A few questions...

[Will Wallace]

Hello all,

I am looking to purchase a 79 2a 109.

It has the rover 6 in it.
Are these engines reliable, home mechanic friendly, and parts available?

I live in Townsville and would look to be using it as my daily drive. Just to and from work.

If the donk is no good, what would be involved in putting in a 4 cylinder engine?

Regards

Will

[Homestar]

Depends on who you ask. I like the 2.6 but it does suffer some issues and isn't as bulletproof as the 4. The exhaust valves can burn, and need regular adjustment which involves the exhaust manifold being removed. The exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking and can be hard to find good ones, but Cookey - a member here - makes extractors for them which gives much better power and torque and fixes the crappy manifold issue.

Linky to pic of extractors. (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/2357417-post61.html)

Parts are available, but becoming scarce.

Do,I like these engines? - Yes. Would I have one as a daily driver? - Yes. Would I recommend them to everyone? - No.

Have you driven it or another 6 cylinder yet? I recommend you do. They are a very smooth engine if tuned well, but be aware they are fairly thirsty beasts, even well tuned...

As you are doing now, do the research and come to your own conclusions. The technology of the engine is old, and simple so they aren't a hard engine to work on, but are different to most.

[pop058]

Agree with Gav on the 6cyl Rover motors and just to confirm, is the vehicle a 2A OR a 79 model as it cannot be both :D

The 4 pot can be a very reliable (although not fast) work horse and the conversion is not a difficult one.

[Will Wallace]

Fat fingers. 2a hahah

[Will Wallace]

What would be involved in swapping the engines over from the 6 to a 4?

Will

Follow the Sapper.