My Mk2 Cooper S has an odd number *9F/XE/Y53xxx*H

I am now in the process of getting registration in NSW and the RMS called at my home today for an inspection. It was very interesting. One of the RMS guys said that Higginbottom back in the day added an 'H' to the engine block when they worked on an engine. As they appear to be out of business, I cannot verify this new information.

Surely he pulled that out of his bum...

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

I don't think that comment was very helpful.

Does the H look original as in the same as the rest or does it look added?

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Cheers Dave.

I remember a reference somewhere for this years ago but now not sure what..!
Did the block have liners originally maybe?

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

One of my cars has an "S" suffix to the engine number which indicates a factory installed sleeve to one or more cylinders. Mine was 1.

Like drmini, I also seem to remember a past reference to an extra letter.
Did the "H" stamp added to the engine number have anything to do with the removal of the metal tag fitted from the Uk with the engine number?
Local regulations required the engine number being stamped directly onto the block and not just on a removeable tag.

Bill B The 'H' was added.

I'd go with the RMS in your original statement then. It's obviously been added later.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

They are not part of the engine number.

The RMS has now informed me that the 'H' has to be included in the registration papers.

"The RMS has now informed me that the 'H' has to be included in the registration papers."

I would suggest this is obvious....

The documentation has to match the car ...and VV.

All early Ss came with UK engines which had the engine number on a plate. These were removed by the factory during the build and the number was stamped on the block. The factory would then attach the plate with a bit of thin tiewire to the upper rad hose. Can't say they "always" did it but I saw quite a few so fitted..

My S was UK built so the chassis number is also on a plate. Rego would not accept this but allowed me to choose a number for the paperwork from those "permanent attached" to the body. The UK factory spot welded two plates onto the body; an FE number and the body number. I chose the body number because this appears on the Heritage Certificate.

Cheers, Ian

Rego was completed today == HOORAY

Congratulations!!

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.