In a message dated 96-12-25 18:48:34 EST, Chris.S.Mottram/AMPAC/ECCI(at)ecc.com
(Chris S. Mottram/AMPAC/ECCI) writes:
>
> Does the chasis # match the engine # on Alpines? Mine doesn't and even
> more strange is that the engine # falls outside of the series 5 Alpine #
> range. Here's what I got Chasis B395003294LRX, Engine B399001844 GT LR.
> My car is not a GT? Do I have a replacement engine in my car or what?
> Also, what would be the best book to buy so I could figure out these kind
> of questions myself?
>
>
Your replacement 1724cc engine came out of a "baby-Barracuda" fastback Alpine
GT. You should find the manufacture date on the block just above the
starter.
The engine should work just fine in your car. If the aluminum head
originally came with this engine, the ports are slightly narrower, so you'd
be short about four horsepower compared to other Series V's. You can tell by
looking at the very rear of the carb-side of the head, where a pipe connected
the head to a water jacket on the Zenith manifold on early series Alpines.
On Series V's (except perhaps very late ones), there's a large bolt blocking
the hole. On fastback GT's, the old hole area is completely blanked off.
GT heads also have a recessed pocket for each spark plug, compared to a
pressed-in cylindrical hole on Series Alpines.
Did you inherit the GT's finned aluminum oil pan as well? If so, they're
great to have, but make sure the pan is TIGHTLY bolted to the lower block to
avoid vibration.
As far as info sources go, the Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club, in England, is
about the best I've found. Their annual member' handbook contains for
instance an almost-complete list of engine serial number pre-fixes with
associated models. (although your North American-export Alpine GT engine
serial number, "B 399........" is one of the unlisted exceptions) They also
publish the excellent "Alpine Guide," a substantial collection of useful tech
tips.
Dick Sanders
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