Restore 403 or sacrifice for parts?

[406Special]

At the BOC GM this year a chap from a local company (I forget which
one - but I did speak to him after) said that the factory (BCL) were
co-operating by way of supplying original drawings for the 6 cylinder
block and head. It was his company's intention to cast new improved
blocks, then if demand required it, new heads as well. Apparently
internals are available new, but blocks and heads are not and that is
why many cars are sacrificed to the greater good of those
remaining. As to cost, 18 months ago my 406's engine and gearbox
fetched I believe just over £6k and that's a 2.2 with a 4 speed
+o'drive 110 unit, the one most favoured as an upgrade to prior
models and other Bristol engine sports. It allegedly had been
rebuilt but was sold requiring a strip down and rebuild with careful
checking of fit etc of parts. The chap above at the BOC GM said he
expected new blocks to retail for around £5k. Assuming heads are
close on £2k, then £10k for a new Bristol engine (improved so he
says) sounds about right. If this be the case then it will surely
bring down the cost of the purchase of older/worn engines for
restoration. I just can't remember the company's name - perhaps
someone can shed light although I am also sure they regularly
advertise in the Bulletin.

I think that a 403/405/406 without a Bristol engine doesn't mean the
car is worthless - although I do believe they are a bargain. Anyone
contemplating a restoration should not think cheap and quick, but be
prepared to do an inside out rebuild to ensure longevity and improved
construction - hence an engineless car is often a better staring
point as it means the initial cost is tiny compared to the
restoration. Indeed, as long as what is installed has a similar
dimension and weight distribution, then the finished car should ride/
handle and look/feel like new. As an engine/gearbox rebuild of a 2
litre is somewhere between £6-12k, plus the cost of the base unit/
car, one has to be into originality of the power train to want to
invest that sought of money. The whole Bristol driving experience,
IMHO can be improved in a number of areas: Brakes (Coopercraft front
callipers + dual circuit), shocks, wheels & tyres, as well as
improved engine and better gear ratios. Although this is not
justification for my actions, I am seeking to get a more performant
car with traditional simplicity and quality engineering in a classic
Bristol. My car will pretty much look and behave like a standard
car, but go faster, stop better and hopefully handle/ride better
whilst having more comfort and convenience. It even has a
collapsible steering column for added safety! As Bristols have
always been customised to suit the owner (to a point) and that many
have been modified in some way for better performance etc., I see not
issue with replacing the original highly over-square long stroke
small six with something more modern and less costly that has better
performance and lower ongoing costs.

Clyde