The 'E' Type Forum

Dear All,

just wanted to check in on Engine rebuild company recommendations? I am looking for a turn key re-build for my series 1 4.2 engine. Just looking for a straight road going rebuild.

I am based in North Surrey but am happy to transport a reasonable distance.

I was considering VSE as they seem to offer a good service and a reasonable price point. I have phoned a few local specialists but they wanted ?12k plus which is out of my price range.

Any thoughts??

There was a gentleman at Stoneleigh who was doing some superb engine work but I can't find his business card. No doubt he will be there next Sunday so I will get his details.

Hi Tony...have a look at this recent thread...could be of interest...Steve
viewtopic.php?t=6655&highlight=

Has any one got any recent feedback on VSE? They have had a pretty good reputation.

CMES is another option.

Or has anyone tried Classic Car Engines? See below.

http://www.classiccarengines.co.uk/

Thanks

Tony

Hi there,

has anyone used these guys?

http://www.candfkmotors.co.uk/page/classic-car-engines

The price is very competitive.

Also found these..

http://chaseengineservices.co.uk/servic ... e-rebuilds

Anyone used these guys.. Sounded knowledgeable on the phone and also do historic Race Engines..

We have just had 2 engines built by CME. Brian, on the forum might want to comment as he has just completed 1k plus in one go down to Angouleme.

CME was the one I was thinking about.

Gents,

just to be clear are you talking about CMES?

http://cmesuk.com/services/engine-renovation-exchange/

Thanks

Tony

Yes - check them out! They will be at Stoneleigh on Sunday

As Angus said, he had my engine rebuilt by CMES recently.

It has done about 1700 miles now including 1000 down to Angouleme and back two weekends ago, so is pretty well run-in now. It sounds sweet and runs beautifully and I'm well pleased with it.

Brian

Brian,

thanks for the feedback. Good to get a positive recommendation.

Hi Tony,

I'm about a mile or so away from you and have my freshly rebuilt engine sitting in my garage if you want to come over for a look and chat.

Cheers.

Dear All,

I had a good conversation with CMES. They are offering a bunch of options. I just want a standard performance engine but was wondering which options you would recommend Optional extras:

Full balance
Clutch Kit
Porting cylinder head
Large valve conversion
Race valves
Series three camshaft upgrade
Piper BP270 billet camshaft upgrade
Piper BP285 billet camshaft upgrade
Piper heavy duty valve spring set
H/D pre-stretched timing chain upgrade
Machine off Ring gear
Fit ring gear
Weld up waterways and re-machine
Head manifold face resurfacing
Late clutch conversion (Bell housing may require some modification)
Lighten flywheel
Reface flywheel
Custom lightweight steel flywheel
Pro race front pulley
STD reconditioned front pulley damper
Rubber rocker cover gaskets
Rear oil seal conversion (non split oil seal, includes custom flywheel)
A.R.P. Main bearing stud kit
A.R.P. Big end bolt kit
A.R.P. Fly wheel bolt kit
Line hone block
Rocker cover breather modification
Bronze valve guide upgrade
Reface rocker cover faces and line bore camshaft housings

I am tempted to go for the balance, clutch and Rear Oil seal conversion. Any other I should be going for? Looking to make the right improvements with out going to higher performance..

Thanks Again

I wouldn't go for tbe rear seal upgrade.

I would go for replacement ring gear if yours is worn.
Front pully if yours is damaged
Weld up waterways and machine if required.
Reface flywheel if required.

Is there a reason why you dont recomend getting the rear seal upgrade? There seems to be alot of problems regarding rear seal and its nothing worse than a car leaking oil, makes a mess everywhere.

Balancing: The XK engine is pretty smooth running anyway and most E-Type driving is done between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm so balancing is a bit of a waste of money unless you plan to regularly get up to 6,000 rpm+.

Seal: If the rope seal is done properly it should outlast your ownership and the new seals make irreversible changes to the crank. I would also avoid anything 'custom' to future proof the engine. If CMES change the design of their custom flywheel or update it you could have problems if you need a replacement. Also there was a problem with 'upgraded' flywheels when used with 5 speed boxes.

Hi - I used CMES - I did take the balance - she is extremely smooth - but as said previously, they are pretty smooth anyway so it may have been a waste.... - along with a clutch kit (but not the expensive one which they were pushing hard) but did not take the upgraded oil seal. When I had the 500 mile change there was absolutely no oil from anywhere on the outside of the engine - so for me, I would not bother with the change to the oil seal either.

Their costs are reasonable, especially when compared with others, they kept to time (within a couple of days anyway). I would use them again if I had a need....

Gents thanks again for the advice. Very helpful..

They all beat me to it Tony!