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Workhorse Engine of the Day: BMC B-Series

Anyone who thinks the B doesn't belong in this series, consider this fact: the Hindustan Motors Ambassador, perhaps the world's most workhorsey car since the Model T, was powered by the BMC B until the early 90s. Starting in 1954, if it was British and had wheels you'd have a good chance of seeing this engine when you popped the bonnet. Why, even the Nash Metropolitan had B power! Once they went to a five-bearing crank, the B was actually much more dependable than most of the cars it powered. We say it's a workhorse! Engine photo credit: Stephen Foskett [Wikipedia]

4:30 PM on Tue Oct 16 2007
By Murilee Martin
1,140 views
15 comments

Comments

  • Murilee: I'd just like to thank you for continuing to cite the venerable old Amby on this site.

  • Image of Mad_Science Mad_Science at 04:57 PM on 10/16/07 *

    Dude, your carbs are 90 degrees off...oh wait...nevermind

  • If there is going to be mention of a B series motor, the Volvo B series should not be far behind.

  • Were they not as good toward the end of their cycle I had a 79 MGB and I beg to differ Ms. Martin.

  • i got two words for you...
    COOPER S!!!!
    they rocked! from a crappy little 850 that barely climbed hills, to the MINI COOPER S, these engines were the small block V-8 of brits... built all over the world...



  • @billstewartx: That would be one word and a letter.

  • I've been hearing rumblings about the lack of moly in the new commercial oil formulations and that it is wreaking havoc on older solid lifter engines like the B motor and Porsche engines. Also read a few vintage mechanics recommending diesel truck motor oil or the hi-dollar stuff like Royal purple and GM oil additives.

  • Oh, and I'm getting ready to rebuild a 67 B motor. Wish me luck. I have no idea how hooned out it is.

  • Those OHV engines are just a fad.
    They'll never catch on.
    Ford of England produced a flathead [side-valve in British] 4 cyl from 1932 to 1962.
    Used in cars, tractors, and probably even garden tillers, it was an indestructible piece of cast iron.[www.fsoc.co.uk]
    Seriously, I'd love to have a Morris Minor woody wagon or convertible in the BFG.
    Its no Briggs and Stratton powered King Midget, but the Morris' had a lot of soul. [Rubber Soul?]






  • Image of Murilee Martin Murilee Martin at 11:26 PM on 10/16/07 *

    @biminitwst: Hmmm... you make a good case for the ol' sidevalve.

  • @Murilee Martin: Speaking of sidee valves, a good workhorse engine is one still in production: The Reliant all-aluminum engine. Now that deserves a mention (apart from this one, of course..)

  • Image of Murilee Martin Murilee Martin at 04:30 AM on 10/17/07 *

    @3wheeler: I've been considering Coventry Climax engines as well... but don't worry, we'll see more stuff from The Island at some point.

  • (dons anorak) Of course, all Mini engines were different versions of the venerable BMC "A" series, same as the Midget, A 40, Austin America, etc. (removes anorak)

    I had a 998 version of the "A" in my '67 Riley Elf (such a sweet little motor) and the comparatively HUGE version of them in my 1275 Midget Mk IIIs. Mooorrr powerrrr! The ultimate was the 1275+ (called a 1.3) in my grey market 1991 Mini Cooper - the last of the carbureted 1275 cc "A" series engines. Who needs a "B"? (ha! I was only kidding about taking the anorak off!)

    And don't worry, if I can do it, anyone can rebuild one of these engines, either A or B. Easy peasy, more or less. Keep it clean!

  • @scottydawg: I'll be rebuilding a B motor at the beginning of the year or so (it's currently in a '70 BGT, but no idea yet what year it's really from, just that it's a 5-main). It was pretty good, when it was running -- .060 over, hot cam, weber side draught. According to my friend (it's previous owner), it absolutely flew...

    It'll fit nicely into my '71 BGT...

  • Yo! I took that photo! How about a little attribution, eh Murlee?

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