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BMC A series | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Austin Motor Company British Motor Corporation British Leyland Motor Corporation Rover Group MG Rover Group |
Designer | Leonard Lord, Bill Appleby, Eric Bareham |
Production | Longbridge, Cowley in UK between 1951 - 2000; Pamplona in Spain, NMQ (Nueva Montaña Quijano) between 1966 - 1975; Contents
|
Layout | |
Configuration | Inline-four engine, (Straight-three engine and Straight-twin in Prototype) |
Displacement | 803–1,275 cc (49.0–77.8 cu in) |
Cylinder bore |
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Piston stroke |
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Cylinder block material | Cast iron |
Cylinder head material | Cast iron, Aluminium |
Valvetrain | OHV 2 valves/ cyl. in OEM versions, OHC 4 valves/cyl prototype and in racing. |
Compression ratio | 7.5:1, 8.3:1, 8.5:1, 8.8:1, 9.4:1, 10.5:1, 23.6:1 (Diesel) |
Combustion | |
Supercharger | Shorrock and Eaton supercharger (racing only) |
Turbocharger | Garrett T3 (1275 Turbo only) |
Fuel system | SU carburettor or fuel injection |
Management | Rover MEMS, Lucas, AE Brico, T.J Fuel Injection, Lucas CAV (Diesel Version) |
Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel |
Cooling system | Water-cooled |
Output | |
Power output | 28 to 96 bhp (21 to 72 kW; 28 to 97 PS) |
Torque output | 40 to 85 lb⋅ft (54 to 115 N⋅m) |
Emissions | |
Emissions target standard | Euro 3 (MPi engine). |
Chronology | |
Successor | Rover K-series engine, Tritec engine |
The Austin Motor Company A-series is a British small straight-4 automobile engine. Launched in 1951 with the Austin A30, production lasted until 2000 in the Mini. It used a cast-iron block and cylinder head, and a steel crankshaft with three main bearings. The camshaft ran in the cylinder block, driven by a single-row chain for most applications, and with tappets sliding in the block, accessible through pressed steel side covers for most applications, and with overhead valves operated through rockers. The cylinder blocks are not interchangeable between versions intended for conventional end-on mounted gearboxes and the 'in-sump' transaxle used on British Motor Corporation/British Leyland front wheel drive models such as the Mini. The cylinder head for the overhead-valve version of the A-series engine was designed by Harry Weslake – a cylinder head specialist famed for his involvement in SS (Jaguar) engines and several Formula One-title winning engines. Although a "clean sheet" design, the A-series owed much to established Austin engine design practise, resembling in general design (including the Weslake head) and overall appearance a scaled-down version of the 1200cc overhead-valve engine first seen in the Austin A40 Devon which would form the basis of the later B-series engine.
All engines had a cast iron head and block, two valves per cylinder in an OHV configuration and sidedraft SU carburettor. Engines were available in diesel in the BMC tractor.
All A-series engines up until mid-1970 were painted in British Standard (381c) 223 "Middle Bronze Green". [1] This does not include overseas production models such as Australian manufacture. "Factory/dealer warranty replacement" units were painted black, these were primarily distributed for the failures common to the "wet crank" primary gear system in early Minis.
Petrol | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ID | Displacement | Years | Bore | Stroke | Compression ratio | Fuel system | Horsepower | @rpm | Torque | @rpm |
A | 803 cc (49.0 cu in) | 1951-1956 | 57.92 mm (2.280 in) | 76.2 mm (3.00 in) | 7.5:1 | Single H2 / Zenith 26JS or 26VME | 28 PS (21 kW; 28 hp) | 4800 | 40 lb⋅ft (54 N⋅m) | 2400 |
848 cc (51.7 cu in) | 1959-1980 | 62.9 mm (2.48 in) | 68.26 mm (2.687 in) | 8.3:1 | 34 PS (25 kW; 34 hp) | 5500 | 44 lb⋅ft (60 N⋅m) | 2900 | ||
948 cc (57.9 cu in) | 1956-1964 | 76.2 mm (3.00 in) | 8.3:1 | 37 PS (27 kW; 36 hp) | 4750 | 50 lb⋅ft (68 N⋅m) | 2500 | |||
970 cc (59 cu in) | 1964-1967 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 61.91 mm (2.437 in) | - | Twin HS2 | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) | 6500 | 55 lb⋅ft (75 N⋅m) | 3500 | |
997 cc (60.8 cu in) | 1961-1964 | 62.43 mm (2.458 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 8.3:1 | 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) | 6000 | 54 lb⋅ft (73 N⋅m) | 3600 | ||
