1200cc five bearing main bearing exotic Imp engine

[limjamrace]

Had a message this morning from a friend some 12000 miles away that his planned use of a 1200cc Imp engine (One of the very rare historic 5 bearing block ones ) has been vetoed by the historic authrities in Australia.
Hence this multi thousand pound exotic engine is useless to him out there.
I know it is over 1 litre ,but boy what a acqusition if you have the money to grab it.
He has asked me to pass the word on that it is up for grabs!
This ultimate engineered Imp engine could be ripe for at least 200bhp in forced induction guise i reckon..Definently a Hewland transmission needy for that.
The only other one i know of is/was fitted to Mr Rat(?)G17 Ginetta single seater in recent times. It maybe the same one!

[limjamrace]

Well it looks as if i'm talking to myself again,but no matter.

More information was acquired through 10/tenths and the Autosport Nostalgia forums to which i duplicated my information.

It was one of six blocks built in 1964/5 for the Rootes Competition dept and wizzed together by Ian Carter who did the machining.
This particular one is #4..
It is 1204cc using a 68mm stroke and 75mm bore.
The block does not use a thick spacer plate as it is a long casting to accomodate the long throw amongst other things .

The unit was refurbished by Ben Boult Airways sometime last year prior to being sold on ebay to where it ended up in Australia.
Jerry as in Lenstra has tested it during 2 x 20 mins sesions and reduced his personal best lap time compared to his usual 1 litre Imp by 2 secs!!!

Dyno figures from somewhere have issued a figure of 135 bhp(7800rpm) & 101ft lbs torque at 5500rpm. This unit is actually a "Carter rally Clubman" headed and suitable camshaft from which photos i have seen isn't that overlaped. So plenty more potential if needed.

From what i know it is heading back to Europe soon to some fortunate new owner.Maybe we will see it in Historic racing next year..
Great piece of Rootes Imp history i think,and fully functional.

If Robin Human is reading (previous owner) this can he give more information and pm me please.

David L