Tips for block machining
Turbo Mini Forums

Right im starting my new build and am going in stages as i cant afford the lot in one go.

Just wondered if anybody had any tips of things to have done when i get it machined.

Got on the list so far:

zetec jet machining
coutersunk head threads
end core plug tapped bsp
poss water pump machining although may just grind it myself

If you dont want things public i dont mind a pm

Im aiming for circa 150 so i need the right combination.

MBE is sorting the maching so i know it will be done properly, he's already making suggestion. One was make sure you pray alot running that sort of power!! Basically i want to prove him wrong!

Cheers

Edited by iain on 18th Jun, 2004.

what else?

Re-bore
line bore mains
centre strap (if you fancy it)

Alex

AlexF

Yeah re-bore and new cams bearings, i.e. the basics. Just wondering about little tricks.

Not sure on the line boring, suppose its as required.

Not going for a centre strap i dont think. Ill see what mike says, last time i spoke he didnt want to fit one as he believes they're not required. Ill have a chat with him about that.

cam bearings are often not required either!

alex

AlexF

What about getting the block face surface ground to ensure it's flat ?

Phil.

WWW.TURBO-MINI.COM

Ill have it decked when ive got the pistons, rods and crank sorted i reckon.

Sounds the best plan?

keep them coming!

Have done this many a time. Acid dip,rebore,re-face block,core plugs & Cam bearings if needed. Should be ?150 ish.

No reason to do anything to the water pump area unless the block is skimmed so much the water pump needs moving down.

Countersinking of head heads can be done with a 10mm drill bit and a hoover to suck up the swarf as you produce it.

Why tap the core plugs?..doing La mans?

Going to fit a end of head to block hose for improved cooling.
Alot less than ?150 mate....
Yeah agree about the cunter sinking, most likely do most of it myself.
Using high grade cap bolts for the gearbox rather than tapping them out larger.
Water pump area being modded to improve coolant flow once again.

Le mans would be cool! dont think id manage it though! lol! i know someone who goes every year in their M3, apparently as soon as your off the ferry its one mad race to the circuit!

what about dry decking head and block?

Team Racing

Been told its a lot of hassle for very little gain mate. Asked him at dinner! Only advantage being that if you blow the gasket you can limp home/to the end of the race.

He said the thing that makes most difference is to connect where the heater valve is back into the top hose, i.e. above the thermostat.