406 with engine change

[Michael English]

This is a forum for helpful conversation about the cars which intrigue us, lets be pleasant!

My original 401 (80C ?) engine is presently giving me a little grief, but being new to them I take everyone's word that when going well they are a joy & I look forward to experiencing this.

People will clearly rob a scruffy Bristol for its powertrain if their preference is to sort out something more desirable or valuable, perhaps an AC Aceca. Arguably this is less of a crime than robbing a Rover 3500 V8 SD Vitesse manual and shoe-horning it into a Ford Escort or some such.

Who knows why Mike has obtained a 'gutless' Bristol, it happens. I totally agree that it is far better to have a Bristol running about with, for now, something 'wrong' under the bonnet. I saw an Aston Martin DB4 at auction with a Jag straight 6 under the bonnet, and it looked perfect. I am sure the Bristol will drive fine with Rover bits and as Mike seems to have a Rover affinity, its perhaps the right choice for him. If it was me, I think I'd look for a Jag engine, the most economical straight 6 I could find, as I think it would be better suited & would also look pretty good when the bonnet is open.

The Nissan 3 litre straight 6 is pretty much direct theft from the very similar engine used in the Austin Healey 3 litre ... it will also look great under the bonnet as long as any Nissan badging is removed !!!!!!!!!!!!!

May I plead for friendly & constructive criticism only, it makes the forum a joy to visit.

PS, its wonderful that a 'new' Bristol 6 engine is available again .... I rather dread to hear how dear it will have to be, but perhaps no more than a full-on rebuild of a tired engine. Can anyone steer me toward an engine guru in Somerset (ideally Yeovil/Taunton area) as mine is blowing smoke