Engine rebuild candidates

[SloMoJo]

Hi All,

I need a summer project and would like to rebuild an engine - not necessarily to go into a vehicle, more for the experience. The last time I did this was when I was about 16 and it was a CB250 motorbike engine. I'm now more than double that age and would like a crack at something bigger and fruitier. The Porsche flat 6 would be great but anything is considered.

Anyone got some advise for me?

thanks,

SMJ

[LarJammer]

An aircooled porsche engine is not a cheap project, even if you do sell it afterwards. Tbh i wouldnt want to buy one without seeing some in depth measurements. Which i guess you wont be doing if its just for fun. (Measuring and cleaning equipment will cost more than a decent rebuild).
A watercooled porsche motor is hideously complicated, requires a whole box of special tools and manuals to rebuild and whaterver you buy will be completely knackered before you start (intermediate shaft, cracked heads, scored bores etc).
But what about an old vw flat 4? There are loads around, they are super cheap and theres loads of rebuild info on the web?

[robinj66]

How about a Rover V8. You can pick a 3.5 up for peanuts, they are easy to refurb and there are plenty of parts about (new, used or performance). As a bonus you can also get an old-fashioned Haynes manual which actually tells you something (not a lot) more than "refer to dealer") .

[SloMoJo]

Thanks for your replies people. Great comments. I think the Rover V8 sounds much more interesting than a crippling Porsche build! A quick sniff round the internet showed there is plenty of both parts and documentation about these things.

Which brings me onto the comment from WhatIsIt. I'm acutely aware that the Rover V8 was used in TVR. Mentioning the potential project to the Mrs last night and she said 'Well, you'll need something to put it in' opens all sorts of TVR related options. So that might be the way to go, though initially this is a summer project that I'd be doing for the sake of something interesting to do.

I'll need to find out a little more about the TVR variety of the Rover V8. If only there was a forum that TVR enthusiasts frequented...

SMJ

[BigTom85]

If its your first build, how about something like a k-series? Nice and cheap, easy to handle etc.

[nsa]

LarJammer said:

But what about an old vw flat 4? There are loads around, they are super cheap and theres loads of rebuild info on the web?

If I'm ever in a similar position I'll take your advice.

[Mr. Magoo]

funny I have been thinking of such a project myself. Was thinking Austin 4 pots as I can probably lift through the house to my garden man shed and when its done there are plenty of mounting options.....