998 cc (60.9 cu in) | 1962-1980 | 64.58 mm (2.543 in) | 76.2 mm (3.00 in) | 8.3:1 | Single HS2 | 39 PS (29 kW; 38 hp) | 4750 | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) | 2700 | |
998 cc (60.9 cu in) | 1964-1971 | 64.58 mm (2.543 in) | 76.2 mm (3.00 in) | - | Twin HS2 | 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) | 5800 | 57 lb.ft (77 N.m) | 3000 | |
1,070 cc (65 cu in) | 1963-1967 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 68.26 mm (2.687 in) | 8.5:1 | Twin HS2 | 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) | 6000 | 62 lb⋅ft (84 N⋅m) | 4500 | |
1,098 cc (67.0 cu in) | 1962-1980 | 64.58 mm (2.543 in) | 83.8 mm (3.30 in) | Single HS2 | 47 PS (35 kW; 46 hp) | 5200 | 60 lb⋅ft (81 N⋅m) | 2450 | ||
1,098 cc (67.0 cu in) | 1962-1968 | 64.58 mm (2.543 in) | 83.8 mm (3.30 in) | - | Twin HS2 | 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) | 5500 | 61 lb⋅ft (83 N⋅m) | 2500 | |
1,097 cc (66.9 cu in) | 1971-1980 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 69.85 mm (2.750 in) | - | - | 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp) | - | - | - | |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1964-1971 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 8.8:1 | Twin HS2 | 76 PS (56 kW; 75 hp) | 5300 | 79 lb⋅ft (107 N⋅m) | 3000 | |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1967-1980 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | - | Single HS4 | 57 PS (42 kW; 56 hp) | 5300 | 69 lb⋅ft (94 N⋅m) | 3000 | |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1968-1974 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | - | Twin HS2 | 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) | 6000 | 77 lb⋅ft (104 N⋅m) | 3000 | |
A+ | 998 cc (60.9 cu in) | 1980-1992 | 64.58 mm (2.543 in) | 76.2 mm (3.00 in) | 9.4:1 | Single HIF38 | 44 PS (32 kW; 43 hp) | 5250 | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) | 3000 |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1980-1992 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 9.75:1 | Single HIF44 | 62 PS (46 kW; 61 hp) | 5600 | 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) | 3200 | |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1983-1990 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 9.4:1 | Single HIF44 / Turbo | 96 PS (71 kW; 95 hp) | 6130 | 85 lb⋅ft (115 N⋅m) | 2650 | |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1992-1996 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 10.1:1 | SPi | 63 PS (46 kW; 62 hp) | 5500 | 70 lb⋅ft (95 N⋅m) | 3000 | |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1996-2000 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 10.1:1 | MPi | 62 PS (46 kW; 61 hp) | 5500 | 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) | 3000 | |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 1992-2000 | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 10.1:1 | SPi / MPi | 77 PS (57 kW; 76 hp) | 5800 | 80 lb⋅ft (110 N⋅m) | 3000 | |
Diesel | ||||||||||
A | 947 cc (51.7 cu in) | 1962-1969 | 62.9 mm (2.48 in) | 76.2 mm (3.00 in) | 23.6:1 | Lucas CAV | 15 PS (11 kW; 15 hp) | 2500 | 38 lb⋅ft (52 N⋅m) | 1750 |
The original A-series engine displaced just 803 cc (49.0 cu in) and was used in the A30 and Morris Minor. It had an undersquare 57.92 mm × 76.2 mm (2.280 in × 3.000 in) bore and stroke. This engine was produced from 1952 to 1956.
Applications:
1956 saw a displacement increase, to 948 cc (57.9 cu in). This was accomplished by increasing the bore to 62.9 mm (2.48 in) while retaining the original 76.2 mm (3.00 in) stroke. It was produced until 1964.
Model | Power output | Torque |
---|---|---|
Austin A35 | 34 hp (25 kW) at 4,750 rpm | 50 lb⋅ft (68 N⋅m) at 2,000 rpm |
Morris Minor 1000 | 37 hp (28 kW) at 4,750 rpm | 50 lb⋅ft (68 N⋅m) at 2,500 rpm |
Austin A40 Farina | 34 hp (25 kW) at 4,750 rpm | 50 lb⋅ft (68 N⋅m) at 2,000 rpm |
Austin-Healey Sprite | 43 hp (32 kW) at 5,200 rpm | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) at 3,300 rpm |
Austin A40 Farina MkII | 37 hp (28 kW) at 5,000 rpm | 50 lb⋅ft (68 N⋅m) at 2,500 rpm |
Austin-Healey Sprite MkII MG Midget | 46 hp (34 kW) at 5,500 rpm | 53 lb⋅ft (72 N⋅m) at 3,000 rpm |
The 62.9 mm (2.48 in) bore was retained for 1959s 848 cc (51.7 cu in) Mini version. This displacement was reached by dropping the stroke to 68.26 mm (2.687 in). This engine was produced through to 1980 for the Mini, when the 998 A-Plus version supplanted it.
