Well actually a decision has already being partially made.

After the purchase of the “dud” engine we purchased yet another engine, this time however not a dud.

Apparently a much desired block

We follow up on a dead normal advertisement and head out to go and have a look. A trip of the beaten track to Roodepoort avoiding the dreaded disease etoll roads. On opening the bonnet of the Ford Escort I look and look again, it is not what I expected, no casting number beginning with 711…..

I immediately consult Google and result after result show reference to the AX block. With the owners permission and to avoid another dud head we split the engine and find a good head! We buy the engine!

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Now we have four blocks, four heads of which three are scrap, four crankshafts one which is in Alberton, four camshafts of which one is also in Alberton …….

Fossa’s new engine

I strip and clean all our parts and compile a list of the size and status of all. Pity I want to use 1300 pistons as the pistons in our latest purchase is 40″ oversize and that is the size we need but 1600.

And then the decision, to use or not to use. The “AX” type block is reputed to be safe to 11000rpm ….. compared to 8000 for the 711. Fossa is already willing to run 8000 with her cam and carburettor setup, tempting ……

We decide to use Fossa’s 681 block for now and research and develop the 831C block as funds and time allows. At worst we have a backup!

We will be skipping on the Midvaal Historic Tour round one as Fossa’s readiness is doubtful and with financial year end will have me stock counting coming Saturday.

Greetings