is the man to ask. What Guides do they have?

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

i think turbo go with smaller valves too rather than over sized N/A ones. means the seat can take more heat i believe??? i could be wrong though can someone confirm?

Hi Mike.

the head has bronze guides and 35.7mm inlet 29mm exhaust.

is also unleaded.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

You should be ok with that then buddy.

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

The most important thing is to use good quality guides (phospher bronze iirc) not the cheap shiney bronze ones. and relieve the tollerance on the exhaust valve to guide clearance to allow for expansion.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

Ok.

Do you think resident head genius BENROSS would be willing to check my head over an carry out any remedial works which may be necessary?

I already know that I will need to open up the chambers a little.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

I'm sure steve will look at it for you, as luck would have it he is only just up the road from you as well. He also has a black metro turbo so may be interested in some parts from yours too.

Steves the guy for heads, hes done loads of work for peeps on here with no complaints. Drop him a pm.

1/4 Mile 14.3secs 96Mph Terminal 10psi of boost.


Fibreglass Parts? - http://www.tdkracing.co.uk/
Split Rims? - http://www.force-racing.co.uk/

I definately will when I'm ready.

Still gotta get the engine out of the metro.

Not had time recently.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

Well since my initial ideas it seems my specs are rising and so is the amount of money i'm spending!

Looks more like now.

Standard MG Metro Turbo Bottom End (got)
N/A MG Metro Camshaft (got)
Duplex Timing Gear (to buy)
Modified Head (gotta buy it yet!)
Jack Knight 4spd SC/CR Box (got)
Jack Knight SC Drops (got)
X-Pin Diff with 3.2 FD (to buy)
Modded Plenum with DV (to get modded & buy dv)
S2 Intercooler (got just need piping)
Hopefully Megajolt For Ignition (to buy)
Modified Ex Manifold (to get modded)
Enlarged T3 Elbow (to get modded)
STD Metro T3 (got ran ok with out smoking but may do oil seals anyway)
Adjustable Actuator (to buy poss avonbar?)
Uprated Verto Clutch (got)
Maniflow downpipe (to buy)
Play Mini exhaust system. (to buy)

does this sound a bit better than my original spec?

hoping to get a year or two out of the bottom end until i build something a bit more fruity and poss replace the turbo with something more suitable.

Edited by John on 26th Sep, 2008.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

the bottom ends can stay stock for as long as you like. they take plenty of abuse.

She has done a fair few miles though 71k!!

Had some service history though and ran well before I removed it.

Hopefully it will last long enough for funds to allow me to build another from one of my spares.

Thinking full rebuild with good pistons, avonbar phase 2 cam, lightened pre-verto flywheel/clutch etc etc.

Edited by John on 10th Mar, 2009.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

your spec spot on!
duplex chain is a waste, keep the genuine one with the tensioner a new chain.
the head isn't,if your is in good condition, you can just rework chambers, the mg cam will produce the goods.
be carefull with the clutch,it's a sensible point.
you should have your 3.2fd in the metro box.but you could consider a longer one, as you'll certainly find it a bit short (I'm regulary looking for a fith gear with my3.1)

my metro box actually has a 3.44 in it as its from an N/A MG metro

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.