Model | Years | Power output | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
Austin Seven/Austin/Morris Mini [lower-alpha 1] | 1959–69 | 34 hp (25 kW) at 5500 rpm | 44 lb⋅ft (60 N⋅m) at 2900 rpm |
Riley Elf/Wolseley Hornet [lower-alpha 1] | 1961–62 | ||
Austin A35 Van | 1963–68 | ||
Mini Moke | 1964–68 | ||
Mini 850/City | 1969–80 | 33 hp (25 kW) at 5300 rpm |
The one-off 997 cc (60.8 cu in) version for the Mini Cooper used a smaller 62.43 mm (2.458 in) bore and longer 81.4 mm (3.20 in) stroke. It was produced from 1961 to 1964.
Applications:
The Mini also got a 998 cc (60.9 cu in) version. This was similar to the 948 in that it had the same 76.2 mm (3.00 in) stroke but the bore was increased slightly to 64.58 mm (2.543 in). It was produced from 1962 to 1992. This engine was first introduced into the Mk II versions of the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet, before becoming common fitment in the mainstream Minis.
Model | Years | Power output | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
Riley Elf/Wolseley Hornet | 1962–69 | 38 hp (28 kW) at 5250 rpm | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) at 2700 rpm |
Mini Moke, Australian Mokes. | 1966–82 | ||
Mini Moke, Portuguese Mokes. | 1983–93 | ||
Austin/Morris Mini Cooper | 1964–69 | 55 hp (41 kW) at 5800 rpm | 57 lb⋅ft (77 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
Austin/Morris Mini | 1967–80 | 38 hp (28 kW) at 5250 rpm | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) at 2700 rpm |
Mini Clubman | 1969–75 | ||
Mini (automatic) | 1969–80 | 41 hp (31 kW) at 4850 rpm | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) at 2750 rpm |
The 1.1 L; 67.0 cu in (1,098 cc) version was fitted to:
It was a stroked (to 83.8 mm (3.30 in)) version of the 998 previously used in the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet. It was produced from 1962 to 1980.
Years | Model | Power output | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
1962–66 | Austin A35 Van | 48 hp (36 kW) at 5100 rpm | 60 lb⋅ft (81 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1962–67 | Austin A40 Farina | ||
1962–71 | Morris 1100/Morris Minor 1000 | ||
1962–68 | MG 1100 | 55 hp (41 kW) at 5500 rpm | 61 lb⋅ft (83 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1962–64 | Austin-Healey Sprite MkII | 56 hp (42 kW) at 5500 rpm | 62 lb⋅ft (84 N⋅m) at 3250 rpm |
1962–64 | MG Midget | ||
1963–74 | Austin 1100 | 48 hp (36 kW) at 5100 rpm | 60 lb⋅ft (81 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1963–67 | Vanden Plas Princess 1100 | 55 hp (41 kW) at 5500 rpm | 61 lb⋅ft (83 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1964–66 | Austin-Healey Sprite MkIII | 59 hp (44 kW) at 5750 rpm | 65 lb⋅ft (88 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm |
1964–66 | MG Midget MkII | ||
1965–68 | Riley Kestrel/Wolseley 1100 | 55 hp (41 kW) at 5500 rpm | 61 lb⋅ft (83 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1973–75 | Austin Allegro | 49 hp (37 kW) at 5250 rpm | 60 lb⋅ft (81 N⋅m) at 2450 rpm |
1975–80 | Austin Allegro | 45 hp (34 kW) at 5250 rpm | 55 lb⋅ft (75 N⋅m) at 2900 rpm |
1968–82 | Mini Moke (Australia only) | ||
1969–71 | Morris Mini 1100/Morris Mini K (Australia only) | ||
1971–75 | Morris Mini Clubman/Leyland Mini (Australia only) | ||
1975–80 | Mini Clubman | 45 hp (34 kW) at 5250 rpm | 56 lb⋅ft (76 N⋅m) at 2700 rpm |
1976–80 | Mini 1100 Special |
The 1,070 cc (65 cu in) version was another one-off, this time for the Mini Cooper S. It used a new 70.6 mm (2.78 in) bore size and the 68.26 mm (2.687 in) stroke from the 848. It was only produced in 1963–1964. Paired with the even rarer 970 cc (59 cu in) version, below, it became that rarest of things: an oversquare A-series engine.
Applications:
The Mini Cooper S next moved on to a 970 cc (59 cu in) version. It had the same 70.6 mm (2.78 in) bore as the 1071 cc Cooper S but used a shorter 61.95 mm (2.439 in) stroke. It was produced from 1964 to 1965.
