I Bought A Race Engine - Selling Some Projects??

[@ivanbrennan9405]

Love that you're binning off the Honda engine for a proper a-series and 10 inch wheels. Proper car

[@ronald1968]

People don't tend to use valve seals on the exhaust valve as it's a competition engine and burning a little oil going through the exhaust isn't an issue..... The diff housing needs line boring to suit the bearing..... You have cooper s output shafts, which are in high demand, but it also means you'll need the suitable shafts to bolt to them... Looking at the head you'll probably want a decent size webber on it..... Get decent ARP Head studs..... The head and block are dry decked, not only does it aid cooling, it also means you don't force combustion pressure into the water system if the head gasket weeps a smidge.... All good Stuff Matt..... glad you're better now, I was literally just thinking it'd been a while.......

[@Urchfab]

Cheers for the info.

[@micheltebraake7915]

Get well soon. I know the problem of too many projects, it seems that we car enthusiasts have a magnet in us and attract cars with it.

[@strokermaverick]

I, know it, all too well.😃

[@christopherkelly6903]

No stem seals on the exhaust valves is quite normal 😉. It's definitely a good start. HRE hickey race engineering has a KZbin channel which is very good, he also has a good video on machining the diff cover too plus loads of info for racing minis.

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

Seconded, our man at h r e, is a legend.

[@acrchy]

@@ciatangallaghe2485 thirded lol

[@vanfather_candm]

Glad you seem to have kicked covid proper. I got it days before New Year's myself and remnants are still trying to stick with me.

[@stefanpetersons1878]

Agree on the valve stems. Not needed since there should be no vacuum in that port so no oil would be shucked in.

[@Urchfab]

I just found his channel. will have a look. Cheers

[@robbiemulholland6477]

Tuned A-series engines are a thing of beauty! With the straight cut gears it will sound tremendous!! The mini looks awesome, keep up the good work 👍 Having too many projects is a problem that sounds great until you have it 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@MattBaker1965]

Glad you are better, good luck with the Mini

[@ianspicer3885]

Good to hear your well Matt , be great to see the mini fixed up 😊👍

[@markdavis2475]

Looking forward to seeing it come together. In the early 80,s I got involved in a mini race team, they built a dry sumped engine with a separate oil supply for the gearbox, very neat!

[@daviemaclean61]

Me too! Glad you're feeling better

[@Ed-qu8nz]

Looks promising. I hope that the sump has a central oil pick up pipe instead of the stock pipe otherwise it will starve for oil around corners. I found out the hard way.

[@skylined5534]

Long right handers... *baleful glare of oil light* Central pick up pipe and a windage tray definitely advantageous!

[@matthewjenkins1161]

I would think the Zetec with the Escort would be one for the Ford lads and the Saab a good candidate for the Shovit. Give Marcus Hayes a shout for the Ford stuff.

[@trevorjarvis3021]

Brilliant update Matt - makes sense to move some things on to provide some funds and a bit of room etc.

[@glensgraphix]

Happy New Year! Bummer about the Chevette. I was looking forward to seeing more on that. But that can be the price of motor racing. Going to be interesting watching the Mini build.

[@BaileyKnight77]

Good luck with the build, I raced with mini 7 club for over 10yrs great bunch of people. definitely seek an a series specialist involved with the club as a lot of engine builders will be at race meetings to help out if you get issues.

[@philtucker1224]

Hi Matt, happy new year buddy, you’re right about the other cars, - easy to hoard a few that really, are just a distraction at the end of the day. Mongrel is unique, so I hope that will always be a keeper (although I feel it is a little under- engined sometimes) but the mini miglia project sounds excellent. I built a few cooper S units back as an apprentice in the 1970s and usually found it was down to personal choice (of induction set up) that had most effect on the potential power output…120 would be nice!😊

[@Urchfab]

Cheers Phil, I will hang on to that one for as long as I can.

[@scottthomas5450]

Be awesome to see video of you rearranging your workshop and some storage solutions lol we all love storage. Looking forward to seeing your first race in mini 👍

[@lloydy___8720]

I wouldn’t sell the Escort mate, if I remember rightly you wanted to build it like a previous escort you regretted selling so I wouldn’t get rid pal

[@MiniMattTV]

Looks like a great package deal there, definitely will have some go when put back together.

[@mpe6678]

Great video. When i used to do oval track racing, i never installed valve stem seals as a means to allow the valve stems to be lubricated, never mind the smoke from the exhaust. As a matter of fact, the spectators was always under the impression that the engine was knackered and was suprised to see it was not. Good luck with the build, it looks great thus far. Top man. From S.A.👌👍

[@timtrial3971]

I haven't seen a chevette for decades in nz. Vauxhall vivas are not quite as rare but I can't remember the last time I saw one.

