[HA54SYM]

If you guys want to meet up that would be good. I’m not racing first round either but plan for the 216 to be ready for Cadwell (might be cutting it fine) so will see how it goes.

I’ve been grabbing an hour here and there to do bits on it, mostly TLC bits.

Hoping to get it painted next month though now I have all the bits required.

[HA54SYM]

so need to get mojo back and get cracking on

MG Cup’s first round is next month down at Brands Hatch.

I should be going to it if you fancy meeting up. I could do with a kick myself

P.s - I’m travelling down from Birmingham

I reckon the 160s will be ahead to be honest, Cadwell might be bit more equal and Silverstone the GTi maybe left for dead. I think it’s the power difference that will be the killer, but let’s see
Definitely won't be ready to compete in the first round but I will be going down there to watch and collect my t-shirt etc because someone is using Morgan shorts 216 so want to go down and see how it fairs against all the 160's

[JOHNDQ]

If you guys want to meet up that would be good. I’m not racing first round either but plan for the 216 to be ready for Cadwell (might be cutting it fine) so will see how it goes.

I’ve been grabbing an hour here and there to do bits on it, mostly TLC bits.

Hoping to get it painted next month though now I have all the bits required.

Sounds good any pics of your progress

[JOHNDQ]

Right to keep everyone happy ive got a update on the engine

Full set of ACL Race bearings ready to fit....

IMG-20220226-WA0014 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Weighing 3 sets of pistons to find the lightest set....

IMG-20220226-WA0019 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Chosen set of pistons and crank back from being washed, measured and journals having a light polish....

IMG-20220226-WA0021 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Bores only had a real light hone as out of the 4 engines i have this is the best block and is dead on the service light for bore wear....

IMG-20220226-WA0025 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Next was to check the piston to bore clearance, again very close to service limit with cylinders 1,3 and 4 being 0.01mm within spec....

IMG-20220226-WA0023 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Nice set of OE Honda rings....

IMG-20220226-WA0026 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Checking the ring gaps, all very close to the limit but for what its going to be used for a bigger is a bit safer....

IMG-20220226-WA0024 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Now onto test fit of the crank and check for it being out of round and end float....

IMG-20220226-WA0017 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220226-WA0028 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Then i checked the bearing clearances with plasigauge, even tho i had the local engineering firm confirm it was in spec experience tells me that soon as you say its for a Rover the old "its only going in a Rover that will be fine" attitude kicks in....

IMG-20220226-WA0013 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220226-WA0018 by John Quincey, on Flickr

After confirming everything is just about in spec time to build the bottom end up, pleased to say she spins over smooth as silk so should rev well....

IMG-20220226-WA0012 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220226-WA0003 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220226-WA0007 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220226-WA0010 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Made a start on the gearbox too, i have a DOHC, SOHC and a CRX box so going to go for the lowest gearset i can make but i dont think ill use the SOHC 4.4 diff as i will be changing gear every 5 minutes. Just got to wait for the steel cage bearings to get here, had a nightmare getting the full set of them as 2 are not longer available so ive had to order those for a CRX with a B Series drivetrain from Uncle Sam with are 0.5mm thicker which in turn means i will need to re-shim the output shaft....

2022-02-26_09-39-29 by John Quincey, on Flickr

[4V8s]

Great read! Love this stuff, wish i had your know how!

What sort of bhp you expecting?

[JOHNDQ]

Great read! Love this stuff, wish i had your know how!

What sort of bhp you expecting?

Unfortunately we can only run bog standard engines and are only aloud to change the air filter and exhaust. Dare say it's going to feel incredibly slow compared to the other R8 track car which is 19bhp but there the regs for the MG Cup so nothing can do, can't see it being able to keep up with the ZR160 and TF 160 in the races at a whole 130bhp

[James3990]

Great work John, keep them updates coming

[JOHNDQ]

Engine is finally done so to pictures of said work....

1st off a nice new un-rusted sump.....

IMG-20220324-WA0009 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Next removed the valves to measure the heights, stems, valve guide play, springs heights, cam lobes etc etc and re-lap them all boring stuff so not many pics but one that defo needed doing....

IMG-20220324-WA0001 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220324-WA0011 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220324-WA0010 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Heads been for a skim and pressure test....

IMG-20220324-WA0008 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Building the head back up and refitting with new stem seals and lots of Millers assembly lube....

IMG-20220324-WA0007 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20210831-WA0002 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220324-WA0006 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Then set out to set the timing up to which it turns out the Honda marks are almost prefect, refit the timing belt covers etc using the SOHC crank pulley as its a lot lighter....

IMG-20220324-WA0005 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220324-WA0004 by John Quincey, on Flickr

Last of all i refurbished the OE Honda cam cover in 'crackled black' just a personal preference as i dont like the OE Rover cover....

IMG-20220324-WA0002 by John Quincey, on Flickr
IMG-20220324-WA0003 by John Quincey, on Flickr

And thats all for now, im stuck now waiting for the lightweight flywheel and a few steel cage gearbox bearings which are coming from the USA

[RoverRevival]

Love that effect, not sure if red would have more comically match the k20

[JOHNDQ]

Love that effect, not sure if red would have more comically match the k20

They have red to but didn't use it since that's what Honda used on the B16 and the black matches the belt covers etc