Applications:
The largest A-series engine displaced 1.3 L; 77.8 cu in (1,275 cc). It used the 70.6 mm (2.78 in) bore from the Mini Cooper S versions but the 81.4 mm (3.20 in) stroke from the plain Mini Cooper. It was produced from 1964 until 1980, when it was replaced by an A-Plus version. The bore size was around the maximum possible in the block, with very little separation between the middle cylinders, which often contributed to head gasket failures.
Years | Model | Power output | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
1964–71 | Austin/Morris Mini Cooper S | 76 hp (57 kW) at 5800 rpm | 79 lb⋅ft (107 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1965-74 | Mini Marcos | 76 hp (57 kW) at 5900 rpm | |
1966–70 | Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV | 65 hp (48 kW) at 6000 rpm | 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1966–74 | MG Midget MkIII | ||
1967–68 | MG 1300/Wolseley 1300 | 58 hp (43 kW) at 5250 rpm | 69 lb⋅ft (94 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1967–68 | Riley Kestrel 1300 | ||
1967–68 | Vanden Plas Princess 1300 | ||
1967–73 | Morris 1300 | ||
1967–74 | Austin 1300 | ||
1967 | MG 1275/Riley 1275 | 69 lb⋅ft (94 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm | |
1967 | Wolseley 1275 | ||
1967 | Vanden Plas Princess 1275 | ||
1968–69 | Riley Kestrel 1300/Riley 1300 | 70 hp (52 kW) at 6000 rpm | 77 lb⋅ft (104 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1968–71 | Austin America (automatic) | 60 hp (45 kW) at 5250 rpm | 69 lb⋅ft (94 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1968–73 | Wolseley 1300 (manual) | 65 hp (48 kW) at 5750 rpm | 71 lb⋅ft (96 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1968–73 | MG 1300 MkII | 70 hp (52 kW) at 6000 rpm | 77 lb⋅ft (104 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1968–74 | Vanden Plas Princess 1300 (manual) | 65 hp (48 kW) at 5750 rpm | 71 lb⋅ft (96 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1968 | MG 1300/Riley Kestrel 1300 | ||
1969–71 | Morris 1300GT | 70 hp (52 kW) at 6000 rpm | 74 lb⋅ft (100 N⋅m) at 3250 rpm |
1971–82 | Mini Moke Californian Australian only. | ||
1969–74 | Mini 1275GT | 59 hp (44 kW) at 5300 rpm | 65 lb⋅ft (88 N⋅m) at 2550 rpm |
1969–74 | Austin 1300GT | 70 hp (52 kW) at 6000 rpm | 74 lb⋅ft (100 N⋅m) at 3250 rpm |
1971–80 | Morris Marina | 60 hp (45 kW) at 5250 rpm | 69 lb⋅ft (94 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1971 | Austin Sprite | 65 hp (48 kW) at 6000 rpm | 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1973–80 | Austin Allegro | 59 hp (44 kW) at 5300 rpm | 69 lb⋅ft (94 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1974–80 | Mini 1275GT | 54 hp (40 kW) at 5300 rpm | 65 lb⋅ft (88 N⋅m) at 2550 rpm |
British Leyland was keen to update the old A-series design in the 1970s. However, attempts at replacement, including an aborted early-70s British Leyland 'K engine' (unrelated to the later Rover K series) and an OHC version of the A series, ended in failure. During the development of what was to become the Austin Metro, engineers tested the A series against its more modern rivals and found that it still offered competitive (or even class-leading) fuel economy and torque for its size. While in the 1970s the A series had begun to seem dated against a new generation of high-revving overhead cam engines, by the end of the decade a new emphasis on good economy and high torque outputs at low speeds meant that the A series's inherent design was still well up to market demands.
Given this, and the lack of funds to develop an all-new power unit, it was decided to upgrade the A-series unit at a cost of £30 million. The result was the 'A-Plus' Series of engines. Available in 998 and 1,275 cc (60.9 and 77.8 cu in), the A-Plus had stronger engine blocks and cranks, lighter pistons and improved piston rings, Spring loaded tensioner units for the timing chain and other detail changes to increase the service interval of the engine (from 6,000 to 12,000 miles (9,700 to 19,300 km)). More modern SU Carburettors and revised manifold designs allowed for small improvements in power without any decrease in torque or fuel economy. Many of the improvements learnt from the Cooper-tuned units were also incorporated, with A-Plus engines having a generally higher standard of metallurgy on all units, where previously only the highest-tuned engines were upgraded in this way. This made the A-Plus engines generally longer-lived than the standard A series, which had a life between major rebuilds of around 80,000 to 100,000 miles (130,000 to 160,000 km) in normal service. Studies were made into upgrading the engine to use five main crankshaft bearings but the standard three-bearing crank had proven reliable even in high states of tune and at high engine speeds, so it was not deemed worth the extra funding.
