Dutton Kit Cars and their owners

engines!

what engines would my car take without chassis modification? and what would be best if i did modify the chassis?

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Comment by Steve and Matt Pegrum on December 18, 2014 at 11:24: There's an important difference for Austin/Rover FWD engines, between those designed for a gearbox in the sump like Mini, Metro, 11/1300 Allegros & Princess etc and those with an end on gearbox like late metros, maestros, montegos, 200 etc (ignoring the honda derived ones). The first group are likeIy to be usable if you can also get a suitable sump and crank, but these are likely to be the same as earlier/related RWD versions of the same engines. I would think many of the latter type could be used RWD quite easily, with a suitable gearbox or adaptor, in a similar way to Ford Zetec etc installations. Yes there will also be end plate details but Marina/MGB/Triumph types could be worth a look- as would Ford Type 9

Comment by Dave Thomas on December 17, 2014 at 22:22: I agree with Dave A, fit a live axle get rid of the Triumph set up, i run a standard Herald 1200 in the summer its only 48 bhp and i can get into trouble with that , and yes you can improve the Herald rear by fitting a swing spring conversion kit but its costly.

Comment by Dave Adams on December 17, 2014 at 20:41: Andy and i have spoken about this and yes they can be made to handle well......most folks are clueless as to how and getting it wrong gives eeerrrrr very interesting results.
its generally easier and cheaper to fit a live axle.

Comment by Dave Adams on December 17, 2014 at 20:31: Daryl.......I know I even say that in my post. However power is best kept low (hearald etc....) or chassis surgery is needed.

Comment by Steve and Matt Pegrum on December 17, 2014 at 17:02: I think you'll find that the A+ Series angine (incl the turbo version) can be used in a rwd config as long as you swap the crankshaft for a marina/ital/Maestro 1.3 one that's designed for an end-on gearbox (unlike a mini/metro)

Comment by Chris white on December 17, 2014 at 16:20: HI Dave, i think the chassis strengthening is a must realistically as well as changing the rear suspension! just got to find the time to do it all now although im still very excited about doing the build and eventually driving the car!!

Comment by Dave Adams on December 17, 2014 at 10:26: To be honest the B Type chassis is exceptionally weedy and anything above a citroen 2cv will likely need to be strengthened.
They can easily be made good but if you leave the triumph rear axle in place order a coffin at the same time if your planning on a major power increase.
I have driven in convoy with B Types using the xflow 1300 and ford live axle......they can be very spritely only weighing 500kg a good 200kg lighter than the later duttons.

Comment by Chris white on December 16, 2014 at 23:32: Thanks guys! Like you say could be a good time to put some strengthening in the chassis and look at some bigger engines!

Comment by Adrian Southgate on December 16, 2014 at 22:25: Thanks Graham. I always thought the A series fitted, I stand corrected. I did say I wasn't all that with BL power units.

Comment by Adrian Southgate on December 16, 2014 at 22:13: If yours is currently running spitfire mechanicals then I would imagine that any of the A series derivatives would fit including the BL turbo units from MG montego/metros.

There are others on here that have a greater knowledge of BL power units, i'm a pinto fan for my sins but would not recommend one for your car due to the height of the engine and the amount of work involved.

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