Supersport rev limit 24/04/2015

I am contemplating getting Dave Andrews t/a DVA to fit Omega forged pistons so that I can use the full rev range safely – see my entry for 21st February 2015 for more detail.

I have been in correspondence with Dave and it appears that to fit forged pistons is quite involved as the rods have to be modified to fully floating operation.

It would probably make sense to have Dave fit his K15 Caterham Super Sport 150 kit which includes a ported cylinder head with standard sized inlet and exhaust valves, the head is fitted with the existing SS cams. After modifications it apparently flows enough air for 175BHP so is ideal when later upgrades are planned. Gives large gains in torque and much better drivability. Works with the standard SS ECU.

Unlike other conversions head work includes full porting to both inlet and exhaust ports, modification of exhaust valves to improve airflow, tapering of inlet valve guides and work to the combustion chamber to improve airflow and combustion.

To fit forged pistons the work would apparently breakdown as follows: <

1] Set of Omega forged pistons with anti scuff coating;

2] Skim the pistons for 1600 installation;

3] Modify rods for fully floating operation;

4] Set of big end bearings;

5] Set of rod bolts;

6] Remove, clean, hone and refit liners;

7] Strip and rebuild the bottom end of the engine;

8] Oil, filter and coolant;

9] Liner sealant;

10] Sump sealant – Perhaps a good time to remove the sump foam and modify the sump gasket?

+ Fit modified cylinder head (as per the K15 specification)

So basically the engine will be completely overhauled through this work.

If I am to go ahead I will need to speak to Dave about:

1] How best to run the engine in;

2] Is there any benefit in setting the car up on a rolling road bearing in mind I will be using the standard SS ECU.

I have also been in contact with Graham FRANKLAND t/a Exhausts By Design who is recommended by Dave ANDREWS. He would apparently produce and fit in stainless steel manifold with 1.5″ primaries (x4) into a 4-2-1 slip connector with tags into a 2″ system with a repackable silencer. The cost would be about £500 for the manifold and £300 for the silencer (fitted) which compares very well against the offering from PowerSpeed. Graham, would require me to supply a new head to manifold gasket and have the lambda sensor wiring extended to a position just before the silencer.

Hmmm, food for thought