The new engines received distinctive 'A+' branding on their rocker covers and the blocks and heads were colour-coded for the different capacities: yellow for 998 cc (60.9 cu in) and red for 1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) engines.
The A-Plus version of the 998 cc (60.9 cu in) motor was produced from 1980 to 1992.
Applications:
Years | Model | Power output | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
1980–82 | Mini 1000/City/HL | 39 hp (29 kW) at 4750 rpm | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) at 2000 rpm |
1980–82 | Austin Allegro | 44 hp (33 kW) at 5250 rpm | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1980–90 | Austin Metro | 41 hp (31 kW) at 5400 rpm | 51 lb⋅ft (69 N⋅m) at 2700 rpm |
1982–88 | Mini HLE/City E/Mayfair | 40 hp (30 kW) at 5000 rpm | 50 lb⋅ft (68 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm |
1981–86 | Austin Metro HLE | 46 bhp (34 kW) | 52 lb⋅ft (71 N⋅m) |
1988–92 | Mini City/Mayfair | 42 hp (31 kW) at 5250 rpm | 58 lb⋅ft (79 N⋅m) at 2600 rpm |
The larger 1.3 L; 77.8 cu in (1,275 cc) engine was also given the "A-Plus" treatment. This lasted from 1980 to 2000, making it the last of the A-series line.
Years | Model | Power output | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
1980–82 | Austin Allegro | 62 hp (46 kW) at 5600 rpm | 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm |
1980–84 | Morris Ital | 61 hp (45 kW) at 5300 rpm | 69 lb⋅ft (94 N⋅m) at 2950 rpm |
1980–90 | Austin Metro | 63 hp (47 kW) at 5650 rpm | 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) at 3100 rpm |
1982–89 | MG Metro | 72 hp (54 kW) at 6000 rpm | 75 lb⋅ft (102 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm |
1983–85 | Austin Maestro HLE | 64 hp (48 kW) at 5500 rpm | 73 lb⋅ft (99 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm |
1983–93 | Austin Maestro | 68 hp (51 kW) at 5800 rpm | 75 lb⋅ft (102 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm |
1984–89 | Austin Montego | 68 hp (51 kW) at 5600 rpm | 75 lb⋅ft (102 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm |
1989–90 | Austin Metro GTa | 72 hp (54 kW) at 6000 rpm | 75 lb⋅ft (102 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm |
1990–91 | Mini Cooper | 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) at 5500 rpm | 71 lb⋅ft (96 N⋅m) at 3900 rpm |
1990–91 | Mini Cooper S | 78 hp (58 kW) at 6000 rpm | 78 lb⋅ft (106 N⋅m) at 3250 rpm |
1991–96 | Mini Cooper 1.3i/Cabriolet | 62 hp (46 kW; 63 PS) at 5700 rpm | 70 lb⋅ft (95 N⋅m) at 3900 rpm |
1991–96 | Mini Cooper S 1.3i | 77 hp (57 kW) at 5800 rpm | 80 lb⋅ft (110 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm |
1992–96 | Mini Sprite/Mayfair | 50 hp (37 kW) at 5000 rpm | 66 lb⋅ft (89 N⋅m) at 2600 rpm |
To allow the MG Metro to compete with larger, more powerful hot hatchbacks a turbocharged version of the 1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) A-Plus was developed with the assistance of Lotus Engineering. A Garrett T3 turbocharger was fitted along with a unique SU carburettor with an automatic pressure-regulated fuel system. The engine block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft and valves were all modified from the standard A-Plus engines. The turbocharger was fitted with an advanced two-stage boost control system which only allowed full boost to be achieved at engine speeds above 4000 rpm - this was to prevent damage to the sump-mounted four-speed gearbox, the design of which dated back to the early 1950s and could not reliably cope with the high torque output of the Turbo engine at low speeds. The quoted power for the 1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) A-Plus Turbo was 94 bhp (70 kW) although in practice the tune could vary from car to car and, because the engine was not intercooled power varied significantly depending on the weather. The MG Metro Turbo was entered in the British Touring Car Championship in 1983 and 1984, with the tuned engines producing in excess of 200 bhp (150 kW). Turbo versions lasted from 1983 to 1990.
