k-series tuning

[sam919]

I have a standard 118 bhp k-series, are there any engine builders out there with reliable results, I'm after approx 140-160 bhp, I'm sure this has come up before and I could go vvc, but wondered if there was any fresh blood turning there hand to this engine.

Regards

[elan_fan]

How handy are you? That sort of power is diy-able. Emerald K6, Jenveys and cams. I built mine up using a K16 kit from Dave Andrews. My base was a 1800 super sport. Went really well. Latest version has Tf160 pistons and vvc head with 285h cams. Running it in at the moment.

Mark

[grenpayne]

Obviously DVA is extremely highly regarded but due to Dave's long waiting list I had my K Series rebuilt by Nigel Keats last year at Cougar Engineering. He did an exceptional job and I've been delighted with my engine since he did the work.

[TeflonTurd]

Sam, I am selling the engine from my car look in the parts section of classifieds. Still in the car, so you can drive it to see if you like it.

[sam919]

Thanks for the speedyreplies , I'll not be using Dave Andrews....

Elan fan / Mark - diy could be on the cards, there are a few ways of doing it between the caterhams and elises , I'm keen to keep the OEM ECU to keep the costs down......!!, needs some funds for the race car.but the dva site has some good guides for sure.

What's the score with a 52mm throttle body has anyone used it over the 48mm? Edited, it looks as though it has a 52mm tb on, feels a little perkier than the roadsport my mate had?!

Thats a kind offer Arnie but it might be out of my budget if it needs tb's , ECU etc although its a nice motor.

Edited by sam919 on Saturday 29th March 21:54

[elan_fan]

The 52mm throttle body is worth putting on. The Emerald is really a must although companies can re calibrate the standard ecu. Z and F tuning can do it. For a good base going forward I would go Emerald first and maybe track down some s/h supersport/270 cams and verniers to get the best timing and you would be at your target output. Then later port the head. KR1 from Roger fabry at Sabre heads if not DVA.

Mark

[sam919]

It has one, and your right it does make a difference.....well it feels more responsive than the standard 118bhp whether the figures are higher is a different matter.

I've had a browse on those sites and there pretty informative, thanks. I spoke to the local MG garage in Calander, Dreadnought, i used to race against the son in his V8 mg saloon ....the Luti's, they have done development work for MG as well and he reckoned he could remap the ECU as suggested.

What's the consensus of a written off vvc mgtf and a complete removal/ install? Maybe not as peppy as a cam'd and timed unit but maybe an alternative way to get 150ish?

[elan_fan]

vvc 160 would need a few bits to fit. New engine mount to lower engine as vvc is taller, available from caterham. Ecu from donor car. Engine loom ready for splicing and a few other bits I can't think of. Definitely do-able, though not without its own challenges. This is a well trodden path so info is on blatchat. In the future you could then go TBs, Emerald and solid cams for 185bhp and you would already have the pistons and good bearings. Mine is that spec now. The vvc can be tuned with an exhaust cam and fitted with an emerald for a good power hike as well. DVA K06a I think.

[sam919]

Blimey you need to write a book :-) . thanks for the info, there are some pieces on seloc about the splicing and I'll, have a better look at BC again, cheers

[bertie]

We swapped my mates 1.6k for a VVC last year, not that tricky at all.

Needs the engine ECU and paired security ECU / Key, some slight skill required to splice the harness over, not much though.

Results are great, the VVC is much maligned but great in a Caterham.