Wool and needles at the ready guys.

[TimW]

Now, we know that this board was really set up to organise the knitting circle so I thought I better put you all in the picture where we stand at the moment.

When Robm Dave and I last spoke to DVA (when I picked up the Emerald) DVA said that we should get in touch with him sometime in the middle of March to check out his availablity. Naturally I don't want to pester the man too much so will leave it until then to make the call.

However, in the mean time there are somethings we can sort out in preparation.

The way things will work is we will watch DVA porting one cylinder on a head, with him give a running commentary. Afterwhich we all go away and do the same. All pretty straight forward and unambiguous.

What DVA suggests is that we get him to port one cylinder per head for each of us (those who want it), this will give something to match when we're in our attics. One cylinder typically will take one day to do and cost about 150quid.

Naturally Dave (DVA) will probably only be able to do one cylinder with us watching, so it would be good to give him some sort of warning how many will be required. Also, DVA should be able to supply heads as required. An MPi head is about £125 from memory a VVC a bit more. Of course if you can source a head from elsewhere then that is fine (labrat).

DVA is OK for us to video so if someone is able to provide one that would be good.

I think that covers most of it, So what I really need is a list of who wants what. Please list below:

[ScarletFever]

Andy would like:

1 MPi head please @ £125.00

Any idea of the tools required? Dremmel, big vice, valve insertion clamp?

[Rob Bell]

If I want TF135 cams, I might ask Victoria to quote me on a head...

No video facility I'm afraid Tim

Would Dave be able to source some of the Tungsten Carbide cutting bits for us to buy from him? I seem to recall him talking about some very good value sources from eBay

[TimW]

ScarletFever said:

Andy would like:

1 MPi head please @ £125.00

Any idea of the tools required? Dremmel, big vice, valve insertion clamp?

(andy and Rob) Do you want one cylinder fettled too? That'll be extra Sir!

Dremmel I understand is a bit wimpish for porting but a decent drill will do the trick, unless you have a compressor when a die grinder would be perfect.

I will enquire about sourcing the burrs and find out how many we need and how much.

[Rob Bell]

Hypothetically yes Tim - although to what extent/ what breathing capacity/valve sizes etc etc I don't know yet...

Basically my conundrum is extreme mega power high flow head (with the attendent costs of needing a new bottom end) OR a mild high torque, mid-power engine...

[TimW]

Mmmm, I was thinking about this one. I reckon that some of the more radical modifications may be the reserve of the mighty DVA. In which case we may be limited a little to more mild porting retaining standard valves for example. Naturally this doesn't stop us getting a VVC head or even a VHPD to work on does it I would imagine that most of the work will be to the chamber, valve seats and throats. Personally I think that will be more than enough to be getting on with. However, to make it a little different to what I already have what about a VVC head as a starting place

I would imagine that if larger valves were request Dave would be able to prepare them for a little extra of the folding readies...

Tim

[Rob Bell]

VVC head with standard sized valves (probably replace with Paul Ivey items) - bit of gentle fettling with wider throats... hmm... yes, that makes sense.

But what is the more economical option Tim? Radical ported 1.8i or midly ported VVC?

Also,with a high-flowing head, wouldn't you need a stronger bottom end to make the most of the better flow rates - and therefore engine speeds - that the reassembled engine would be capable of ?

[TimW]

I'm considering that I may make this a long term project and buy a bottom end to modify with crank pistons rods etc..... lunacy I know. Then all I need is a shell to put it into....

[andytommo]

Tim, i hope your MGF is back on the road - did peter carmicheal help you retime your verniers?

ill hold myself in readiness for the day of recknoning when we all shall taught the secret of the 'porting' by the wise one.

i think ill need a head supplied by mr dave for 150 squids.

ive got the caterham insured again- just need a tax disc then im ready to roll.

andy tommo tomkins

[andytommo]

oh i forgot to say what a great website this is!

thanks for organisng it-its a marvellous idea.

[TimW]

Andy, Can I assume that yours will be an MPi head and that you will also want one cylinder prepared by the mighty one. I promise not to tel Rosemary

Peter was a great help calming my anxiety. Car is now back together and running beautifully, just got to get it to Emerald next weekend to see the results I might ask them to make the cam timing just a little more aggressive Grrr, I'll see about that when the time comes.

Tim

[TimW]

OK, just been having a ichat with DVA. Looks like we'll be looking at mid -late June now. He is a slippery bugger to pin down...... I'll keep on the case.

Tim

[Rob Bell]

Eek!

Keep at it Tim!