Choice of head for a 1275 turbo
Turbo Mini Forums

I'm rebuilding an MG Metro turbo engine to go in my Mini.
Choice of two heads - what does everyone recommend?

1. MG Metro head (so the bigger inlet valves), with a bit of mild DIY porting (not yet finished).
- planning to get unleaded valve seats fitted
- was also thinking about boring and reaming the new guides to suit the sodium cooled turbo exhaust valves
2. The original turbo head - smaller inlet valves and slightly more restrictive ports (as cast, anyway). I'd be tempted to fit this as is if it turns out the guides aren't worn.

I don't need stupid power, maybe a nice tractable 110hp would be fine (for now).

Edited by NDT on 3rd Jan, 2025.

Go with No 1 imho. Don't bother with the sodium cooled valves, just use decent stainless ones. I personally don't use seat inserts, never had a problem with sinkage in 20 years and it helps with heat transfer from the bridge area.

'Where does the engine go?'

Thanks Steve. Assume you use a lead replacement additive?
I haven’t worked out the payback of inserts vs additives.

My thoughts were the same Steve.
I also don’t use inserts and have never used additives

No additives!

'Where does the engine go?'

nope none here too .

Medusa + injection = too much torque for the dyno ..https://youtu.be/qg5o0_tJxYM

Turbo Phil sorted my MG Metro head out with inserts and a drop of porting. It all goes rather well.

HOSS