Engine re-build

[AshM]

So the big job this winter is an engine re-build and I am starting to think about looking for recommendations of someone to trust my engine to. I am capable of the strip and the re-build myself but do not have the experience to know what is worn so I think it needs to go to a professional.

I make no apologies when I say I am anxious about this. The car has been in the family since 1973 (it’s a 1970 car) so it’s provenance is known. The head has never been off and it will have done (after RBCD) 74,000 miles. So she is due some TLC.

As expected she is a bit noisy on the top - but still goes really well. Leaky too these days. Carbs were completely refurbished professionally in 1990 and the car has done about 10,000 miles since then (it is getting a lot more use recently). So whilst I want them stripped and sorted I don’t expect they need too much work.

Would want the gearbox done too obviously.

Basically everything to refurbish or replace to put it back together for a good few years.

I want to deliver the engine and gearbox unit complete but out of the car so I can spend the winter refurbishing the engine bay and all components.

So who should I trust my beloved unit to? I don’t want any performance upgrades just someone to do a professional job and give me back an engine for another 74,000 miles.

As always, I value the feedback here.

Thanks
Ash

[Gfhug]

Ash, are you willing to send your engine down south? CMES in Braknell get good reviews but that is quite a distance away from you. Sorry can't suggest anyone closer. Good luck

Geoff

[AshM]

That’s a very good point Geoff. Thanks for the prompt.

I should have said I will be prepared to transport it anywhere in the UK for the right job.

Cheers
Ash

[politeperson]

I would stick it on a pallet (UK Palletline) and have it all moved down to me in Lincolnshire..

John Everard is the man, budget £7k for the engine and box I would think.

PM me if you would like his phone number.

[mgcjag]

Hi Ash.....would be worth talking to Angus at Moss Jaguar (one of the forum moderators).... Steve

[ETTony]

Ash there is a place up North of you Kinkell Classics.
I have spoken with them, but not used them

[Jagbadu67]

Hi did you think about VSE
Company: V.S.E.
Address: Brymuyddag
Llanbister
Llandrindad Wells, Powys
Wales
LD1 6TL
Contact: Bev Kemp
Telephone: 01597 840308
They do the XK engine since 30 years. My engine is perfect it comes with a engine test report and ready to fit.
Cheers Mike

[JerryL770]

Not impressed with putting a S2 block and more particularly a S2 manifold into a S1 E-type.

Clearly little concern about originality even though a new block may be nice.

[christopher storey]

I believe that VSE have either closed down or are about to close down, certainly as far as XK engines are concerned . Like so many people, they found there were too many warranty arguments

Edit : I rang up and spoke to Beverley, and sadly, what I said above is correct : they have retired

[Tom W]

I believe the differences in inlet manifolds are between the 3.8 & 4.2, so not necessary wrong if they’re building a S1 4.2.

[Heuer]

The people Angus uses have a good reputation and warrant their work. Send him a PM to get the details.

[JerryL770]

I believe the differences in inlet manifolds are between the 3.8 & 4.2, so not necessary wrong if they’re building a S1 4.2.

Ah!! True

[Nickleback]

CMES in Bracknell did my rebuild and I am very pleased with the result, even had a guided tour of the workshop before committing to the project

[phil.dobson@mac.com]

for engine work speak to Chessman engineering. They have an excellent reputation and are used by a lot of the trade.
I have no association with this company just good experiences.

[Jeremy]

2 suggestions Ash:
1. Rob Beere - Coventry - who did mine. Engine, clutch, gearbox. Not cheap but he has vast experience and a very good reputation. I have nothing to compare it to, so all I can say is that (admittedly after only 200 miles) I'm amazed at how smooth and torquey the unit is. All standard except for his SU cams (a subtle mod to the profile). Extra piece of info: I discovered a small oil leak this week dripping from the back of the block. Shocking, I hear you say. But the speed with which Rob snapped into action (even though he is on a motorbike holiday on some far continent) was quite something. Which takes me to...
2. Tom Barclay - Buckinghamshire - who is a trainee/protégé of Rob's and has his own XK engine/ E Type business. He's now doing the engines for Jaguar Classics. At Rob's request he dropped what he was doing to fix my leak today. (rear oil gallery plug not sealing properly...extremely hard to get at, but he managed, don't ask me how). And he's cleaning up the oil mess underneath. At Rob's cost.

So that's 2 firms I put right up there in the A* category. Happy to give more details if you PM me.

[AshM]

Thanks to all for the feedback. Always very much appreciated.

I plan to get on the phone on Friday and speak to all of the recommendations.

Cheers
Ash

[Gfhug]

Ash, Rory Simpson (rfs1957) recently reported problems with a well known supplier/engine overhaul seen here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12746&p=103255#p103255

You might wish to pm him before making a decision.

Good luck

Geoff

[M477HEW_]

I would stick it on a pallet (UK Palletline) and have it all moved down to me in Lincolnshire..

John Everard is the man, budget £7k for the engine and box I would think.

PM me if you would like his phone number.

Hi - I can’t help with this thread but I am trying to track down John Everard at Boston to rebuild my late grandfathers ‘34 Riley engine. I’d be grateful if you could direct message me, or email me at matthew.robertson@wiverton.com.

Thank you very much indeed.

Matthew

[politeperson]

Yes of course, I have sent you an email. He is full of beans, saw him on Friday.

James