Everyone take a look and give me your response.
Turbo Mini Forums

Right, I've had a few problems with my latest block as noted here: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=3396 So, here is the basic question. I want to see if the 'later' blocks - ie the ones with the large casting numbers/letters on the front (just under the headgasket line)- are generally worse than the earlier ones, or is it just bad luck? If you have had one without a problem, and one with, Don't vote for any, but add a comment below - we have to do this as you can only vote once (I know Phil has seen a difference between blocks just like me, but i'm not sure what the block type was.

I have the earlier A+ (or pre A+) block with no casting numbers and have NO cooling problems.	8 Votes - 0%
I have the earlier A+ (or pre A+) block with no casting numbers and DO have cooling problems	2 Votes - 0%
I have the Later A+ block with the casting numbers and no cooling problems	16 Votes - 0%
I have the Later A+ block with the casting numbers and DO have cooling problems.	7 Votes - 0%

Edited by turbodave16v on 12th Mar, 2006.

I'll re-write this as I can't format the poll question!


Right, I've had a few problems with my latest block as noted here: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=3396

So, here is the basic question. I want to see if the 'later' blocks - ie the ones with the large casting numbers/letters on the front (just under the headgasket line)- are generally worse than the earlier ones, or is it just bad luck?
Here is a pic showing where the casting numbers are

If there is nothing in this area, you have an earlier A+ block.



If you have had one without a problem, and one with, Don't vote for any, but add a comment below - we have to do this as you can only vote once (I know Phil has seen a difference between blocks just like me, but i'm not sure what the block type was).

Edited by turbodave16v on 5th Apr, 2005.

but i've only driven it once lol and that was slowly to the paint shop lol

http://www.Zeemax.com

I have the Later A+ block with the casting numbers and no cooling problems - but thats with no turbo.

i have a early a+ block no casting numbers no cooling probs thats turbo.

ive had 2 later blocks, A+ with castin numbers and one ran too cool if anything (had to chuck a warmer stat in) and the other wouldnt stay cool for anything!

my current block, and my previous block both had the numbers cast in the top, (they are both spi blocks) MED told me these were the best, both had / have cooling problems

Team Racing

i had a standard turbo lump which going by memoery had the casting numbers and had no cooling probs with that at 4/10 psi.

now running another A+ block with the casting numbers and if anything its too cool! rarely goes above half way.

hmmm,
Not much of a pattern so far!!!

Come on guys - I know there are more than 6 of you who use A-series blocks in your turbo minis!

is there any difference between the turbo block and non turbo?

im a non turbo A+ block with the numbers and having cooling issues

No difference at all (as far as I'm aware anyway!!!)

Maybe we should compare numbers - It's possible there are more than one I guess?
What do yours say?

VMAX Scart 04/04

the plate went missing when it was rebuilt

I have used the later block a few times in N/A forms and never had a problem.

The block I am using for my turbo build is an earlier (no numbers) block.

can't remember where the block came from nic, did i supply it ? i think they are spi blocks ?
just building 1380 with one today i'll have a look over it for signs

I meant the casting numbers Nik,

EDIT - just had a look at your netnsapshot pics.
You do indeed have the castimg numbers...

Edited by turbodave16v on 5th Apr, 2005.

Stuart, the block in mine came from a '92 cooper (carb'd) but I also have two still with the metro engine mounts - so they were fitted to the last of the metros for sure.

Edited by turbodave16v on 5th Apr, 2005.

not sure to answer yes or no really im using a later a+ block with the casting number as in the picture, sure its a turbo block bored to about 1310(ish i think)

whilst driving everythings ok when stationary it starts to overheat im now running without a thermostat and it seems to be ok

ive not yet fitted a proper temp guage so dont know temps just going off the sh1tty hot and cold guage

so i suppose its a yes ive got cooling probs

Edited by Carl on 5th Apr, 2005.

no longer a series, but still 1.3 turbo.

I've got a late block in my Spi and have loads of problems despite running an uprated rad (can't do the LtoB in it as it would boil over!). My previous car (a 92 SPi) also ran hot, but not as bad as the one I've got now.

dave : checked all over with core plugs out , no real differences , quite a lot of casting flash horizontally around the cylinders though

I didn't recall seeing anything different (or anything that made me think "that looks different") when i was prepping my block either... All very strange.

got early a+ with no probs running minispares 2 core and no thermostat

Mine is early A+ no probs running 9psi I run mini spares 2 core rad with elec fan with original fan cowling cut away to ease air flow.

http://www.rabdunn.co.uk/

the 2 metro turbo`s i used over heated , guessing they were later blocks came out G plate metro`s since then used old 1275 blocks and had no real probs , the 2 engines i have now have no casting numbers on , but you know what rads i run so they might confuse the issue even more .

Everyone knows that instructions only have to be read if the thing doesn't work....

BIR special rads are brilliant

Team Racing

stuart, i supplied the block, it was from a G reg mg metro

my casting no is WFM 1024 N W