I've heard around the grapevine that it is possible
to fit an alloy head from an A series Datsun
motor with minimal modifications onto a
Mini A series. Don't be too fast to pass this off
as the Japanese built many of their engines using the
proven european designs to copy from.

If anyone can tell me If their is any truth in
this or if it is utter bullocks it would be
much appreciated

its totally untrue.i have an a12 head at home in my garage (for sale btw ) there is no easy way to fit ti to a mini block, none of the studs line up and the pushrod holes are on the wrong side of the head. also the push rod holes are spaced further apart. this head MAY fit onto a B series motor if u face the spark plug holes backwards , but not much use to us

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lookin for another clubby

are you the Chris that works for Shannons?

never heard of the datsun head, but a BMW K1100 motorbike goes on with minimal mods - buggered if I can find it on google, but I've got a link at home to the conversion details

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

yes thats me-

btw is the head a 1200 gx head??

? are u asking me?

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lookin for another clubby

yep, asking you about the head, and replying back to the bloke that
asked if i work at Shannons,

Won't fit, they are an Austin A40 engine. (i think)

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i have no idea about the origin of the head lol , was a swap meet bargain

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lookin for another clubby

the datsun head fits on an a40? arent they a series aswell?

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lookin for another clubby

I think the engines are indentical, and no, they are NOT A series. They are bigger in physical size, 1200cc, and pre BMC merger (so REAL Austins).

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no, it's an 1100 head, hence K1100, 16 or 8 valve DOHC. The front (5) studs line up, you need to drill and tap holes for another 5 at the back of the block, make up a front pulley and tensioner, and some oil feed lines - I'll post the link tonight. I got quoted $1000 from a motorbike wreckers in melb for a complete head - I'm sure hunting around would come up with a complete stuffed motor for $500-ish

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Links to BMW heads on A series blocks:

http://www.users.qwest.net/%7Eshuko/

Imagine the surprise on a Camaro/Mustang/Firebird driver's face when that very tatty looking Mini flew past!

An Aussie "copycat" project:

http://www.miniman.com.au/bmw.htm

Now, why do I have these bookmarked on my WORK computer.

Cheers.

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Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

When i was rallying a Datsun 1200 coupe, i would have given my left nut for a GX head, now one just pops up

Doogie

Dunno where this rumour started but it's BS.
I've checked out the Datsun head, forget it. No way it will fit either A series, B series or the old A40 either. Pushrods (& the Datsun's camshaft) are on the wrong side... opposite to all Austins except the C series.
So forget it...

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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.

All I know is that there was one Datsun/Nissan engine that was basically a copy of the A40 engine. It makes it easyer for my father to buy thermostat housings, hehe.

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