[@JamesYoung61]

I don't know if I am missing something but wouldn't that Ford ZeTec engine be better in the Escort? When people comment that you must have deep pockets to play Minis it is probably because they watch a lot of Classic Mini racing at Goodwood which is often dominated by the same few racer/builders.

[@Urchfab]

It would probably be more reliable.

[@fredericrike5974]

Glad you are back! The Mini looks to be as good a "getting started" as most could want! Have a Happier New Year than Last! FR

[@peterbonnez]

Excellent - Glad you're back to good health

[@kenleach2516]

Nice update

[@chrismatthews9328]

I would take the Escort but I'm in Australia and I wouldn't have enough money any way. Hope you get a good price for everything.

[@WilksGRendai]

Happy New Year mate, not quite covid but pulled my back chrissy eve morning lost the time on my humber recovering - frustrating as hell! Cheers for the vids man keep em coming mate 👍🏻

[@Urchfab]

Heal up soon mate.

[@lenanderson8103]

All looks very promising looking forward to the next episode

[@craig1010cc]

moorspeed engines didn't use to have the best reputation (oftenly named no more speed), be worth getting your engine builder to check over all the parts fully stripped before putting it together. Tuned A series engines are a pricey game and need pretty frequent rebuilds too. but at least in the libra class you can change a few bits to suit (might be worth swapping out the cam for a hotter one)

[@reallybigkidd]

I’m trying to think the last time I saw a morspeed engine. 100% get it checked over. Simon went out of business a long time ago and as above didn’t have the greatest reputation in the end.

[@Urchfab]

That's the plan.

[@reallybigkidd]

@@Urchfab I expect it will be all good, I remember when I was at college up in Coalville, I went round to his workshop which if I remember was on the Scotlands industrial estate, he seemed like a nice enough chap. I think he just got swamped and in the end just couldn’t handle the load, when he used to do a good job it was spot on. It was just afterwards when he sort of lost control of things that the work really started to become sub par and kept going until he properly disappeared. Think he now runs a house cleaning company.

[@100Jeanluc]

Hi Matt, Glad your on the mend, always good to see your content. Better for a project that may never be got to, to be moved on. At least that vehicle will a goer again. I hate seeing good stuff just going to seed cos someone says "Im gunna".

[@rpms-de2ph]

Re engine building, talk to Mike Tarr at Ratt racing Torquay, top mini engine man

[@stevecoates1909]

The only advice I'd offer on tuning the a series engine is be careful of all the bad advice you will get, weeding out what is actually of benifit to you as far as tuning goes is the real art. Be realistic in your expectations and don't believe over inflated claims of what is possible, there are people out there who genuinely know what they are doing with these engines and gearboxes but unfortunately they are now a dying breed, best of luck with your endeavour, I personally have had very good results in the past using tried and tested combinations of good quality parts but you'll find every man and his dog will have an opinion for you, love the chanel 👍

[@richardi1027]

Totally agree. There are too many people who take everything they see on the internet as true. Gone are the days when people wrote technical journals or magazine articles are were respected in the industry. Such a pity.

[@Urchfab]

Indeed! Cheers

[@pauljeffries]

@@richardi1027 I agree with that quote, I actually build A series engines and gearboxes for fast road/race applications, my own classic mini currently has a 108bhp (at the wheels) engine with 104lbs/ft torque .

[@markwalton8644]

Hi Matt Perhaps the Chevette would be better with the Saab engine and the Escort with the Zetec. You no what people are like with matching engine brands. Even though I like the idea if the 16v head, I imagine you'll get a good 130 BHP out of that, you just need to get the right matching components. Looking forward to the New Year and hearing that Mini scream!! Glad you're over the Covid , it doesn't make for a very Merry Xmas

[@welditjamaica]

I got a set of side draft Weber’s for the engine with manifold if you looking

[@kevinlyon9501]

That looks a bit more almost race ready, with a bit of fettling.👍

[@Urchfab]

Almost mate.

[@malcolmyoung7866]

A few changes but needs must to move forwards...looking forward to seeing that 'Mini roll.'. B-)

[@MsPeterboy]

I can highly recommend and a lot of people on fb will also paul Jeffries to advise or even help you with your engine build...

[@petelattimer6808]

Mini stuff in general is expensive nowadays! even just a Mini bare shell isnt cheap now, considering a few years back they were £300 with an MOT

[@Sennaxm71]

Hey Matt, You may have got covid for xmas (and I'm glad that you're ok now) But you also got some jubbly items for the mini, so at least there's that lol I'm shocked that you're considering selling the Escort and Shuvitt, you must be really feeling the mini racing (completely understand, they're great) I hope it all goes to plan mate. Happy New Year btw ;)

[@mikehunt8968]

Snap! Covid for xmas and lose £2K of work 🙄☣ Just what I needed... 🤣 Hope you're better now Matt, mine was like an average cold 🙄

[@benjaminbenson8714]

Apart from the sacrilegious engine choices I really like the Escort and the Chevette as I've got my own Escort the Mini is pretty exciting.

