FL1: motor, modifications, conversion & engine swaps [K series 1.8]

htr said:

More info' for you all. I've decided not to go ahead with the motor swap. My slightly mod'd 1.8 is running very well and I don't want to have the headache of figuring the intricacies of the electrical system out with that motor swap.

I've offered the VVC motor to a fellow who has n '02 FL1 with 1.8 and the MEMS 3 system. I'm thinking that he can't use that motor due to the differences in the electrical system.

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The engine is much the same. He just needs to get the later MEMS system and wiring. Some of the sensors are different but it's easy to swap them.

Nodge68 said:

The engine is much the same. He just needs to get the later MEMS system and wiring. Some of the sensors are different but it's easy to swap them.

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So he could use it? Just use the VVC's MEMS 2J ECU ... and work out how to splice the wiring harnesses together?

htr said:

So he could use it? Just use the VVC's MEMS 2J ECU ... and work out how to splice the wiring harnesses together?

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MEMS 2J is the early system used in the MGF and Rover Vi. MEMS 3 was used in the MG ZR VVC.

htr said:

More info' for you all. I've decided not to go ahead with the motor swap. My slightly mod'd 1.8 is running very well and I don't want to have the headache of figuring the intricacies of the electrical system out with that motor swap.

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Probably the right choice however if you are keen to improve what you've got then porting or new cams might still be an option.

Alibro said:

Probably the right choice however if you are keen to improve what you've got then porting or new cams might still be an option.

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I've done a bit of work to the head. Valves unshrouded, valves back trimmed, valve throats and runners worked on a bit, inlet and exhaust manifolds cleaned up, decat'd, CAF and better AF too. Planning to explore valve timing.

Did you find it made any difference? I've been thinking about buying a 2nd hand head and playing with it a bit so that if/when the head gasket goes it would be ready to fit straight away.

Alibro said:

Did you find it made any difference? I've been thinking about buying a 2nd hand head and playing with it a bit so that if/when the head gasket goes it would be ready to fit straight away.

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Lol - this is my first FL and I've not driven any others! So the first was when I got this one going! What I can say is that it's quiet, and pulls away in 4th from around 30km/h and in 5th at around 40km/h all relatively smoothly. As I've said on other posts fuel consumption is around 31 mpg with 35 to 37 achievable with a slightly lighter foot. It's FWD at the moment so I'd expect the fuel usage to go up a bit when I fit a new VCU - prop' shaft...

I bought a Dremel with the flexi-shaft /& handpick and some 6mm TC burrs. Quite easy to use and slow so you can't stuff things up quickly! I used the ideas on the K-engine page. I could have done more to the runners and valve throats but choose not. If you can find a scrap head to practise on like I did that's where I learnt how the tools work and feel.

As I also said my next motor thing will be to explore cam timing. Just trying to make contact with an MG club over here.

HTR if you can set up the cam timing spot on, you will improve on the standard set up. The factory cam timing can be up to +or- 4° out on both inlet and exhaust. Exhaust timing isn't so critical but inlet cam timing is. I see many hours with a timing disc and dial guage on the horizon!