JC,
I'd say get somebody local to build it, then you can have a say in what they do, and when.

Carter, if I got a fresh reground cam from anybody and it was poorly machined, it'd go back instantly.
I must say I've never had a bad one from GR, however I have from another cam grinder (who shall remain nameless) who do not put any side angle on their lobes.

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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.

I was about to say you are going to get a response to that Carter but Kev beat me too it!
I am putting a reply here so I can re find this thread easily when I do my engine and won't have to ask the same questions. Thanks Kev and good questions JC, thanks.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

I really think that word of mouth praises and criticisms of mini personalities spreads easily enough with out turning this and other threads into slanging matches. I strongly feel that grievances should be sorted out person to person and not via public forums.

Mike

Someone asked where to get motors rebuilt and what experience people have had. I explained what happened and post gets modded..?

Saying that I'm sure he does do very good motors and products. Don't want to send the thread down hill just giving input

[shame we cant share war stories, on another forum im on a certain company making very low quality products has threated to sue the site over people sharing experiences with these terrible products, its a mad world....

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--Insert legal disclaimer here--

Carter's post was modded, because what he said could be taken as objectionable. Nothing to do with yours, it just looks like that was a reply to you.

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

heh yeah just figured that and was editing my post, bit slow today

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--Insert legal disclaimer here--

we've had the same sort of threats against ausmini

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Don't create a crap so storm, pm experiences that can't be aired publicly.[/url]

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But he's thriving and striving and hugging the turns.

Carter GT, it is frowned upon to speak of your experiences or back up a post with facts.

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JC,

I haven't used any of the Mini specialists but I have the following advice>

Building an engine is a case of precision measurement, precise machining, cleanliness and wisdom.

If you visit the engine build rooms of successful race teams, they are areas of utmost cleanliness and order. The right personality type to make good engines time and again is someone who is quite organised and anal. Near enough really isn't good enough. In my game it is like good design drafters. Their work can make or break a project and the best ones are the most precise and, in the old days, had the cleanest work environment.

I have seen places where some people try to build engines and am horrified. Out in the weather, dust and bugs, swarf from the machining/grinding area in the build area, parts strewn around unlabelled, no visible "build book" containing all the measurements and torques, no clean rags, no flat bench, poor lighting, beat up measuring gear etc etc.

I know the wisdom part of the engine building is critical as it gives all the unwritten rules of what works and what doesn't but I don't think it can make up for a poorly set out and managed build shop.

So my advice is to visit the people who you are considering and see for yourself if the required elements are there for your build to be successful.

Oh, and be prepared to spend a lot more on the engine and box than you did purchasing the car and the engine! My work colleague's "freshen up" of his already good mini race engine cost over $8k. He was very happy with the work and parts but not with the way he was invoiced as he had asked to be billed in $1000 increments so he could manage his cash flow but got some very big bills without warning.

M

No matter who they are, they are only as good as the motor sitting in front of you. Seen some work done by high profile mini engine builders that is pretty average.

My advice keep asking questions and then build the sucker yourself. At least you know what and how it went together, at least then you will know how to do it and never have to rely on the reputation of another.
G.

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1970 Cooper S ex-Bathurst & ATCC
1964 Austin Cooper S ex-Group C race car
1967 Morris Cooper S ex-Group B
1962 Mini Speed sports sedan
1968-71 ex-Peter Manton Shell car

well said Greg, I would have to agree after having seen some less than average work myself

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Bluey-1973 Clubby - 1330, high lift, big cam, 7 port madness in progress..

Gumby-1978 Minivan, British Racing Green - 1310, high lift, mild cam, enlarged porting and chamber shape with big valve head, supercharged build in ever slow progress!

Fixed it for ya Lockie.

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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.

hehe thanks Kev yep never buy engines O/S either..

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Bluey-1973 Clubby - 1330, high lift, big cam, 7 port madness in progress..

Gumby-1978 Minivan, British Racing Green - 1310, high lift, mild cam, enlarged porting and chamber shape with big valve head, supercharged build in ever slow progress!