[@Sennaxm71]

lol You have to appreciate them for their engineering quality, it's not the easiest thing to completely change a car from one type of engine to another, and even more so when it's a different manufacturers engine, it brings up a whole new league of problems. I understand your frustration of the wrong engines in the wrong cars, but massively appreciate the work that went in to making them how they are, and at least it means another survivor Escort and Chevette shell.

[@benjaminbenson8714]

@@Sennaxm71 agree with all you have said. I just personally like a Ford lump in a Ford etc. I find it enough agro putting a Ford lump in my Ford I wouldn't want the headache. Haha.

[@Sennaxm71]

@@benjaminbenson8714 I know exactly what you're saying, that's why I went for a vw mk3 GTi engine to upgrade my mk2 golf driver 1.6 when I changed the engine in it. It wasn't as hard as you'd initially expect.

[@benjaminbenson8714]

@@Sennaxm71 I dont know too much about Golf's. Is it an updated engine with simular achetecture or a new design? Did you swap for more power?

[@Sennaxm71]

@@benjaminbenson8714 it wasn't a common swap, so virtually no aftermarket parts to choose from, I had to do a lot of mix and match until I found the right parts. The main reason I swapped was because I'd got it for next to nothing, realised it could fit, so decided to make it fit, and going from a 1.6 carburetted engine to a 2 litre injection from a heavier car was a massive difference in power and mpg, it was much better on fuel and went really well, the hardest part was the wiring, going from a non injection to injection, life was made slightly easier by the fact that the fuse box isn't any different, you just use the plugs and relay holes that weren't being used.

[@AbellTo]

I’m sure you’ll get loads of advice, if you need any more check out Richard Parker Race engines in Derbyshire he is an excellent engine builder and knows the A series inside out

[@deopersad2915]

Hi sorry you had a covid Xmas, hopefully it will work out for you in a few months 🙏 , I'm trying to get started but with mountain bike's at the moment, I did one my step son bought it, got one for my sister to finish and my nice, but had to build a different work place out back so as to use my tools better, and need to be more efficient as I got to wait for the paint to dry hard before assembling , Then get a dirt bike fixed to sell and move on from there if I can lol , keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏽

[@Stevie671]

Best decision yet!

[@MegaProstreet1]

Happy new year Matt, would love the chevette but just wrong time of the year fella.

[@Island_Times]

Stupid question to a guy with no time and too many projects (lol) , but wouldnt the Zetec be better off in the Escort and the SAAB engine in the Shovit (as GM had a hand in both SAAB and Vauxhall) . Running away now ......

[@andycook5607]

Think you will regret selling the escort mate you love the drifting too much dont rush into it you have the replacement engine hope you manage to keep it mate

[@_Brad_D]

Volvo engine in a Ford, Mazda engine in a Ford, Ford engine in a Vauxhall, Honda engine in a Mini,........ :)

[@hespie1]

Shame the Chevette has to go Matt but I understand having been in your situation.

[@julianhawker7672]

FOLLOWER SINCE THE EARLY DAYS OF CHANEL BUT RARELY COMMENT: Glad to see you back at it after covid. :-) I wonder if putting the Ford lump from the chevvy into the Escort and transplanting something GM back into the chevvy would give you maximum money back for selling cars on????? also plenty of good content to film and possibly almost no cost (in materials) after you have sold off the saab stuff etc. Just a thought. Cheers.

[@Urchfab]

Cheers Mark.

[@geek9642]

Definitely stick the ATB in it pointless driving round a track with an open diff..

[@peterwall9896]

It's all looking good 😎❤️👍👍👍👍👍

[@g19anson]

Depending when it was built the first thing I would do it strip and check it, morspeed didn’t have the best name for customer care and rushed some stuff, I know from personal experience…. Also some of the oils pumps from back in the day from new were crap and didn’t seat properly…

[@Urchfab]

I will check it over Bud.

[@rogerfrancis65]

The Shuvitt is lovely, i,d buy it in a heartbeat if spare funds allowed.

[@mrb1864]

Well you survived covid no drama ... Do some more draws to raise bit of cash . Won't be a bad thing see the chevette go, got keep the escort though as that a bit of urchfab history now plus you got a donor engine already ... You should have some good content this year between the escort and the mini so hopefully get some decent revenue from it . All the best for 2022, I'll make a new years resolution to buy minimum of 2 draw tickets per draw for any welding/fabrication stuff you organise ...

