Beginners Engine Build
Turbo Mini Forums

Hello All,

I am contemplating building a metro turbo engine. I have never done this before and am therefore a novice although I do have some technical knowledge from textbooks etc.

Can anyone advise of any books, websites etc on how to build an a-series engine, that basically takes you through the process. How did everyone do their first build? I want to do it myself as im willing to learn.

Also, can anyone tell me what the most suitable engine bore size, stroke length combination is for a 1380cc turbo engine? Vizard advises not to bore in excess of 0.60 for a turbo lump, is this too cautious? Or sound advise? whats everyones opinion on the matter given bore ridgidity?

I have already searched for this topic but may have missed some valuable info somewhere, so please feel free to inform me if this is the case!

Thanks, Chris.

The Vizard theory of not going more than +0.60 has pretty much been proven as nonsense, with several people on here building sucessful 1380 Turbos. Standard stroke crank & 73.5mm pistons will give you 1380.
The Bill Sollis engine building DVD is supposed to be quite good, especially if you have no previous engine building experience.

WWW.TURBO-MINI.COM

''The Vizard theory of not going more than +0.60 has pretty much been proven as nonsens''
For road engine yes for race he is right

I reccomend the DVD.

Good stuff.

Thanks for your posts. Have already placed an order for the DVD!

Chris.

http://www.twin-turbo.co.uk
http://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/default.asp

A man without a project is like a like a woman without a shopping list.

This is also a good book. Not A-series specific, but tells you all you need.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blueprint-4-cylind...22070721&sr=1-1

And as above, what's the main failure point for a race 1380 turbo? and who races a 1380 turbo?

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

I agree, buy the DVD, its very good.

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/

Is there a bore size and stroke length combination that works better than the rest for achieving hp? Im tempted to settle with a 73.5mm bore, however is a turbo more suited with a short stroke or a long stroke? The quote that theres no substitute for cc seems to be a focal point to me, however I dont want to simply choose a 91mm stroke for 1544cc if there are no great advantages given the cost of the parts.

Basically what im asking is, if you were about to rebuild an engine, (and given your past experience in engine design!) what bore size would you go for and what stroke length, for achieving maximum hp. I am intending on installing a 25hp nos system, and the car will be used for fun/ track days etc not as an everyday car so practicality is not an issue. Acceleration is also more of a priority than top end.

Your advise is greatly appreciated!

Big displacements are far less of an issue as far as producing high power goes when you have Turbo employed.
You can make more than enough power from 1293cc to bring the transmission to it's limit.

WWW.TURBO-MINI.COM

I think you're starting by the wrong side: your dreams.
a well built 1275/93 turbo is capable to make enough power to grenade about any a serie transverse gearbos/idle gear/and hassle a lot of clutch set up.
with a turbo you can start with a std crank ,pistons,head, and a good cam, with the help of little more boost you'll then need: a good clutch/diff/gearbox.
then a 1544..... you're mad and have a big hole in your pocket.