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MG MGF Technical - Honda Rover MG Parentage

Under our local Racing Rules of Engagement I am allowed to run either the original K Series Rover engine in my MGF or another derivative engine. For example, in an MGB one can run the B series motor or a Rover 3.5l V8 or any other V8 based upon the original Buick 215 V8 from which the Rover V8 was derived.
This got me thinking. Here down under a Rover 200 (?) was sold with what essentially was a Honda motor with a Rover cam cover thereon. The later K20 Honda motor is derived from the "Rover" Honda motor AFAIK.
So my question is this..........what is the connection between the K series Rover motor and the various Honda motors that are so prevalent and powerful?
I have the engineering skills and time available to insert a K20A into the MGF if I was able to show the lineage between the two series of motors.
Equally I believe the gearbox in the MGF to be the same or similiar to a Honda box......is this true?
Any help or websites with info would be much appreciated.


David
d mottram

Did the 1.6 Honda in a 1990s 200 not run the "wrong" way round and is therefore mounted the other way round in the engine bay. If so, that could be a challenge!
Tony

Tony, the Rover 200 Honda engine did run "backwards" AFAIK but still drove the car forwards so "could" still be fitted in the rear of the MGF.
d mottram

David,
I thionk that the "K" series engine was devoloped indepently by Rover.
It started out as a 1.4ltr engine to replace the "A" series engine.
See http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/ click on engines on left hand side.
So you wouldn't be able to use a Honda engine.

Leigh
Leigh Taylor

Leigh's right; K-series was entirely and independently developed in the UK, with absolutely no Honda input. The lineage of the K-series is with the ECV's 3-cylinder and the Triumph Dolomite 16v although the K was in fact a completely fresh clean-sheet design.

More here written with the cooperation of those who developed the engine: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/engines/development_history_of_the_K.htm

So, in short, no you can't go the Honda route I am afraid - although these lumps can certainly be made to fit. I gather that Rover development engineers fitted VTEC engines to prototype MGFs during the 'Phoenix years' - although to what purpose, I do not know...
Rob Bell

Thank you all for the information which unfortunately precludes me from using a Honda engine.......so be it...............always looking for that competitive edge.

Although if I could prove that the VTEC engines were fitted to some prototypes..................!

Regards...........David
d mottram

the k-engine is in the lotus with the same engine bay.
the honda v-tec is now inthe lotus.

the honda v-tec 2ltr will go into the mgf,good luck with the conversion.
r.f.j. griffiths

rfj, thanks for that info but it would appear that the Vtec and Rover K engines have no common DNA and hence it is not an option for me even though it would fit.
d mottram

David, regarding the prototypes, chat to Glynn at MG Mania, I believe he had a ride in one of these engineering mules... it was quite a ride he tells me! :o)
Rob Bell

you could prove DNA with the 2 litre K, which is a racing spec engine and never made it into road cars (so is a little on the pricy side!)
Will Munns

r.f.j. griffiths

I think you will find that it is the Toyota VVT-i engine that is currently in use in the Loti.

James
James Reinhardt

Will, who does the 2 litre K engine? Is it built up from an 1.8litre base?

David
d mottram

Well Judd do one or did one http://www.mg-sportcars.co.uk/K2000_Judd.htm
David Billington

This thread was discussed between 07/08/2006 and 15/08/2006

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