03-01-2018, 01:03 PM
(03-01-2018, 12:01 PM)Alan Wrote: It's actually quite easy to get 30bhp from an A7 engine. All you need to do is smooth the sharp edges off the inlet ports (don't enlarge them, they are big enough already), fit a '37 head with 60 thou shaved off and get a 4 branch exhaust with a log inlet manifold and SU carb. A standard cam is quite good enough. It's the next 10hp that takes the getting.
The real skill, however is in getting them to stay in one piece, and for my money, if all you want is a quick road engine, I'd forget camshaft mods for now and spend the money getting the threads in the crankcase helicoiled and the front bearing lip replaced. Then invest in a new crank and rods and get them balanced, together with the flywheel. I know they will tell you they come balanced but I've had a lot done over the years, by a real expert, and I don't recall one that didn't need anything.
Hi Alan
Some good stuff coming out of this thread, thanks for your input. So, getting down to brass tacks, what sort of cost would you envisage here? I wouldn't feel confident doing head work, so who should I get to do it?
So, new crank/rods, you say...would you recommend new pistons, depending upon size of course. Who makes a 4 branch manifold, and likewise an inlet manifold? I assume 1&1/8" S.U.?
regards
Arthur