New Guy seeks advice

[stub653]

Hi all
I wanted to seek some advice. I have just bought my BRM, It is Standard throughout. She is in very good nick and it has been a dream to own one since I test drove a brand new one in 99. Could not afford it then.

I want to treat her to some upgrades. I was thinking CAI kit, Sports Exhaust system then moving onto Internal engine mods.

I don't know where to begin. I am new to working on cars but keen to learn.
Any Ideas?
:please:

[moley27]

All depends on the amount you want to spend mate.

[stub653]

Money not too much of an issue, Not loaded but can probably free up some want to do some smaller bits first and get into it. What would you prioritise. I am interested in improving performance for road not track, YET.

[moley27]

I asked a similar question as I want more power so I thought 2.0 turbo was told it would make it handle worse and was told to look a supercharger but it seems to be £6000 plus which is way out my league lol
So may go turbo at around £500 as I can do that myself.

[Jimmie]

Hi Stu,

As you know, the BRM is a good performer even in standard form.

If you've already wisely invested money in having the timing belt and water pump renewed, you could perhaps get a 52mm throttle body from a 160 VVC engine and performance exhaust such as a Janspeed.
A google search of 'K series engine tuning' will reveal how much is possible from these fantastic engines. Serious power can be had from naturally aspirated tuning, VHPD cylinder heads, 1.9 litre engine blocks, cams etc...

I find the BRM's standard suspension to be a happy compromise between comfort and handling, a good investment could be in good tyres (Toyo T1Rs etc..) and a full 4 wheel alignment.

The MG ZR160 had 282mm front brake discs compared to the BRM's 262mm, personally I think the standard brakes are fine with good quality discs and pads fitted but it depends on your use.

Enjoy the car!

[Adam]

There's plenty you can do, really does depend on budget though.

A good starting point is an enclosed induction kit such as a ITG Maxogen or PiperX Viper, 52mm throttle body, then possibly a full Janspeed system. That'll free up a few horses and give the car a lovely sound.

[stub653]

Guys
Thanks for the advice
I will be researching my butt off. She is a lovely machine and deserves some love.

Hopefully have some of these improvements done before Longbridge!!!!!
:mml:

[stub653]

Ok here goes
The following is on my shopping list.

Viper Cold Air induction kit
Davis Craig EWP115 Alloy Water pump and Digital EWP/Fan controller
E Tech Engineering Strut Brace( Front upper T Type)
EBC Brakes, Front and Rear Turbo groove Performance
EBC Green Stuff Pads all round
Magnecore 8.5mm HT Leads
Samco silicon hoses
Janspeed Cat to Back Exhaust System

I need help!!!

Can anyone advise me if any of the above items are wrong or better options out there.

I also would like to get the Head gasket done, pre-emptive strike!
Cambelt will be done at same time. Professional job only walk before I can run!!! What Head gasket should I go for???

I am unsure of the correct throttle bodies and indeed what is needed parts wise and can these be fitted by me!!( I have a REME mechanic who can supervise or does it need professional hands.)

The last question is this do I need to look at getting a new sports cat and StSteel Manifold and if so which ones????

A lot of questions. Any help greatly appreciated.

:wall:

[Fast Alan]

Big one there was more than just a MLS gasket to think about with the K series head problems....also look at which stretch bolts....is the updated oil rail worth thinking about......is a PRT kit worth thinking about,its a big issue with lots of opinions,I myself have put a 35k engine in ...await the HG blow but before had fitted the PRT kit to soften the blow and used OAT antifreeze

Hope thats some more thinking for the grey matter Alan

[Adam]

Most of your list is pretty good....but...don't bother with greenstuff pads, go for Mintex.

Also if the HG isn't broke....don't fix it, could happily run another 100k.

[stub653]

Thanks guys
A Real help.
Let the improvements begin!!!!!
I will keep the forum posted as i am a complete Novice and so will no doubt pester you all for help!!

[Adam]

Actually at a computer now so can answer a bit more in depth....

Ok here goes
The following is on my shopping list.

Viper Cold Air induction kit

Decent bit of kit and not as pricey as teh ITG.

Davis Craig EWP115 Alloy Water pump and Digital EWP/Fan controller

Water pump is a good upgrade but the fan controller isn't really neccesary, if there's a fault in wiring the fan will go into safe mode and come on permanently anyway.

E Tech Engineering Strut Brace( Front upper T Type)

Nice bit of shiney-ness.

EBC Brakes, Front and Rear Turbo groove Performance

EBC discs are pretty good, I've run them for a few years now.

EBC Green Stuff Pads all round

Greenstuff's are poop, go for Mintex

Magnecore 8.5mm HT Leads

Good upgrade

Samco silicon hoses

More shiney-ness, always good

Janspeed Cat to Back Exhaust System

If you can afford it go for a full system with sports cat, but beware emissions come MOT time.

I also would like to get the Head gasket done, pre-emptive strike!
Cambelt will be done at same time. Professional job only walk before I can run!!! What Head gasket should I go for???

"If it aint broke don't fix it" very true of head gaskets, plus if it does go you need to consider liner heights, head hardness/porosity, etc, etc

I am unsure of the correct throttle bodies and indeed what is needed parts wise and can these be fitted by me!!( I have a REME mechanic who can supervise or does it need professional hands.)

If you're talking a single TB, then the 52mm alloy one is great to give a sharper throttle response and eliminate the plastic sticking throttle problem.

The last question is this do I need to look at getting a new sports cat and StSteel Manifold and if so which ones????

If you're looking at off the shelf, I'd swear by Janspeed. Mines been fantastic, although I think they might only do mild steel manifolds now (don't quote me on that though).

[stub653]

Adam
Thanks for the detailed response much appreciated.
Would you recommend any particular throttle body and are they fairly simple to fit?
Does it matter if the Manifold is Mild steel and the rest is Stainless?
With the sports cat will it fail the MOT?

[BRMFUN]

Mmm.....Mr Big Boss....is 'shiney-ness' a technical term?:fun:

[stub653]

Adam
Just been quoted 760 for full exhaust system Janspeed. Is that a good price it includesVAT

[Adam]

Adam
Thanks for the detailed response much appreciated.
Would you recommend any particular throttle body and are they fairly simple to fit?

Just make sure it's a 52mm (they're usually the most expensive unfortunately) and its a 10 minute job to fit :)

Does it matter if the Manifold is Mild steel and the rest is Stainless?

Nope, no problem there.

With the sports cat will it fail the MOT?

If you have an MOT tester that will take a few minutes and get the car HOT then it'll be fine.

Adam
Just been quoted 760 for full exhaust system Janspeed. Is that a good price it includesVAT

Yes, that's near enough what I paid for mine a few years back. Make sure it comes with a R200vi backbox though!!

Mmm.....Mr Big Boss....is 'shiney-ness' a technical term?:fun:

Yes :icecream:

[BRMFUN]

Oh my......thats a lot of money.....the price of the exhaust alone could buy you another BRM :thumbsup:

[stub653]

Hi all
The list of upgrades goes on and I wanted to see what you think before pressing send and spending a considerable amount.
here goes,

Viper Induction kit
Full Janspeed exhaust system, manifold through to back
MLS head gasket
VVC Exxhaust Camshaft, Piper 270mm
Piper cams verrinier pully set
EBC Turbo front discs
Silicon hoses for cooling system, and induction system
Upgraded alloy waterpump.

Does any one think this list looks good all supplied via PTP.

Also any estimate on the improvement in power with this little lot i am hoping to see at least 20HP?!!