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K Series engine?

 
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Mike Wood
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Joined: 06 Jun 2009
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Location: Scotland - SW

PostPosted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:58 pm    Post subject: K Series engine? Reply with quote

Has anyone fitted a Rover K Series engine into a Rochdale Olympic? Surely the closest you could get to a Lotus Elite.


Mike Wood
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Howard Evans
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Joined: 10 Apr 2009
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Location: Crewe

PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Les is correct.

Right up to the demise of Rover, the K series engine was problematic. The root cause was the very low capacity of coolant in the crankcase allied to the propensity to leak from blown head and manifold gaskets. Temperature rise following coolant loss was so rapid that before the temperature gauge regeistered the overheat, permanent damage could be done to the cylinder head and crankcase,

One of the final actions of LandRover before Powertrain (the manufacturer of the K series and a part of the Rover group) went under, was to try to avoid this problem on the Freelander by introducing a service fix to fit a coolant level sensor into the header bottle such that coolant loss flagged a warning light prior to the overheat taking place.

Having said all that, when working correctly, the K series is a highly efficient power plant with a good power/weight ratio. This might improve the front/rear weight distribution on the Olympic cf. the normal iron Ford/BMC units.

The K series line was taken to China as a part of the Rover assets purchase by Shanghai Automotive (SAIC). It is said that they have engineered out these gasket weaknesses and the engines now fitted to the Roewe and MG cars made in China, and the MGF being assembled at Longbridge, are reliable. It might be worth any prospective K series rebuilder trying to bring their engines in line with the latest specs.

However, I would always recommend a large header bottle with a low coolant sensor !

Cheers,

Howard Evans
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Dave-M
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Joined: 20 Jan 2006
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:22 pm    Post subject: K Reply with quote

Why would anyone want to fit a K series in an Olympic?
There is such a wide range of period engines that can be used and upgraded for better performance, surely the value of your car would be better maintained, but if you wanted to upgrade with a more "up to date" engine I think that the K would not get a look in if you spent more than 30 seconds thinking about it.
Dave
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Howard Evans
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

With regards to Mike's original question, in Magazine 114. P8, Keith Hamer refers to 3 Olympics with K series variants.

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Howard Evans
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Mike Wood
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Howard Evans wrote:
With regards to Mike's original question, in Magazine 114. P8, Keith Hamer refers to 3 Olympics with K series variants.

Cheers,

Howard Evans


Thanks

The reason for this 'thinking aloud' question was what if you had a new shell today what easily available, but light, engine would you choose - so not automatically thinking a Ford Zetec.

There don't seem to be many aluminium engines, for longitudinal use either orginally or converted, that spring to mind after the K Series - 930cc Sunbeam or bike engines. I recognise that the Sunbeam isn' very common and has limited and expensive tuning options, and the bike engines would need an extra transfer and reverse gearbox. The K Series option will involve a Ford gearbox and adaptater plate, so possible not a huge weight saving on a Ford Zetec.

You can tell I'm really thinking Lotus Elite with its lightweight but low powered Coventry Climax engine in a light bodyshell.

Mike
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Dave-M
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 5:41 pm    Post subject: K Reply with quote

Mike, If I had a new shell and intended to fit modern running gear the first port of call for me would be all from a Mazda MX5.
Depending on the year of the Mx5 you would have 120 - 180 bhp 5 or 6 speed gearbox and good independant suspension all round, and it would all fit without too much bother.
The finished car would also be lighter than the donor car so it should go well.
What do you reckon?
Dave
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Rodsmith
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Joined: 16 Jun 2008
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Location: Pembrokeshire, West Wales

PostPosted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 5:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Totally agree with Dave, if you are power-hungry you can supercharge it as well.

Rod
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keith hamer
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Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:47 am    Post subject: K series Reply with quote

We have fitted several 'K' series engines to Olympics. The current one is an all steel Scholar built 1900 'k' series originaly out of an exige, it is producing some 270bhp and is mounted to a Ford type 9 gearbox and has a limited slip dif to handle the power.

These are straight forward conversions and do make a very usable package.

I would be careful about MX5's as the engine and gearbox are very big and fitting into the limited space available in an Olympic could cause problems.
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Paul Boorne
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Joined: 27 Nov 2011
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PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 8:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, funny you should mention it. I have a phase 1 in need of restoration and a supercharged Mk1 Eunos! Done some measuring up & think it'll fit without two many probs. MX5 68mm longer wheelbase, width wise the outer face of the tyre is 64" so some suttle flares... Idea
I've developed a bit of a liking for GRP classics over the years having had if I dare mention them Lotus & TVR as well as Midas Gold.I have always been a bit of a modifier (sorry to the purists amounst you) but figure if Mr Parker could do it with Duffy Cool might follow in similar footsteps. Unfortunately I'm not endowed with a huge wallet so not sure how long it will take me as going to do all I can myself. I'll create a project thread once I get started Smile Intend using as much of MX5 as possible and seems a sympathetic synergy. Does anyone have workshop space near York? Wink
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