4.5 to 5.3 Liter upgrade

[Dan Suskin]

All,

I am currently having some work done on my 4.5 Litre. While there, it was suggested to upgrade the engine with a new crank and modern bearings, and perhaps take it further and upsize it to 5.3 liters (new blocks).

There is nothing wrong with the current component - this would be an elective change.

I have no intention of ever racing the car, although I do like to really drive the car.

I'd appreciate thoughts/advice on the new crank/bearings option and the upgrade to 5.3 liter.

Thanks in advance.

[Stephen Blakey]

Hi Dan,

I think you've answered your own question in para 2.

A question of this magnitude really requires an hour over tea and cake rather than a few jottings on the interweb, but for what it's worth, my vote is to keep it as WO intended.

There are plenty of people trying to sell us things we don't need. I'm not knocking that, it's better than the alternative. Having driven thousands of miles in John Cobbing's 4½, the one thing I never longed for was more power.

Do let us know what you decide. If you do go the 5.3L route, I'd be interested to hear how much of the original engine remains as no engine builder is going to want to jeopardise his reputation by putting old parts in what is effectively a new engine.

Good luck!

Stephen

[Dan Suskin]

Hi Stephan

Thank you for your thoughts - which align with mine. After a lot of thought, and discussions with people who have done the "upgrade", I decided to keep it original. After all, that';s the car I always wanted and thats the car I bought. I am in all my cars very much an originalist - why change now?

We did take down the big end bearings and found the white metal to be severely degrading, cracking, flaking. With that information, I decided to go with modern shell bearings and a new hardened crankshaft.

With respect to your last sentence - very little remains. Essentially the aluminum bit at the bottom that has the engine number stamping..... you can see where that leads!

Best
Danni