Basic Processes in engine build

[tonyabacus]

We often hear different term talked about and if you are not one who understands the basics of engine building they can seem a bit off putting.

For those who want to get some basic information on what and how different processes to consider when building an engine, I thought this site may give a insight to the basics in simple terms. Each subject in their own right could generate pages of reading material and can become very technical. Often people just want a basic understanding which I think this site does.

I have no particular connection with the company, however they did refresh a Cosworth BDH for me many years ago and it proved very reliable and competitive. There is one unique quirk to the company and that is John's wife Rita tends to field all the calls initially and I have yet to meet another lady with as much technical information to impart.

http://www.wilcoxengines.co.uk/datalog.htm

Tony

[HCA]

I said on another thread yesterday that John and Rita are out of the country and have been for sometime, returning middle of March. Until then, the phones ring out and Rita just sending out hold-off replies to mails. I am budgeting a five figure sum to build an engine and they just not interested.

I think soon it will be Wilcoxengines RIP. Even the tame builders recommended by the likes of Burton and QED are not responding quickly.

My advice to the younger folk is absorb as much info as possible from the pronounced experts on this forum as they are the last stalwarts of Twincams and to date do not grudgingly share their knowledge..

[Slowtus]

Not to dismiss the skills, knowledge and experience but all I had back when I did rebuilds on these engines was a basic knowledge of things mechanical and (sometimes) a Haynes or similar manual.

Some of my rebuilds were significantly better than others but that was more luck than judgement - ignorance was bliss back then.

I (almost) miss those days, a mishmash of sockets and spanners, blunt screwdrivers and a tin of Swarfega was all that was needed.

These days, I would drop it off and come back when it was done.

[berni29]

Hi Guys

I have a rebuilt twincam engine that (apparently) just needs putting together. The bottom end is already lightly assembled, but I will be taking it apart to see what is what. It was sitting next to a project (plus 2) I bought. Does anyone know of a specific guide that gives assembly instructions along with torque and clearance values for a road car?

I not a complete novice having just finished a total rebuild of a 996.2 3.6 engine with my brother. I have done a 993 also. Many years ago I did the top end of a plus 2 but remember so little of the experience I had actually forgotten that I had done it. I found some of the posts on here haha.

All the best

Berni

[2cams70]

The best manual is actually the Ford manual for that engine, either Lotus Cortina or Twin Cam Escort.

If you have Stromberg carburetors or Big Valve specification head you'll need to refer to the Lotus manual for just these points of difference. Miles Wilkins is of course a great read particularly concerning the development history of the engine. It's also good for detail on setting up the cams etc. Insofar as the engine assembly process is concerned best to also seek some other input because preferred sealants etc. recommendations in particular have changed since the book was written

[tonyabacus]

Hal, I was not aware that John and Rita were out of the country, however the purpose of my topic was really to point people towards information that may be useful if they want to understand some of the fundamentals. If you want an alternative to Wilcox, have a chat with John Smirthwaite, he gave me a very competitive quote for a rebuild recently. I found him easy to discuss different aspects and alternatives with.

Berni
Brian Buckland has produced a far more comprehensive update to the engine section of his book, this being available through his publisher. You can get the details by going on Brian’s website, a simple search on Google will take you there. also I know from speaking with Brian a few weeks back, that together with his publisher, he will be making a full video of a twincam engine build from start to finish, including many tips he has learned during numerous rebuilds over the years. Exactly when the finished video will be available, I don’t know. In the meantime the new supplement may be worth a look.

Perhaps someone on here already has a copy of the engine supplement and may like to comment or a search on here in case someone has already posted comments on it.
Tony

[ericbushby]

On a recent engine rebuild, I used Brian Buckland`s engine supplement which came from Sue Miller.
This was my main source of information and I would have struggled without it.
I thoroughly recommend it.
I also used Miles Wilkin`s book, the workshop manual and advice and guidance from the engine specialist who did the machining for me.
Having never built an engine before, I needed all the help and guidance I could get. I also read and soaked up information from the experienced experts on this forum. A local club member had done an engine just before and advised me when necessary.
Sometime when the same procedure is described by different people it begins to come clearer to a beginner like me.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[tonyabacus]

Eric a beginner??

Is that the sound of a bell ringing as I shake my leg!
Sorry Eric couldn't resist it.

The main problem now is that Brian's book has been unobtainable for a while, but that is where the new supplement he has written comes into play. If you email Guillermo on the site below he may be able to tell you when the video will be available that Brian is making. See here for details,

https://theelanman.com/the_book.html

But Eric makes the point that sometimes it takes more than one explanation before the matter becomes clear, which is another reason I started this thread.

Tony

[snowyelan]

The 2nd edition of the book is available, and contains the latest engine section update.

[2cams70]

By all means read the books but don't forget to use that most important organ between your ears!!

Sometimes there are better ways than what the gurus suggest - that's how improvements in methods evolve.