Engine Advice

[Dan]

I’m picking my kit up finally on Monday… So I’m ready to get cracking, just looking for a bit of advice on the engine. I’m using a Rover 200 BRM donor so have a 1.8 VVC engine, it’s done 42k miles so still quite fresh. Question is while the engines sat in the garage should I change the clutch and replace the headgasket with the newer design. If I leave it for now and have to do it later can anyone with an installed engine tell me if would be a pain to do this with the engine in the car.

[tomboysexi]

Hi Dan,

I have used the 2ltr Tubo lump and I know the clutch will really be an engine out job.

So before I dropped mine in I bought a replacement and went to fit it only to find that the guy who sold us the car had honestly recently fitted a new clutch........Just can't rely on people to tell the truth nowadays!!!!

I would change it now, before you get started.

Regards Trev

[marlinturbo]

Dan,

IMO do it now, whilst the engine is out and without fluids etc.
Try Grant at www.gb-ent.com for prices as he is highly recommended.

Cheers,

John
MarlinTurbo

[Dan]

Thanks for the reply's you've compounded my feeling that I should change the clutch and the head gasket before I put the engine in the car. Now need to decide if I should change the head gasket myself or get a pro to do it....

[limpabit]

Hi Dan.

I would get a copy of Rave and see if you can do it yourself. Another thing to learn as you go.

I would also look at doing the timing belt.

[MikeN]

Hi Dan,

I am faced with exactly the same dilemma as you. Like you I have the 1.8 VVC, which I will soon remove out of its R25 GTI donor.
I have decided that even though the engine has only done 36K and it’s a 2000 model year I am going to give it a minor overhaul. I intend to change the clutch plate and bearing, Head and manifold gaskets. The inlet manifold gasket being very important as this is the cause of so many HGF. I will also tackle replacing all the belts (including VVC mechanism belts). Whilst I am at it I will check the pistons and liners as some manufacturing defects crept in about the time my engine was made, leading to piston slap.

One thing I will not touch (unless I can help it) is the VVC mechanism. This will be locked off - potential nightmare.

Though I only have limited experience playing about with engines I am undertaking to do this work myself. I would suggest you do the same as well. It will save you money and teach you about the engine. If it comes to the worst and you get in a mess you can always hand it over to a trained mechanic (at £40+ per hour).

If you need a copy of the Rover Factory manual (Rave-Cd-Rom) as mentioned by Limpabit, I will be happy to post you a copy (2003 addition).

Best regards

Mike

[Dan]

Hi Mike

Nice to speak to you again. I think I may as well change the Head gasket while the engines out, I'll give it a go myself and see how I get on A copy of the RAVE CD would go down well, I'll PM you my address again, thanks..

[holgate86]

It's always a good idea to renew wear items such as clutch especially when the job is much easier with engine out. The cylinder head removal whilst in the car is pretty easy in the 5exi due to excellent access. I would be extremely carefull with the vvc mechanism i've heard some horror stories from professional mechanics getting things wrong. good luck with the build. Brian.

[MikeN]

Brian, I don't know what horror stories you have heard about the the VVC mechanism, but to be honest from my stand point ...............well lets just say 'scared shitless' would be more to the point. I intend to lock the thing off and leave well alone!

regards

MikeN