Does anyone have any decent pics of the front of a Reliant 850 engine? Something that would let me decide if it would fit in a non-Austin 1930s chassis.
Failing that, does anyone have a complete Reliant engine and box for sale. I PROMISE it won't be going in an Austin!

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

I can get you some pictures. I have a Reliant Fox van which is currently blowing oil out everywhere due, I hope, only to blocked breather pipes, of which there are a lot!
Before you consider a Reliant engine, I would give a look at spares prices. I rebuilt my 850 and did all the work myself and it cost me well over £700 for parts alone!
OK, it then ran like a Swiss watch for 4000 miles till the breather problem, but it ain't cheap to do, in the way that, say a Mini or an old Escort is.

With that in mind, I elected to use a Talbot Sunbeam 930 (Hillman Imp) engine in my A7 Special as they are pretty cheap on bits.

What view do you want? I have a front mount bracket which Ican drag out easily and photograph for you today.

Cheers,
Martin

Thanks Martin.

I have a Morris with a stuffed engine and have a later 918 sidevalve which will work but would need me to move the steering box a little. Ideally I'd like to see a front-on view from the crank nut level to see how low the engine mounts sit and how wide they are. This pic might show how the original Morris engine mount sits where the later Morris engine feet need to sit so I'd need to remove the steering box bracket and hang the box from the side of the chassis rail.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j279/foggythomas/DSC09372.jpg

Ultimately if you might happen to have ANY pics roughly showing the location of the Reliant engine componets near the front then it would help. I've Googled but without any pics that tell the story.

This is the engine that I was planning to use but the front right mount would sit where the steering bracket goes.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/687/8fd96b2e9ac4e7c6ed720de.jpg

I hope this all makes sense! :o)

Cheers

Rob

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

Robs photos from above:

Thanks for that. Wasn't sure if it was alright to put non A7 stuff on here.

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

I fetched a Hillman imp engine from a noted ex Rootes rebuilder on Saturday. Basically a Imp Sport engine (875?)

Its a 'hot road' spec engine to go in a Ginetta G15. Proffesionally rebuilt, as was the gearbox for £2250 in total.

What interested me was how light it was, no heavier than a 7 engine.

Bet one of those would make my RN go!

Rob, do you still need pictures?
Sorry been very busy recently.

Hedd, I have a Sunbeam 930 to go in my Cambridge, at least until I can find an affordable 7 engine. Bog standard tune though. That's plenty of power!

Martin

Martin. Yes please but there is no urgent hurry. Curious as to the suitability of the Imp engine. How does that get fitted to a 7?
I'm at hfh200@hotmail.co.uk if that makes things easier for sending pics.

I have a pile of 7 engine bits here if you are after some.

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

Hi Rob,

my everyday car is a Reliant Kitten, four wheel version of the Robin, I drive and overhaul regularly since 23years. That little piece of jewelry of an engine has very few problems, wear almost inexistant, very low weight, I take it from floor to bench alone and with ease ,only thing to look at are the cylinderhead bolts into the soft aluminium block, but once longer thread and gentle tightening has been done, no more problems. The engine mounting plates front and rear are simple flat steel, the front one sandwiched between crankcase and camshaft chain cover can be modified to fit every need.
Another point, I do every day a 40miles stretch of motorway flat out(80miles an hour)and all that needing only 5liters petrol for 100 kilometers.
You can find very cheap engines on ebay or through the Reliant Kitten Register.
Las but not least, the Reliant engine has a close family tie with the seven, being the logical follower to the side valve austin engine used in Reliant cars from 1939 to the end of the sixties.
Regards

Reliant 850 OHV in my 1937 Ruby chassis A7 special

Location: Scotland

Thanks guys. All very useful.

The flat plate mount will be easy to adapt so I'm now in the market for a complete unit for this Morris chassis that I have. Not many for sale in my neck of the woods but I'll keep trying.

Cheers

Rob

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

I presume you are familiar with this book?




It has a chapter entitled "Making the Robin fly" that may be of interest.

I'm a bit light in the reading material department. I did manage to get a copy of the Source Book through the local library (thanks for that tip, whoever it was) and I've had a try at getting the Woodrow book through the publisher (?) but there has been no reply to e-mails.
Just getting into the summer season at work so most things have to go on hold for a few months.

I'd not want to spend too much effort getting a Reliant engine tuned up since it will be replacing a 1920's Morris engine so a bog standard Reliant would be enough.

I'll keep a look out on Ebay for that book, then.

Cheers

Rob
(Day spent gardening. Back hurting like crazy. Enjoying Tramadol and Red Wine whilst waiting for my Chineese to be delivered)

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

Rob,
Re. your attempts obtain "The Austin Seven Manual" by Doug Woodrow; I have today spoken with Susan at Mercury Vintage Services who said if you have any problems with email on woodrow@mercuryvintage.freeserve.co.uk, contact her direct at susan.woodrow@gmail.com or telehone on 01945 430058.

The book is in stock.

Ian Mc.

Location: Shropshire

Thanks Ian.
I'll call them tomorrow.

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

Ian. I phones Mrs Woodrow yesterday at 3pm and we had a marvelous chat about her late husband being in the RAF and based about 500 yards from my house. Lots of interesting stories.
Thanks for the new contact details.

Would you believe that the book arrived at 10:40 this morning???

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff

I love it when a plan comes together, Rob.

Good outcome

Ian Mc.

Location: Shropshire

Location: The sun is shining, the starters failed on my modern - Home alone!!

Stonkin' good Curry House, that one. Out of my price range.

Just for posh foreigners!

Location: 10 miles west of Cardiff