Engine Variants???

[Jon_MkIII]

Hi all again. I am getting further into my k-series project and I am now looking for information on the various engines that are available? I know the 1.4 SPI & MPI engines are in the Metro GTi & GTA, but what other K-series engines are out there?? Can I use the engines out of 214's and 216's?? Would this cause me any problems?? Are they the same block and running gear for example??? I don't know?? Any help would be brilliant. Any other info on other K-series engines I could use would be good. Plus do you know if any of the other K-series engine would fit into a watsons frame??

Cheers.

[Geehawk]

Firstly.

All K series engines are externally the same dimensions so where one fits they all will fit. This is providing you use the 1.4/1.6 gearbox. The gearbox used on the 1.8s is different (better) and may require work to fit, including different driveshafts (MGF ones will fit). Also the VVC versions currently only 1.8, but a 1.6 is rumoured, require different wiring looms. Of course which ever you use you must try and get the matching ECU, and in the case of later cars fitted with alarms & immobilisors you may have problems as the ECU requires the immobilisor to be there to start the car. Rover can reprogram the ECU to deactivate this, but from what I have heard they need the whole car to do it !!!
For all these you will (unless you are making your own frame) require the driveshafts, suspension, hubs etc from a K series Metro/Rover 100.

All 1.6 engines are MPi as are the 1.8s, they can be found in the post 97(i think) 200/400, 25/45, ZR/ZS range, as well as Freelanders (1.8s), MGF, Lotus elise (!), Caterham, Aeriel Atom and others I cant think of.

The simplest approach is to get a 1.4 Gti MPi metro as a starting point, as it should be possible, by changing very few parts, to run a 1.6 or 1.8 (non VVC) using the Metro loom, ECU etc.

Hope some of that helps.

I feel another FAQ coming on :wink:

Graham

[Jon_MkIII]

Thats brilliant many thanks. I have recently been studying your web site. Very good. Have I read it correctly that you used a subframe made by Watsons?? Using their coilover setup. How much did this cost? And would you choose it straight away over using a metro frame and modifying it?

Plus, I know that you have a slab front mini, but with your setup of the front radiator would that just require a 90mm extended round nose?? Also are these readily available from say minisport?? Or are they only sold through the companies that specialise? (Sorry I mean an extended fibreglass front end) Also with a fibreglass front end is it a good option to choose with the k-series engine, as bracebars are needed to support the subframe at the front end.

Phew that was a long thread!! Hope you can help???

Cheers once again. :oops:

[Geehawk]

Everything from Watsons frame,springs & adjustable height units, rear spacers came to around a grand, 2 years ago. They now advertise the kit so the prices may be less.

If I did it again I would.....ummm...... probably make one myself, but thats only 'cos I've seen one in the flesh, and have much more idea of whats required. TBH If I did another I would probably build up a frame from scratch, using Metro suspension components still.

I believe that a 90mm extended roundnose will fit, certainly not less unless you build your own frame to get the engine back as far as poss. The conversion companies are the best sources for these, but I would encourage anyone to get a steel front made up, still removable though.

Extra brace bars are not necessarily needed, as the standard Metro frame utilises to removable legs that hold the engine mounts. They go from the suspention tower tops to the front of the frame. Certainly no comment was made at either of my MOTs and they had a good look. A securley bolted on steel front helps here also.