Allegro Club International

[Jim Lavery]

I'm looking for a complete 1500 engine for my estate.
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Jim

[Paul-V]

Jim,

You will also need clutch hydraulics, driveshafts, gearchange rods, engine mounting brackets, exhaust front pipe, radiator and a few hoses.

All of these are different between A-series and E-series power units.

Best bet would be to buy a donor car if you can find one. Do you want the single carburettor version or twin?

[Jim Lavery]

Hi Paul,
Thanks for the advice. Looking at what would need to be done I think i'll keep the car as a 1300 and try and improve it.
Thanks again.
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Jim

[Paul-V]

Jim,

If you can find a late Allegro series 3 'A+' 1.3 engine, that will give you an extra 9bhp (as long as you use the corresponding carburettor and exhaust downpipes) and higher overall gearing for economy and cruising refinement.

At one time, the cost-effective way to improve a 1.3 Allegro was to fit an MG Metro power unit, but unfortunately demand from the Mini community has pushed prices quite high.

Otherwise, as I am sure you probably already know, there is plenty of choice out there for A-series tuning parts and plenty of information either from the internet or a decent book such as Vizard.

Please keep us updated on what you decide to do

[Jim Lavery]

Hi again Paul,
My car is fitted with an early series 3 A+ engine that was fitted by a club member who previously owned the car.
I have written an article for the Quatric magazine that will explain a lot of the work done on the car I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks again.
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Jim

[Jim Lavery]

Just a question about a recurring problem. It's something I've asked about before. When I start the car up first thing if I blip the throttle I get quite a bit of blue smoke. If I don't touch the throttle and just let the car run for a few seconds there is no smoke. It can't be the cylinder head as it has new valves, seals, and guides. I've also done a compression test and all the cylinders seem to be OK.
My question is, could it be the crank case breathers putting oil into the carb then it burning up. Can these be cleaned. As far as I can tell to clean one would be easy but another is attached to the timing chain cover. I have also read in the manual that the oil filler cap is a replacement service item. Can you still get these?
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Jim

[Peter S]

Hi Jim

Oil filler caps are still widely available from ebay or Mini specialists. For example, Mini Spares list part GFE6003 (genuine) or GFE6003MS (non-genuine).