Applications:
A special "twin-port injection" version of the 1.3 L; 77.8 cu in (1,275 cc) engine was developed by Rover engineer, Mike Theaker. It was the last A-series variant, produced from 1997 to 2000. Few changes were made to ensure the engine complies with Euro 2 (later Euro 3) emission standard, such as adding a 3-way catalytic converter and making it twin-point injection, the engine also receive changes with ignition system by having a wasted spark instead of the distributor. For the Japanese domestic market. the engine maintained the single-point injection version of the engine and the radiator is still on the side due to the space constraint for the air conditioner component.
Applications
JOHN COOPER GARAGES
During the 1990s Mini Cooper revival, John Cooper Garages offered a number of factory-approved "Cooper S" and "Cooper Si" upgrades to the standard Coopers. The conversions came with a full Rover warranty, and could initially be fitted by any franchised Rover dealer.
The diesel version appeared in 1962, on the BMC Mini tractor. It was developed with the help of Ricardo Consulting Engineers. It was redesign of existing 948 cc version, new purpose-designed cylinder head, with Lucas CAV fuel injection. This engine has dry liners. The block is almost identical to the petrol engine. The oil pump has been removed from the camshaft and is driven by an extension to what would have been the distributor drive. It uses Ricardo-patented "Comet V" combustion chambers, with a compression ratio of 23.6:1. Produced 15 hp at 2500rpm and 38 lb⋅ft (52 N⋅m) torque at 1,750 rpm. A petrol version of this modified engine was 'reverse-engineered' for use in the Mini Tractor whilst retaining parts commonality with the diesel variant, rather than using a standard petrol A-series unit. The diesel A series was also sold as a marine engine under the BMC name alongside the diesel B-series engines. Production ceased in 1969.
At the end of 1965, BMC South Africa started a new program, with the aim of using more components manufactured in the country (using less imported components from U.K.). They decided to develop and manufacture their own version of the engine. Two versions were made with 1.1 and 1.3 litres, using the same cylinder block. The block was redesigned, new oil circulation arrangements and redesigned main bearing (bigger dimensions) and stronger/biffers camshafts. Both versions use the same connecting rods, but different crankshaft and pistons. Prototypes versions were made by 1969. Production began in 1971, ending in 1980.
Displacement | Bore | Stroke | Horsepower |
---|---|---|---|
1,098 cc (67.0 cu in) | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 69.85 mm (2.750 in) | 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp) |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.3 mm (3.20 in) | 62 PS (46 kW; 61 hp) |
The A-series design, along with particularly the B-Series, was licensed by Nissan of Japan. Many changes were made for the initial OHV Nissan C engine and the succeeding E and E-1. An early change was to incorporate a five-bearing crankshaft. The cylinder head was modified by swapping plugs and ports, plugs fitted between pushrods and eight ports eliminated the Siamesed inlet and exhaust ports. Nissan modified the design into the later Nissan A engine that was launched in 1966 with an aluminium head and wedge combustion chambers. It formed the basis for many of their following engines, notably the later OHC Nissan E engine]], was scaled up into the Nissan CA engine which culminated in the DOHC 169 PS (124 kW; 167 bhp) CA18DET. The basic design was also scaled down into the Nissan MA engine. All these engines show their lineage by the characteristic un-skirted crankcase block of the BMC A-series, but with the A and E having the camshaft moved to the right side allowing greater port areas, and a mounting on the right wall of the crankcase for the oil pump, whereas the BMC A-series had the oil pump at the back end of the left-side camshaft.[ citation needed ]
With the intention of updating the current engine, for use in the new Mini Clubman (ADO20), and current ADO16, Leyland developed an OHC version. It appeared in a prototype version in 1971, with single overhead camshaft. It featured redesigned cylinder block, new aluminium cylinder head and twin SU carburetors. Eleven prototypes units were built, in three different capacities, 970, 1070 and 1275 cc. All engines use the same cylinder bore dimension of 70.6 mm, to reduce the number of engine parts, reducing production costs. It uses a modular approach, making it possible to produce the three versions with the same engine block. The lack of investment and the turmoil and chaos in British Leyland, meant the engine never reached production. In 1975 the plan was abandoned in favour of the "A+" version that reached production in 1980.
