Rootes Group Cars

I have a '51 Henry J, Devin bodied special with a '57 Hillman Minx side valve engine. It is non-running and has been sitting for over 40 years. I keep being told to swap out the engine instead of rebuilding it. Stating that I will not be happy with the performance. I probably won't be. I was wondering if any other motor will bolt up to the Hillman four speed transmission? Maybe some other Rootes engine with more power?
Or, take it all out and do a Buick / Rover 215 V8? A full swap it a little intimidating to me. I'm trying to read up and see what it takes.
Thanks for the help.




Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2020 02:44PM by Devinspecial.

That looks like a pretty small engine bay.
I have no idea of what would bolt to that transmission.
If you go the engine swap route you would be better off to go with a four cylinder engine.
I think a perfect engine and transmission would be a Mazda Miata drivetrain.
A number of people have swapped this engine into Triumph Spitfires so you can get help form them.
Could you post some pictures of this vehicle?

cheers
Byron

It would be a major task. Presently you have, what, 40 bhp? Nothing in the car would be ready for a major power uplift. Gearbox, brakes, suspension, axle.

And more to the point, before you contemplate spending hundreds of hours and thousands of $$$, how do you know you would even enjoy driving the car?

If the engine is not stuck, give it a full service, change the brake fluid (or does it have cables), gearbox, axle oil, and get it going.
It will leak from the oil seals, but never mind. Drive it a few weeks, then decide if you like the car enough to commit to all that work.
Or you might decide that it's fun just as it is.

Never commit to major work on a model of car you haven't driven.

Ivor



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/23/2020 04:04AM by 88v8.

Buick 215 always seems like a good idea to me. I suppose though, there's a case for choosing an earlier drivetrain to keep "period correct" with the rest of the car. I've only carefully looked at (and photographed) two Devins. One of them is featured here: [www.britishracecar.com] - the other had an MGA engine and chassis. In my view, TR3 engine and MGA engine are your two most obvious choices. The Triumph engine can be bored to a little bit larger displacement. In either case, a suitable steel adapter plate between engine and gearbox can probably be arranged... but I'd look to source a complete engine/transmission package instead.

Yes, please post more photos of your car!

Thanks for all the input! Pictures attached. Ivor, You have some very good points. I haven't driven the car yet. Maybe, I'll try getting it moving first and then I will be able to make a more educated decision.
Nice Devin picture Curtis, that's a cool little car.

Kreg, that's a great looking car you've got there!

That's really handsome.

Yes, I think to get it going would be a very good idea.
I recall the advice in Wheatley & Morgan never to begin restoring a car you haven't driven. After all, the driving position, the driver's comfort, in the end is key to enjoying the car.

There was a @#$%& in the TR Register - I used to have a TR6 - who spent a looong time on a concours resto of a TR6. He assumed that driving it would be like his TR4, only better. But when he got it on the road, he found he didn't enjoy it at all.

Different perhaps if you're familiar with the model. And if you know that your partner will want to ride in it. Not much fun, a solo driver.
But that certainly is a handsome car.

Ivor

If you decide on a swap vs original rebuild the Ford Zetec DOHC is one you should consider. Reasonable size, plenty of power, readily available, and several options for rear wheel drive conversion.