Retro Engineering Ltd

[Mobster]

Hi.

I went to see a "proper" engineering company over in Redditch, Birmingham. I have to say, i was massively impressed. These guys are getting 240bhp from a 1.8 M10 2002 engine and in no way is it enduced ! I have to say, i have read threads on here about race cars and hill climbs etc etc, but it was only really when i visited Retro Engineering that i fully appreciated the amount of work that goes into pruducing these engines. These guys do majority of the machining and fabrication work themselves. Up until i went to see them, if it didnt have an alpina badge on it, i wasnt interested.....now i want a race car of my own. I guess it was nice to see something being produced locally by proper engineers !

Here is there website. The chap who owns the business is called Nigel (Super guy) and his telephone number is 01527 521299. Give them a shout, i guarantee, you will be impressed !

http://www.retro-engineering.co.uk/id12.html

[Jeroen]

Nice! There are only a few real good guys with the old stuff and this is one of them I guess. You didn't take any pics? Know similar guys in Holland and France, but only one each... and they're usually busy as hell with real special projects.

[m3gaz]

The Uk is very lucky when it comes to talented auto engineers.The M40 corridor,or Motorsport Valley,is littered with small companies making a significant contribution to the motoring industry.From little one man bands hand crafting parts for pre war Humbers all the way up to the likes of Pro Drive who are at the forefront of motorsport research and development.
All,but a handful of the F1 teams base themselves here purely because of the service they get from the many small engineering firms beavering away up and down the country.
All marques are catered for be it an Austin Allegro or a Ferarri 599,theres a railway arch or a lean-too with the where with all and the personell to keep it going.
Unfortunately,European Legislation could put a stop to all of this.They are still batting about reforms regarding modifications and aftermarket parts and additions.Its gonna be a boring old world not being able to utilise some of the exprtise we have on offer here because some faceless nerk in Brusselles has his way.
If you check out the middle shelf in WH Smiths any of those magazines will show the variety of vehicles that companies like Retro Engineering are helping to preserve.All over this little spec are amazing cars,like,a Rotary powered Chevette,S2000 powered 2002,M52'd E21's,V8 Minis,Scooby enhanced T3 Vw's.All courtesy of enthusiastic enthusiasts on both sides of the spanner.

Keep it up guys.

[e21-Mark]

£17k for 212bhp? Unless you're planning to run in a historic series, where you have to meet their regulations, you'd get more power from an s14 and have £10k+ left in your back pocket. Lester Owen builds just about the best m10 out there but they're not cheap either.

[Mobster]

£17k for 212bhp? Unless you're planning to run in a historic series, where you have to meet their regulations, you'd get more power from an s14 and have £10k+ left in your back pocket. Lester Owen builds just about the best m10 out there but they're not cheap either.

I know what you are saying but there is a certain class in getting an m10 engine and getting so many horses out of it. The S14 route is easier as the hard work has already been done but seeing these guys in action, I am totally sold !

[e21-Mark]

Is that flywheel or rwhp ?

There is a well trodden path to getting big power from m10's, that the like of Lester Owen and Alex Elliott have been going down for years. The L&C backed 02 and 1800 tisa all made similar power but then they also have the budget to be able to afford it. Added to which these engines won't be racking up big mileages before needing a rebuild either. Personally I'd have a reliable & strong m10 like Jim's in any club level race/track car.

[problemchild75]

my mates 2002 has had over 25k spent on the engine with lester Owen and its epic. he uses it for historic racing but if you could afford it I would have it over an S14 any day. it has so much character , wont idle silly power band and just plain stupid fast for such an old motor and then there is the smell when your trying to keep up with it. part of the funs having the gun to your head as to are you going to pop the engine. my opinion obviously be it not a very sensible one.

[TopCat]

The Uk is very lucky when it comes to talented auto engineers.The M40 corridor,or Motorsport Valley,is littered with small companies making a significant contribution to the motoring industry.From little one man bands hand crafting parts for pre war Humbers all the way up to the likes of Pro Drive who are at the forefront of motorsport research and development.
All,but a handful of the F1 teams base themselves here purely because of the service they get from the many small engineering firms beavering away up and down the country.
All marques are catered for be it an Austin Allegro or a Ferarri 599,theres a railway arch or a lean-too with the where with all and the personell to keep it going.
Unfortunately,European Legislation could put a stop to all of this.They are still batting about reforms regarding modifications and aftermarket parts and additions.Its gonna be a boring old world not being able to utilise some of the exprtise we have on offer here because some faceless nerk in Brusselles has his way.
If you check out the middle shelf in WH Smiths any of those magazines will show the variety of vehicles that companies like Retro Engineering are helping to preserve.All over this little spec are amazing cars,like,a Rotary powered Chevette,S2000 powered 2002,M52'd E21's,V8 Minis,Scooby enhanced T3 Vw's.All courtesy of enthusiastic enthusiasts on both sides of the spanner.

Keep it up guys.

Quite agree with this comment- there is an amazing wealth of experience and Knowledge in motorsport in M40 corridor


I think I have come across that XJS- and have certainly seen the Bryants (in their myriad cars)
It takes a while to settle upon the best in each field (second best is usually more expensive in the long run)
We use Kenny Coleman of EDA for V8s- and I believe he is the best in Europe! Since 1991 we have had 3 engines one I sold and one was wrecked by having it rebuilt by someone else in c 1998 (cheaper quote)
Current engine is a 2000 build and has had 2 rebuilds since then -(pity the poor Ford guys ). Same thing for gearboxes - we use the best outfit - Tex Racing (happen to be in Texas)