VVC head onto 1.6K Supersport

[KenEvans]

I've got 2 or 3 potential sources of modified vvc heads that I'm likely to bolt onto my 1.6K Supersport very shortly (along with throttle bodies, Piper cams etc).

 

I've just read one of Roger King's pieces referring to the long bolt(s) that go right through the engine and this has put the fear of God into me a bit. While I've removed quite a few heads bolted conventionally this sounds a bit dodgy!

 

I'm looking for a source of detailed info as to how to do the job. Would one of the Haynes manual give me this level of step-by-step detail?

 

Also, will the standard head gasket kit be ok for something in the region of 180BHP or is there another set I should be using?

 

Any other comments regarding pitfalls to look out for would also be appreciated.

 

Thanks

Ken

[Geoff Dixon]

Removing the head bolts is easy, you just undo them. However you can not re use them, you will have to get some new ones.

Thye are about 18 inches long and go right through the block.

You tighten them up as you would normally then have to give them another I think it is half a turn during which they twist.

The bolts actually hold the complete block together (The block is a sandwich construction).

All of this is covered in the Haynes manual ( sold by Halfords)for Rover 200/400 series or whatever tney are called now. If you want I can copy the relevant section on head removal and send to you.

You must get some new bolts - from a Rover dealer, QED, any specialised K series engine tuner.

You can also get uprated cylinder head gaskets although the standard one should be OK. If you are removing the VVC stuff you also need a VVC blanking plate which you can get from Piper Cams among others, never has a small piece of metal cost so much !!

You will also need some "special" goo if you remove the camshaft carrier form the head. This is to seal the carier back to the head but you may be able to remove the head without taking the carrier off the head.

 

If you wish give me a ring tonight on 01737 277495 as I carried out this work last year, not without a small degree of difficulty I may add.

[oilyhands]

The long bolts dont represent much of a problem, the Haynes Rover 214/216 manual gives sufficient detail for removal/replacement of the head. The stock gasket is up to the job although the K is prone to gasket unreliability.Improved gaskets are available fro mike Satur and Racelin although the latest Rover one is better and includes steel dowels to better locate the head. Just make sure that the engine is at 90BTDC before removing the head and dont turn it over once the head is off.

 

I know a man who has a copy of the entire Rover service manual for the K series on CD, he might be persuaded to mkake a copy or two, it is extremely detailed.

 

There are a number of issues to watch with the VVC head, one of which is the retention of the exisiting igntion system, which requires drilling and tapping of the VVC blanking plates to mount the distributor cap, offset mounting of the rotor arm spiogt and also slight lengthening of the ignition lead reach to accomodate the taller head. I've been involved with 30 or so of these conversions so if you get stuck, just post here or send an email

 

There is a lot of info here.

 

Contrary to popoular opinion you can reuse the head bolts provided you measure them to ensure they are still in spec for length.

 

Oily

 

 

Edited by - oilyhands on 15 Jan 2002 15:51:32

[KenEvans]

Thank you both - it sounds as though the long bolts are not as great as issue as some of the other jobs!........and I have my first event in the middle of March so I'd better get on with it!!

 

No doubt I'll have some more detailed queries as I make a start, but thanks for your comments so far

 

Ken