Modifying an 850

[Billy]

Eamospud dropped his '72 850 here tonight and we were talking about modifying an 850, as you do.

Here's something I found on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMC-Mini-Speedwel ... 19c702d291

[Merlin]

850 are a great little engine an respond really to tuning, I have done a number of them over the years and have found with out doubt the best modification for them is a 12G295 head, MG metro cam and a stage one kit, it is required to take a big chuck of the head but otherwise its a simple enough job normally gets them to early 50 HP and hi 40s in the torque. Which is a good 998 with a stage one kit but a modified 850 drives much nicer.

[keith]

the speedwell head is historically very interesting, rare of course; id be inclined towards Merlin's opinion though. i suspect the auction will reach impressive value, likely well more than the entire '295 head + work + stage 1 + fitting would cost.

i know dave (applejack green mini) had a spare 12g295 he was keeping, dont know if he still has it.

[DaveC]

Or if you don't fancy taking a lump off a 295 head, a 1275 12G940 head also fits