How heavy is bmw K head?
Turbo Mini Forums

I am curious, as the front of mini could do with weight reduction. A-series is made of iron cast, with alumiumum? gearbox casing.

Reducing weight on front would improve handling, and cornering speed.

So how heavy is it to BMW K head? and how light you can get whole engine to?

I don't know wot the difference in weight is between the two heads. I shall ask JohnK if i see him before he reads this and replies!!!

a complete K1100 head (with modded cam cover) is heavier than a complete 12G940 with a tin cover and S rockers.
Then you have the extra weight of the front plate and sprockets...

So you'll have to find another excuse to fit the K1100 head LOL!

I wonder what happened to the old patterns for the BMC A series blocks. I reckon with some jigging you could probably cast some up in ally. They did do an ally a series. I think the 3 bearing crank didn't do itself any favours. Also, BMC used to do a magnesium gearbox which saved a bit of weight, was stronger as well. I suppose, ideally a magnesium engine block (a la tatra) would be nice with steel sleeves. Good thermal properties for cooling. BUT, in a FWD car, do you want the front too light anyway? I would say not.

Anyway, carry on......

Bugger off, I'm getting there.

Yeah the head assembly is heavier, but you have to factor in that you can remove most of the cam lobes on the original cam and have 8 cam followers to remove and pushrods.

As for the magnesium idea, i think serious flaws with expansion properties put end to that, we have mag uprights for the f1s and to remove the bearings you just apply a little heat and they fall out!!!!