1600 Kent tuning.

[Cara Jynwyth]

Anyone got any good places to start reading about what bits to use?

I've got a mini box>>>>Kent engine conversion and I'd like to play with it as I have to build it from scratch.

[mtv dave]

Haynes has a Ford Kent tuning book.

[That Daddy]

Speak to Burtom power products they will steer you in the right direction,what they dont know about that Kent Xflow unit aint worth knowing,they can be expensive to build for big H/P but they are good fun getting it,i have fond memories of tuning this unit,cost me a small fortune though,and did it rev for an old 8 valve pushrod motor

[Fat Richie]

That Daddy said:

Speak to Burtom power products they will steer you in the right direction,what they dont know about that Kent Xflow unit aint worth knowing,they can be expensive to build for big H/P but they are good fun getting it,i have fond memories of tuning this unit,cost me a small fortune though,and did it rev for an old 8 valve pushrod motor

Seconded!

[Fixedwheelnut]

See if you can still get the David Vizard engine tuning book for the Kent engine.

I reworked a Pinto OHC cyl head and valves to his dimensions once and it improved it no end

[Cara Jynwyth]

I've done allsorts off stuff to a mini engine. However, it is a totally different ballgame.

I'm wondering what the limits of the standard crank are and how much you can lighten those heavy pistons by. How much you can trim off the block. I'm looking at lightening the internals a bit and then making the best of it with the right camshaft.

I have a 1600GT big valve head in the garage which is nice

Vizards book is pretty much a dissection of everything that has been done to an a series, the theory is there and you make your own choices. the kent is a different animal.

Hmmm

[MR2Mike]

Fixedwheelnut said:

See if you can still get the David Vizard engine tuning book for the Kent engine.

He's never written one as far as I know?

The Haynes manual "Rebuilding and Tuning Ford's Kent Crossflow Engine" was a big disappointment to me. It's essentially a glorified engine rebuild manual with very little detailed information on the range of tuning products such as cams, and omits any detailed cylinder head modifications, advising the reader to take it to a professional.

Here's the feedback I left on Amazon after buying my copy: www.amazon.co.uk/Rebuilding-Tuning-Fords-Crossflow-Engine/dp/1850109389

[Fat Richie]

What you need is to find a copy of:

Tuning Four Cylinder Fords - by Paul Davies

Published by SpeedSport Motorbooks - ISBN 0-85113-07-3

I have the second edition dated January 1974. It may be old but there's some bleddy good stuff in there.

[that daddy]

I'm wondering what the limits of the standard crank are and how much you can lighten those heavy pistons by.

Hmmm[/quote]
With the right lightweight pistons (lotus/cosworth)the crank is good for 8k providing you have it checked and balanced properly,the reason for this is it was designed for those big overweight slugs,the conrods will stand this also providing they are suitably prepared with proper rod bolts and assuming were dealing with the later 711M blocked unit circa 71-on.From day to day use is 7.5k is more realistic for longer service life,with stock innards but modded as abovei had no problems with this,,,,,,but it cost me a small fortune but i went a bit mad with my specs£500+ on machining alone in 1993

Edited by that daddy on Sunday 25th March 12:51

[zzr]

Mmmm..like this??



711M XR2 block
lightened/balanced crank
lightened/balanced/polished rods with cosworth bolts
lightened and balanced and pocketed 1300 pistons
244 Cam
roller rockers
XR2 challenge manifold with 1 3/4" primaries 4-2-1
Ford Motorsport IDF 40 downdraughts
IDF inlet manifold port matched/polished with vacuum rail
Ford Motorsport fibreglass air cleaner (rarer than hens teeth)
unleaded big valve head with max porting
Duplex timing chain and escort cover
Cortina sump
HP HF oil pump/thermostatic oil cooler take off plate
Lumenition leads
1300HCS dizzy with electronic internals on XR2 ignition, side exit cap, lumenition leads.

Have to say I had a bad experience with Burtons, with the head and block, make sure the valve guides aren't shortened and the con rod end caps are with the correct rod, is all I will say!!

[that daddy]

zzr said:

Mmmm..like this??



711M XR2 block
lightened/balanced crank
lightened/balanced/polished rods with cosworth bolts
lightened and balanced and pocketed 1300 pistons
244 Cam
roller rockers
XR2 challenge manifold with 1 3/4" primaries 4-2-1
Ford Motorsport IDF 40 downdraughts
IDF inlet manifold port matched/polished with vacuum rail
Ford Motorsport fibreglass air cleaner (rarer than hens teeth)
unleaded big valve head with max porting
Duplex timing chain and escort cover
Cortina sump
HP HF oil pump/thermostatic oil cooler take off plate
Lumenition leads
1300HCS dizzy with electronic internals on XR2 ignition, side exit cap, lumenition leads.

Have to say I had a bad experience with Burtons, with the head and block, make sure the valve guides aren't shortened and the con rod end caps are with the correct rod, is all I will say!!

I would not know about Burtons engine building,only ever used them for machining my 711M built my self and checked everything,there machining tolerances were spot on