Displacement | Bore | Stroke | Horsepower | @rpm | Torque | @rpm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
970 cc (59 cu in) | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 61.91 mm (2.437 in) | 59.8 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) | 6750 | 51 lb⋅ft (69 N⋅m) | 5250 |
1,097 cc (66.9 cu in) | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 69.85 mm (2.750 in) | 73 PS (54 kW; 72 hp) | 6500 | 64 lb⋅ft (87 N⋅m) | 5000 |
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.3 mm (3.20 in) | 85.2 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) | 6750 | 80 lb⋅ft (110 N⋅m) | 4500 |
Under the code ADO11, a 474cc twin cylinder with a single H2 SU carburetor based on the 948cc unit was built with the intention to be used in ADO15 (Mini) with an in-sump gearbox. [4] In May 1957, the engine was tested in one Austin A35, alongside a 20 hp 500cc air-cooled later 670cc water-cooled 2-cylinder two-stroke engine developed by Dr Joe Ehrlich of EMC Motorcycles [5] that was tested in one Austin A30 before being used in an experimental Austin A30 based prototype with weight reduced to 584 kg (by way of a special lightweight body in steel that was a couple of gauges lighter than normal with altered panels to keep weight at a minimum) known as the Austin A20 or the "Lightweight Austin 7". [6]
In 2021 retired racing driver and Bugatti specialist Ivan Dutton rebuilt an example of the 4 stroke engine from an original head and cylinder block and documented the work on Youtube. He also has the EMC 2-cylinder two-stroke engine which he plans to return to running condition.
This engine continues to be improved, it has a very large and wide market, whether in the classic car industry or the racing industry. It has a wide OEM manufacturer support. Almost every part of the engine is still made, whether in original specification or improved versions, pistons, camshafts, crankshafts, cylinder heads. Cylinder heads are available in 8v or 16v, made in aluminium with 5, 7 or 8 ports. Additionally over the past few decades it has not been unusual to see the A-Series stretched beyond 1275cc with capacities ranging from as low as 1293cc up to 1479cc, although it is commonly enlarged to 1380cc while retaining its reliability so long it is serviced regularly and well looked after. [7]
The A series engine is currently used in David Brown Mini Remastered. The engine is totally rebuilt, with new internals to an improved specification. The engine used is based in 1275cc MPi version, with larger capacity versions including the 1330cc Monte Carlo [8] as well as the 1380cc and 1450cc Oselli Edition. [9]
Displacement | Bore | Stroke | Compression ratio | Carburation | Horsepower | @rpm | Torque | @rpm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1,275 cc (77.8 cu in) | 70.6 mm (2.78 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 10.1:1 | MPi | 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) | 4600 | 88 lb⋅ft (119 N⋅m) | 3100 |
1,330 cc (81 cu in) | 72.19 mm (2.842 in) | 81.28 mm (3.200 in) | 10.1:1 | MPi | 84 PS (62 kW; 83 hp) | - | - | - |
The Chrysler B and RB engines are a series of big-block V8 gasoline engines introduced in 1958 to replace the Chrysler FirePower engines. The B and RB engines are often referred to as "wedge" engines because they use wedge-shaped combustion chambers; this differentiates them from Chrysler's 426 Hemi big block engines that are typically referred to as "Hemi" or "426 Hemi" due to their hemispherical shaped combustion chambers. The corporation had been seeking a smaller and lighter replacement for its FirePower engines, in part because new styling dictates meant moving the engine forward in the chassis which negatively affected weight distribution.
The Jaguar AJ-8 is a compact DOHC V8 piston engine used in many Jaguar vehicles. It was the fourth new engine type in the history of the company. It was an in house design with work beginning before Ford's purchase of the company. In 1997 it replaced both designs previously available on Jaguar cars: the straight-6 Jaguar AJ6 engine, and the Jaguar V12 engine. It remained the only engine type available on Jaguar until 1999 with the launch of the S-Type, when the Jaguar AJ-V6 engine was added to the list. The AJ-V8 is available in displacements ranging from 3.2L to 5.0L, and a supercharged version is also produced. Ford Motor Company also used this engine in other cars, including the Lincoln LS and the 2002–2005 Ford Thunderbird, as well as in several Land Rovers, and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
The BMW M50 is a straight-6 DOHC petrol engine which was produced from 1990 to 1996. It was released in the E34 520i and 525i, to replace the M20 engine.
The Ford Cologne V6 is a series of 60° cast iron block V6 engines produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1962 to 2011 in displacements between 1.8 L; 110.6 cu in (1,812 cc) and 4.0 L; 244.6 cu in (4,009 cc). Originally, the Cologne V6 was installed in vehicles intended for Germany and Continental Europe, while the unrelated British Essex V6 was used in cars for the British market. Later, the Cologne V6 largely replaced the Essex V6 for British-market vehicles. These engines were also used in the United States, especially in compact trucks.
The VK engine is a V8 piston engine from Nissan. It is an aluminum DOHC 4-valve design.
The VQ is a family of V6 automobile petrol engines developed by Nissan and produced in displacements varying from 2.0 L to 4.0 L. Designed to replace the VG series, the all-aluminium 4-valve per cylinder DOHC design debuted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) system. Changes from the VG engine include switching to a timing chain from a timing belt, and relocating the water pump from the outside of the engine to inside the timing cover where the pump is driven by the timing chain. Later versions featured various improvements, such as variable valve timing, and NEO-Di designated VQ engines replace MPFI with direct fuel injection.
