Where for a new K series

GilesM · Post by **GilesM** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:23 pm

I think the time for replacing my engine is getting close, over 86k on the clock, but no speedo for over 2.5 years means it's really quite a bit more, and power is definately down. Does anybody know the best place to buy a new/reconditioned K series engine, ideally I would prefer to stay with the 120bhp, good enough for most things and reliability is very important. Any thoughts would be most welcome.

woody · Post by **woody** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:39 pm

GilesM wrote:I think the time for replacing my engine is getting close, over 86k on the clock, but no speedo for over 2.5 years means it's really quite a bit more, and power is definately down. Does anybody know the best place to buy a new/reconditioned K series engine, ideally I would prefer to stay with the 120bhp, good enough for most things and reliability is very important. Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Seems to be the question of the moment...

Ali at SLS has a few bottom ends he may be able to refresh for you. Stevie weedgie picked up a complete VVC from U pull it at the weekend for not a lot, could have acast about for similar?

Post by **campbell** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:41 pm

Hi Giles.

PTP (Power Train Projects - ex-Rover offshoot thingy I think) used to be able to ship one "in a crate" but not sure if still available there. Worth a chat with them?

It might be that you need to source a low mileage engine from a crashed S2 (would be easiest swap due to ECU and loom and ignition gubbins I think?), late MG-TF or Rover 25/45. Could widen the options by taking any 1.8 K bottom end and bolting your head and gubbins on.

For info - Robin and I have discussed what happens when UJI's engine starts to let go. 93k miles and climbing. I think a partial rebuild route, with help from Dave Andrews or the like, will be the way forward. With the right sourcing of bits, we though maybe £1k to end up with a better built, even longer lasting example, although that doesn't include the cost of extraction and re-fitting to the car I think.

Might be better to get your engine diagnosed first before just throwing it away?

Post by **campbell** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:46 pm

Check this one out:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI. ... 0394569976

robin · Post by **robin** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:03 pm

Rebuild is entirely possible and not necessarily stupid if you cannot source a known condition engine (out of the frying pan into the fire ...).

If you think you'll keep it another 100K I would probably go for a rebuild with known new parts.

If you think you'll punt it on soon then the most trustworthy second hand block you can get is probably the way ahead.

Cheers,
Robin

Post by **campbell** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:26 pm

And I guess the other thing to do is to speak with the known Conversion Houses, and see what they have coming out of cars about to go under the knife. You never know, there might be a nice S2 111S about to get a Honda or a Duratec

CubanGav · Post by **CubanGav** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:27 pm

Did I read that you can buy brand new Ks in a crate? And then that they are just as shoddy as they always were? (wanders off to search)

Gav.

H8OAG · Post by **H8OAG** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:38 pm

Speak to Mark Vaughan at Janspeed
He used to have a supply of brand new engines and ancilliaries packaged in crates or pallets and quoting reasonable prices

Dreadnought Garage in Callander had a couple of the Chinese spec "k series" that were removed from the race cars

Brown and Gammon also have K series engines (new and reconditioned) at 135/160 and 190 bhp but they were a tad more expensive when I last enquired

http://www.ukmgparts.com/search.aspx?CI ... SEA=engine

tut · Post by **tut** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:42 pm

Graeme Lovie has had a brand new S2 engine in a tea box standing next to his rotting S1 that has stood there for eight years, but I have never succeeded to get him to sell anything.

tut

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:45 pm

I got my k from plans motorsport. Singleness must have a mountain of them. Iirc I paid £500 for a mildly breathed on one.

Post by **campbell** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:54 pm

CubanGav wrote:Did I read that you can buy brand new Ks in a crate? And then that they are just as shoddy as they always were? (wanders off to search)

Gav.

That's a bit uncharitable! Perhaps you got a Friday Afternoon Spec one...

CubanGav · Post by **CubanGav** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 4:59 pm

campbell wrote:
CubanGav wrote:Did I read that you can buy brand new Ks in a crate? And then that they are just as shoddy as they always were? (wanders off to search)

Gav.
That's a bit uncharitable! Perhaps you got a Friday Afternoon Spec one...

Yes I think they were 16:55 specials.

bits missing and that.

I found a thread on SELOC where it mentioned crated Ks but it seems they were just old stock, never used.

Gav.

vet111s · Post by **vet111s** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 6:18 pm

What about the availability of these Chinese ones fitted to the new mg? Alegedly sorted some of the problems of the k (goes off to find some wood to touch) (ooer!!).
Don't know how compatible they are though.

Ali

robin · Post by **robin** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 7:01 pm

I wouldn't bother with the chinese one unless you really want it for some reason - a new/rebuilt engine if assembled properly will be OK.

Cheers,
Robin

Post by **campbell** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 10:08 pm

The K is well proven over what, nearly 20 years of service now, so as Robin says, with the right engine builder on board to do the fiddly bits (!), a rebuild could be as good...if not better...than new

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