Legal Engine?

[Fordster]

Hi there, this is my first post & I am hoping to draw on the experience & knowlrdge you all have.

I have recently collected a newly rebuilt FF1600 engine from a reputable builder - but in twin cams not really FF1600 - and it has been relined back to standard. He tells me the block has been "line bored" and when doing so caught one of the oilways (I think that's what he said) and has a result he has put in a 4 port pump but has had to modify the oil inlet back from the filter to enter the enginge via a new connection which he has drilled through the engine mounting point on the exhaust side which he tells me is usual in twin cams.I have no problem with this as I don't use the original mounts in my chassis.

I have not seen any FF1600 engines like this but then again it is not something I have looked for.

My question is "is this a legal modification" or has he rendered the engine ineligable for FF1600

You help would be much appreciated

Many thanks

[StephenRae]

There is no problem with the engine being legal...but you have ended up with a lot of plumbing...my guess is, if you add up the cost of the tubes and fittings and filter housing and drilling out the block it would have been cheaper to start again with another block and a combined pump/filter.

[ffracer]

I'm not certain the drilling of a new inlet to get the oil into the block is OK for Formula Ford

This is what the Regs say about it:

5.5 CYLINDER BLOCK
b) Localised machining of the cylinder block is permitted to allow fitting of the dry sump system.

5.13 LUBRICATION SYSTEMS
The lubrication system, external to the engine, is free. Existing standard production oilways, linings or oil grooves may be enlarged or reduced, but no additional ones are permitted. Standard friction surfaces must remain unchanged. Dry sump is permitted, oil coolers are free.

The issue arises from the wording "but no additional ones are permitted"

[GORDON STREETER]

I can see that the wording is a bit "ambiguous" but it is saying" no additional oilways" this is only an entry point and not an additional oilway imho. I would think you would have to get a very bad eligibility scrut to fail it.

[StephenRae]

Originally Posted by ffracer

I'm not certain the drilling of a new inlet to get the oil into the block is OK for Formula Ford

This is what the Regs say about it:

5.5 CYLINDER BLOCK
b) Localised machining of the cylinder block is permitted to allow fitting of the dry sump system.

5.13 LUBRICATION SYSTEMS
The lubrication system, external to the engine, is free. Existing standard production oilways, linings or oil grooves may be enlarged or reduced, but no additional ones are permitted. Standard friction surfaces must remain unchanged. Dry sump is permitted, oil coolers are free.

The issue arises from the wording "but no additional ones are permitted"

I've underlined the wording which allows you to enlarge the existing oil gallery access holes.

[GORDON STREETER]

I wonder why the guy who did the work fitted a 4 port pump when the 5 port would still work ok with the inlet port capped off ? unless its a pump that I have never seen !

[Fordster]

Many thanks to all who replied.

The engine was in replacement for one I lent the guy when he was desperate for one for a customer so the extra cost did not matter to me & I assume he uses four port pumps for his twin cams

Thanks again