[@Urchfab]

Thanks mate, I'm just sorting the next one out now.

[@bendawson5376]

Loving your videos! Hate that you make everything look so easy! Makes me want to do it all myself! Are you doing the big bulkhead box mod? If so can you video it really good, wanting to put that on the road car......

[@Urchfab]

Yes, That will be coming up shortly. Cheers

[@kittonsmitton]

Glad you are better mate, tip you don't need the jab if you've had the big c naturally.

[@fambuild]

Good stuff!

[@michaelwhite8031]

Couldn't you sell the escort to the guy who builds replicas in Wales ?

[@bigbird2100]

Great video 👍 Maybe give retropower a call they will be interested in a clean chevett and sell the escort to smt

[@daisythecamperb9883]

Hi Matt Has the chevette been sold now ?? How much were you looking for it ?? Cheers Paul.

[@johnsutherland8239]

Nice to see you back 👍

[@Urchfab]

Thanks 👍

[@davidlawrencebanks4610]

Happy new year bud. Dont take this the wrong way but I never liked the Chevette with that engine choice plus being a saloon or wasn't cool enough for ya lol! Mini project looks like it will come together pretty quickly. Think you'll have fun with that. Same thing with the Escort shame you're selling but Saab engine.... Was always a curious choice for me. Onwards and upwards mate.... LAG...

[@Urchfab]

Cheers mate.

[@mikebjorklind]

An advice from a serious money burner Matt (I know - your didn´t ask for any); Cut your losses by getting rid of stale projects as soon as possible and free some fresh cash to put into your most recent ones! Keep up the good work! /Mike

[@Urchfab]

On it!

[@andrewgardner9615]

Wedged crank-is that an adjustable cam pulley I see?Ports matched to exhaust?Straight cut drop gears on the box?What's the cam?Does miglia spec use 649 cam?1.5:1 rockers or is that not allowed.Is it allowed to drill out the box to block bolts and use larger size to increase clamping force to prevent oil leaks when engine tries to lever itself off the box?

[@pauljeffries]

The migs don't use a 649 cam, they use an STR930

[@andrewgardner9615]

cheers👍

[@Urchfab]

Hmm, Not sure

[@finlay230]

Whats the best way to get in touch with regards the chevette and escort ? Cheers

[@Urchfab]

The Chevette is sold buddy. will keep you updated on the escort in the videos.

[@beezo2560]

Good trade on the engine and stuff. Hate to see the escort go but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. When do you reckon will be the first fire up of the mini?

[@Urchfab]

I'm not committing to any dates just yet mate.

[@andrewdrabble8939]

A Ford engine in a Vauxhall is only the same as a Vauxhall engine in a Ford that seems to be the norm

[@D4VE26]

How much is the chevette gonna be?

[@Urchfab]

Sold mate.

[@davidfranks2098]

I used to race in Libre until 2021 if you need any advice or help

[@peterhills5594]

We're a friendly bunch in Libre if you need any build advice Matt 😁

[@Urchfab]

How's best to get in contact? Cheers

[@Urchfab]

How's best to get in contact? Cheers

[@Ben-in6qh]

How much for the chevette minus engine please?

[@Urchfab]

Gone mate

[@brentonpaterson7047]

Poor Matt got the rona. Hope everyone is ok.

[@Urchfab]

All good, Cheers

[@jayinmi3706]

Isn't the Escort powered by a Saab engine? Seems appropriate that the Chevette is powered by Ford. lol

[@leegriffiths97]

Aah bro, don't sell the escort....maybe hit up mst and trade up for an mst shell

[@Sennaxm71]

How deep do you think Matt's pocket's are? lol Those MST Escort's, although they are gorgeous, are quite pricey, I'm not sure Matt would be able to afford one if he sold all his cars lol

[@leegriffiths97]

@@Sennaxm71 maybe so but take a look at any msc vid, the genuine ford's are prized possessions, looking at the going rate for a 4door like 1 I once sold for £100, it's a tear jerker for the wallet

[@Sennaxm71]

@@leegriffiths97 I know bud, I was talking earlier about a friend that swapped a cheese and pickle cob at college for a mk1 Escort 2 door, that was late 80's when they were 10 a penny.

[@tomscustomshop]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@michaelstanbrough8143]

Did you get corona virus, or did you already have car owner virus. Hope you are feeling better.

[@Urchfab]

I had one and still have the other variant.

[@joell439]

👍😎👍

[@gatti5002]

the cheapest way of tuning is losing weight , but you seem to overshoot the target , get some meat back on ya bones lad !

[@sxvanahmarble2232]

Escort 2door or 4

[@RallyeRacin9]

4door