port and polish!

drmike · 01-18-2009, 11:17 PM

I ported and polished heads for years (as an amateur with some training)- mainly old Alfa heads and, more recently, heads for MINI Coopers. When matched to a proper camshaft, I got a MINI NA engine up from 108 WHP to 128. The same cam usually gives about 10whp, so it was a significant gain. MINI heads have fairly restrictive exhaust ports from the factory, though, so it was not at all difficult to find some power hiding in the castings.

If it says anything, though, I have not done the same to my (supercharged) MINI. Not that it wouldn't result in some gains, but really I'd rather have the super-reliable car I have now, and not mess with success. I'd most likely have the same attitude with a new 370z in the garage.

01-18-2009, 11:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
drmike Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kern Co., California Age: 54 Posts: 356 Drives: '03 Mini S+'94 Miata Rep Power: 17	I ported and polished heads for years (as an amateur with some training)- mainly old Alfa heads and, more recently, heads for MINI Coopers. When matched to a proper camshaft, I got a MINI NA engine up from 108 WHP to 128. The same cam usually gives about 10whp, so it was a significant gain. MINI heads have fairly restrictive exhaust ports from the factory, though, so it was not at all difficult to find some power hiding in the castings. If it says anything, though, I have not done the same to my (supercharged) MINI. Not that it wouldn't result in some gains, but really I'd rather have the super-reliable car I have now, and not mess with success. I'd most likely have the same attitude with a new 370z in the garage. __________________ txwerks.com (side biz) xcor.com (main biz) Last edited by drmike; 01-18-2009 at 11:19 PM.

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