The RB engine is an oversquare 2.0–3.0 L straight-6 four-stroke gasoline engine from Nissan, originally produced from 1985 to 2004. The RB followed the 1983 VG-series V6 engines to offer a full, modern range in both straight or V layouts. It was part of a new engine family name PLASMA.
The VG engine is a family of V6 engines designed and produced by Nissan between 1983 and 2004.
The KA engines were a series of four-stroke inline-four gasoline piston engines manufactured by Nissan, which were offered in 2.0 and 2.4 L. The engines blocks were made of cast-iron, while the cylinder heads were made of aluminum.
The BMC B series was a line of straight-4 & straight-6 internal combustion engine mostly used in motor cars, created by British automotive manufacturer Austin Motor Company.
The BMC C-Series is a straight-6 automobile engine produced from 1954 to 1971. Unlike the Austin-designed A-Series and B-Series engines, it came from the Morris Engines drawing office in Coventry and therefore differed significantly in its layout and design from the two other designs which were closely related. This was due to the C-Series being in essence an enlarged overhead valve development of the earlier 2.2 L Straight-6 overhead camshaft engine used in the post-war Morris Six MS and Wolseley 6/80 from 1948 until 1954, which itself also formed the basis of a related 1.5 L 4-cylinder engine for the Morris Oxford MO in side-valve form and the Wolseley 4/50 in overhead camshaft form. Displacement was 2.6 to 2.9 L with an undersquare stroke of 88.9 mm (3.50 in), bored out to increase capacity.
The Nissan A series of internal combustion gasoline engines have been used in Datsun, Nissan and Premier brand vehicles. Displacements of this four-stroke engine family ranged from 1.0-liter to 1.5-liter and have been produced from 1967 till 2009. It is a small-displacement four-cylinder straight engine. It uses a lightweight cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, with overhead valves actuated by pushrods.
The Nissan H series of automobile engines is an evolution of the Nissan "R" engine which was based on the 1.5-liter, three-main bearing "G" engine used in the 1960s. Both inline-four and inline-six versions were produced. It is a pushrod OHV design with iron block, early models with an iron head, later models with aluminum head. Versions of this motor have been used in many Nissan autos and forklifts, well into the eighties and a version called H20II was in production until 2003. The SD diesels are based on this series of motors
The Nissan L series of automobile engines was produced from 1966 through 1986 in both inline-four and inline-six configurations ranging from 1.3 L to 2.8 L. It is a two-valves per cylinder SOHC non-crossflow engine, with an iron block and an aluminium head. It was most notable as the engine of the Datsun 510, Datsun 240Z sports car, and the Nissan Maxima. These engines are known for their reliability, durability, and parts interchangeability.
The Prince G-series engine was the company's only straight-four and straight-six engines which began production in 1955. A number of variations were made, with both OHV and OHC heads. A diesel four-cylinder with 1.9 L (1,862 cc) was also built, called the D-6. The G series was used in the Skyline, the Laurel, and the Gloria from the 1950s to the early 1970s.
The Ferrari flat-12 engine family is a series of flat-12 DOHC petrol engines produced by Ferrari from 1964 to 1996. The first racing Ferrari flat-12, the Mauro Forghieri-designed Tipo 207, was introduced in the Ferrari 1512 F1 car in 1964. Later flat-12 racing engines were used in Ferrari Formula One and sports racing cars from 1968 until 1980, including the 212 E Montagna, 312 B series, 312 PB and 312 T series. The roadgoing flat-12 engines were introduced with the 365 GT4 BB and were produced in various versions until the end of F512M production in 1996.
The Standard SC engine is a cast-iron overhead valve straight-four engine designed and initially produced by Standard Triumph. Over its production life displacement grew from an initial size of just over 800 cc to nearly 1500 cc. Introduced in the Standard Eight in 1953, it would eventually be used in a wide range of vehicles from Standard, Triumph, and MG.
The Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine family is a series of mechanically similar, gasoline-powered and diesel-powered, V-8, internal combustion piston engines, developed and produced by the Volkswagen Group, in partnership with Audi, since 1988. They have been used in various Volkswagen Group models, and by numerous Volkswagen-owned companies. The first spark-ignition gasoline V-8 engine configuration was used in the 1988 Audi V8 model; and the first compression-ignition diesel V8 engine configuration was used in the 1999 Audi A8 3.3 TDI Quattro. The V8 gasoline and diesel engines have been used in most Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini models ever since. The larger-displacement diesel V8 engine configuration has also been used in various Scania commercial vehicles; such as in trucks, buses, and marine (boat) applications.