Performance

[PaulAmes]

I dont post much on this board but have been reading the posts and was just wondering what sort of performance can be obtained from the K series when compaired to the vaux and honda engines?

[PaulAmes]

yes - but isnt it a lighter engine?

[Geehawk]

Darren is right in what he says.

The K is lighter (all versions are approx. the same), and in 1.4 MPi (103bhp ish) form, one of the more powerful engines in its class (bearing in mind its over 10 years old now). I would say that tuning costs are probably comparable to Vtec (perhaps a bit cheaper), but overall power will always be less. A reasonable max for the 1.4 is 130bhp (it can go higher), the 1.8 (minus VVC gubbins) can push over 200bhp.

That said it all comes back to the arguement of how much power can realistically be used in a small light car?? I've pointed out before that the production car 0-100-0 world record is held by a K series powered car, a Caterham, of course being light helps.

I have read some interesting stuff on the net regarding K vs Vtec. One of the best stating the case for how the VVC system used on the K is actually much better than the Honda version. (dont ask, I did not understand it, but it sounded good :lol: )

In the end I would say that a powerful K in a Mini (or other light car), will always be plenty powerful enough, but will never win the arguement against those that think power and performance are the same thing.

Graham

very true. i read the 0-60 time for the 103bhp metro was about 8.5 secs with a top end of 115mph. no doubt in the mini it would be better, but power and getting down are another issue. at the end of the day we do what we do to be a) different or b) it does what we want.

k series is from a smaller car and can be tuned to enough power for me. getting the numbers isnt a problem if thats all you want, its what your willing to pay and give up for it, reliability, rebuilds, driveability and so.

each to their own and as long as it makes them happy, what else matters.

I used to work at Avonbar, and we played with a 16v Gti Metro just after it came out, all we did was open up the inlets a bit, fit some cams (ground to our own profile) and solid followers from Piper and Caterham did us an ECU.

It was pushing out 163bhp on the standard throttle body, not bad for a 1.4.

It was used for hillclimbs and sprints, and it certainly shook up the up to 1400cc class!!

I also know of a guy with a Metro Turbo, who ripped out the A series and installed a K then fitted the injection system and turbo off an Escort RS Turbo, believe it or not both the inlet and exhaust manifolds are almost a bolt on fit! and the pipe from the intercoller fitted right in the groove across the cam covers where the old air inlet pipe goes, it looked factory fitted!

I think this ended up with nigh on 200 bhp!

[Geehawk]

Hmmmm. I'd better speak to Avonbar and see if they have any old bits lying around still :wink:

Geehawk...

The guy that built the engines and stuff for Avonbar, Oz, is now running OAP.

You could try giving him a ring, the guy certainly knows engines! Tell him Gary gave you his number and he'll be more approachable!

OAP 01737 353944

[Oz]

I seem to remember about 6-7 years ago CCC did a feature on tuning the K series Metro. They ended up with a 150bhp 1.8 non VVC in the car which did 60 in about 6 seconds so you could probably knock a few 10ths off for being in a lighter car.