conversion to unleaded petrol
 

Does anyone know of a motor engineer who can put hardened valve seats into the head off my B20? I am in south Manchester.

(If you look at my location) I can't provide any local knowledge but anyone listed / advertised in say the Practical Classics magazine should be able to do the work. Even an internet search should help you find someone. If you can't get a recommendation go and visit the workshop - if it is dirty and untidy the chances they won't do a good job is (in my opinion) likely. Rebuilding / machining engines / engine parts should be done in a clean enviroment.

You might find, however, buying a replacement ready converted head will work out cheaper these days. I know for certain Dutch labour rates would work out to be more expensive than buying a head from (the usual suppliers in) Sweden

I am on a different continent, so things might be a little different here. That said, most of the automotive machine shops that can work on older cars are capable of doing this. Adding the inserts to the exhaust valves on my B20E was relatively inexpensive (10 years ago). Labor and material for the inserts was relatively cheap (less than $50 Cdn) because it was carried out at the same time as doing a multi angle valve job.

If you don't get any specific recommendations, I would check your telephone directory for automotive machine shops and start calling. Once you find out who can do it you can do the 'Army recommended ' site inspection to size them up.

Morning , found this firm , they are not too far from you ( I think )
https://www.excelengineservices.com/

Hope that helps you

I can recommend Bromsgrove Engine Services, but they are a bit far from you, unless you trust your head to a carrier.
Regards, Andy.

Interesting name coincidence. The machine shop that did my valve inserts and valve work was Accel Engine Rebuilders. Not recommending them because shipping costs would be rather punitive.

Not Manchester but not far away:~
http://www.laneendsengineering.co.uk/

Lane Ends Engineering - Prescott
Address: 37-43 Houghton St, Prescot L34 5RS
Phone: 0151 426 0230

They know classic cars & bikes very well- last visit we made they gave a little tour of the facilities etc. Very impressed with some work on a prewar Riley engine.
This visit was for a friends Ford Escort Mk1 engine rebore & associated work with good results.

Worth checking out.
Good Luck
Bob.

Hi Mike
I can recommend these guys, Bradbury Engineering in Loggerheads near Market Drayton (www.bradbury-engineering.co.uk) in north shropshire so not to far from you.

Roger.

Lockside engineering Castleford

Can someone say, Army, 142, exactly how necessary is it to have the seats done? I recall soeone saying it doesn't, in fact, matter overly. My engine is going to be fairly tuned, so, good idea?