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Post by charlie on Nov 15, 2017 9:29:39 GMT
I there - needing a bit of a hand!
Does anyone know where I’d be able to source a cylinder head for a 1969 Austin 1800 MKii, and if so, how much I can expect to pay? I’m having a lot of trouble locating one!
Any help would be appreciated!
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Post by Penguin45 on Nov 15, 2017 19:10:40 GMT
Hi Charlie, welcome aboard.
Plenty of cylinder heads about - remember that the engine is the venerable "B" series and there are thousands out there under the bonnets of MGBs. Seem to be plenty on eBay at a quick glance, you can even buy new from the likes of Moss Europe and Peter Burgess.
What's happened to the existing one? Generally tough as old boots, our engines.
Chris.
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Post by charlie on Nov 15, 2017 23:11:48 GMT
Hi Chris!
Thanks for your reply - that’s good to know! I’ll have a bit more of a look on eBay.
It overheated, and reached boiling point I think - completed warped the head beyond repair! I’ve not had it long, so wondering if the head was already damaged prior to this happening.
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Post by Penguin45 on Nov 16, 2017 0:13:57 GMT
Possible... Has the car been stood for a period? Radiator may be clagged up or the thermostat sticking if so. The MGB is a useful beast; whilst its engine is 90º out of line and driving the wrong wheels, almost all of its engine with the exception of the block itself fits our cars, so keeping the engine fit and healthy is quite straight forward. Bodywork is another matter.  The only thing to bear in mind is that parts for the engine need to be sourced for the five bearing engine, not the three. What the MGB lads forget is that the five bearing engine was developed for our car, not theirs.  You might like to start a thread in the "Your Cars" section and tell us a bit about yours and pop up a few pictures. Chris. |
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Post by charlie on Nov 16, 2017 0:33:02 GMT
From what I can gather, the previous owner was using it before me. Thanks so much for that info - I will most definitely post it in that section  Thanks Chris! |
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Post by dave1800 on Nov 16, 2017 11:05:35 GMT
Hi Charlie Welcome! You may find this link helpful as it shows what to avoid when buying a second hand cylinder head. Many of the MGB heads used the smaller inlet valves as used on Mk1 Landcrabs and there is no issue with using them. MGB series head cracksRegards David |
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Post by charlie on Nov 21, 2017 12:13:19 GMT
Thank you David!
Could you guys tell me if it is possible to put an entire MKi engine into the MKii?
Any help would be appreciated - thank you!
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Post by Penguin45 on Nov 21, 2017 18:28:57 GMT
Short answer is yes - have a look HERE. Chris. |
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Post by aussiesteve on Nov 22, 2017 4:28:08 GMT
I was going to say my thread "holds your answer"! :-)
Welcome too Charlie!
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Post by charlie on Nov 28, 2017 4:35:44 GMT
Thanks so much guys!
Okay, I now have a 1968 MKI 1800 Austin and a 1969 MKII 1800 Austin - both auto transmission.
Bodywork is excellent on the MKII and the engine is excellent on the MKI. Bodywork is not so great on the MKI, and engine in the MKII has a blown cylinder head as well as other problems!
Trying to toss up whether to put the MKI engine into the MKII. Will this decrease the value of the vehicle later on down the track, not having the original engine in it?
Any help would be appreciated!
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Post by andrewa on Nov 28, 2017 5:19:00 GMT
Interesting dilemma!
If it were me I'd rebuild the engine and check over the gearbox in the Mk2 and see the Mk 1 as a separate project.
I'm no expert on values but if the mark 2 is excellent then it's worth keeping it original.
Cheers
Andrew
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Post by peppib on Nov 28, 2017 8:28:24 GMT
Welcome along from me as well.
I possibly have differing views from some but if you want an immediately usable car, swap the MkI engine into the MkII body so you are mobile. Then set about rebuilding the MkII engine whist enjoying 'crab motoring. On completion of the rebuild you may then decide whether to refit it, depending on how happy you are with the MkI performance
As for future value, I am in a camp that reckons selling my beloved vehicle just isn't gong to happen thus negating the problem
Dave
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Post by dave1800 on Nov 29, 2017 0:45:08 GMT
A lot of work. I think it would be easier to swap the engine and gearbox from the Mk1 into the Mk11 rather than just the engine if that is the route you choose. However if there is no great urgency rebuilding the Mk11 engine would probably make more sense, but set a budget, costs can quickly escalate. A good opportunty to look at the autobox too.
An all original car will usually have a higher resale value everything else being equal but prices are so variable I think it is impossible to forecast the effect of fitting the Mk1 engine.
regards
David
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The only thing to bear in mind is that parts for the engine need to be sourced for the five bearing engine, not the three. What the MGB lads forget is that the five bearing engine was developed for our car, not theirs. 
