X-Flow AX block

[Noel Mclaughlin]

Can anyone tell me what the AX block is and why it is so sought after .No one in OZ seems to know anything about them

 

 

[Dave H]

The AX block is one of the (later) variations of the Xflow block. It was produced, I believe, in South Africa, and it is sought after because is can be bored out to produce an 1800cc engine.

 

Dave H

[stevefoster]

The AX is stiffer/stronger block with casting mods that allow it to be bored out.

The later Caterham XF deliveries seem to have the AX block.

My prev car had one fitted and 155'd in 1994.

 

 

[Graham Perry]

I remember reading somewhere that Ford paid out to have the 711m x/flow block strenthened as part of a Diesel project that nearly made it to production hence the revisions that became the AX. I guess they had spent so much money they thought that they had better put it to good use ! Having said that I bet the number of changes are not that great. Perhaps if RK is reading this he could let us have his view on why the AX is better than the other versions ? ie are they more reliable when tuned ?

[Roger King]

Steve Foster and DaveH have this one correct. Caterham have used this block since around 1989, so it's not that rare.

 

The earlier 711M block is also extremely strong, but usually won't go to 1800ccm safely, whereas the AX usually will. The AX is also heavier.

 

Pre 711M blocks are usually best avoided for serious tuning.

[Roger King]

Steve Foster and DaveH have this one correct. Caterham have used this block since around 1989, so it's not that rare.

 

The earlier 711M block is also extremely strong, but usually won't go to 1800ccm safely, whereas the AX usually will. The AX is also heavier.

 

Pre 711M blocks are usually best avoided for serious tuning.

[Noel Mclaughlin]

Thanks for your input on this, looks like I need to import one of these from ole blighty or Sth Africa as it appears they don't exist in OZ. Any suggestions where to try and likely prices?