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Once the rebuild of the 4/4 Series 2 gets underway, I intend replacing the 1200cc three main bearing pre-crossflow Ford Anglia engine with a tuned 1500cc five main bearing pre-crossflow. I haven't decided the specification but standard, even 1500 GT spec is not on my list.

As I'm a sad so-and-so, I bought a set of crossflow rockers from eBay in order to lighten them according to a spec that I have in my memory when I modified my 1972 4/4 way back in 1978.

In addition to lightening the rockers, I refaced the pads to remove any wear.

As standard the rockers are rather weighty and each weigh 64 grams; lightened they weigh 50 grams so a 20% improvement. The lightening will allow higher revs and put less strain on the valve train and camshaft. Well that's the idea anyway.
The next step is to buy a new steel rockershaft together with a set of steel rocker posts and steel rocker spacers to replace the weaker cast aluminium posts and spring spacers.

Interesting stuff....

They may be 20% lighter, with all the associated benefits, but they also look great and has been said, removing casting nibs and polishing removes possible stress crack starting points.

You said you re-faced the pads, so I guess they are used: can one get new old stock anymore?

Yes Peter, I refaced 7 of them on an oil stone then polished with a polishing mop. A pre-crossflow tuner of repute informed me that is was ok to reface as in operation they become work hardened so I'll go with his knowledge.

Interestingly, I removed one rocker from the Anglia engine (low state of tune, tiny single choke carburettor) and the pad was worn by circa 20 thou (Imperial) with a high degree of wear on the shaft; the used crossflow ones that I bought on eBay have <10 thou of wear and negligible wear on the shaft. Possibly due to advances in oil technology or more probably due to more frequent oil changes.

I have been able to buy new old stock ones from eBay. I bought two;one to replace a damaged used rocker.

Those engines bring back fond..well fondish...memories.

My first car was a Ford 107E Prefect fitted with the then new "Kent" OHV engine.

I was amused to see on the Web that the late, lamented, Motor magazine recorded a top speed of 73 mph (117 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 27.2 seconds. A "touring" fuel consumption of 36 miles per gallon (imperial) was recorded.

Mine "seemed" to go faster, but that was probably subjective. I remember when accelerating in the rain the wipers, driven by the manifold vacuum, slowed or stopped. Together with the lethargic speed increase it made overtaking an adventure.

The original OHV three main bearing Kent engine developed 39 bhp (29 kW) at 5,000 rpm - I hope that your work will achieve better things!

It still amazes me that the last development of this 1959 engine, the Endura E, was sold un the Ka until 2008. So just shy of 50 years.

Yes I did know that . It was done by MMC on behalf of a privateer John McKecknie , who used to race the +4 that I owned for 30 years before Mike Duncan bought it in the late 50s as when John migrated to the 4/4. I have some photos of it , if you are interested . It always wore a hard top.

Mike of course followed him down the 4/4 route , but with Lotus Twin Cam power.

Peter, I remember the vacumn operated wipers; my father had a 100e Prefect 'blessed' with those wipers.

Andy, I was aware of the John McKechnie connection. I found the two homologation papers and printed copies. Yes please, photos would be very much appreciated.

Hi David ,

If you need any 'light' machining doing , happy to help within the limitations of my gear.
Removing excess material on castings , that sort of thing.
Making swarf is easy , putting it back is the hard bit.

In Northwich.

Graham

Many, many thanks Graham; that offer is really appreciated!