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A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 7:15 am
by Spider
Keith Dodd, founder of Mini Spares, has put together an in depth detailed guide to A Series Cylinder Heads, you can read it here;-
https://www.minispares.com/blog/2023/09 ... qMWmcfUD-g
I'm still reading my way through it, but it's likely the most comprehensive guide anywhere.
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 11:58 am
by Fanfaniracing
Now that's what i call a detailed description!
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 1:56 pm
by Costafortune
An astonishing body of work.
I always assumed the 206 and 295 were one and the same.
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:54 pm
by Herbert
What a brilliant guide.
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 6:15 pm
by irlmin
That is amazing . I never thought there were so many variations . just had a quick look through the document and must now take some time to have a more detailed look . some interesting material about Eddie Maher as well . brilliant .G
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 7:06 pm
by Fixer
I thought I'd print it off - changed my mind - its 109 pages!!
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 8:21 pm
by mab01uk
An amazing number of variations and impressive in-depth research into the subject and the production history by Keith Dodd....I wonder how many of the 14 million A-series heads made still exist!
This could of course spark a new collectible hobby for those enthusiasts with an obsession for obtaining 'complete collections' with a lifetime search for every example of the A-series head variants, including all the different casting variations, numbers and foundry symbols listed.
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2025 3:11 am
by winabbey
A very interesting and useful document. Is it being updated by anyone when corrections and new information comes to light? I have access to a few engineering drawings that could assist.
For example, Keith mentions in Note 16 a head marked with part 2G93 (12G939) but could possibly be a different number with some of the casting being removed after drilling the push rod holes. I'm pretty sure it is 12G939.
Below is the legend section of the 12G938 drawing for head 12G939 that also includes reference to head 12G950, not mentioned in Keith's list.
Note: The part number on a BMC engineering drawing is routinely one digit different to the actual physical part.
12G938 Cylinder Head Complete 1.jpg
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2025 9:12 am
by t3gav
winabbey wrote: ↑Wed Jan 08, 2025 3:11 am
A very interesting and useful document. Is it being updated by anyone when corrections and new information comes to light? I have access to a few engineering drawings that could assist.
For example, Keith mentions in Note 16 a head marked with part 2G93 (12G939) but could possibly be a different number with some of the casting being removed after drilling the push rod holes. I'm pretty sure it is 12G939.
Below is the legend section of the 12G938 drawing for head 12G939 that also includes reference to head 12G950, not mentioned in Keith's list.
Note: The part number on a BMC engineering drawing is routinely one digit different to the actual physical part.
12G938 Cylinder Head Complete 1.jpg
Yes it's constantly being updated, I will pass this onto him thanks. If anyone has any more info or spots any errors just drop MS an email
Re: A Series Identification Guide - by Keith Dodd
Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2025 11:51 am
by keith@minispares.com
Thanks for the proof guys as these are only the factory heads I have seen and I will update every few months or so using your information when there is firm proof such as photos or drawings. There are plenty of other queries I have- when did they stop casting A series cylinder heads at Longbridge North works and start outside sourcing from Beans (Ferrotech).How could you tell Longbridge A Plus castings from Beans if there was no identity marks when cast. even the year dates seem in the same place. Anything you post with proof such as drawings will be added to the article which we can all hopefully complete for future mini owners to be the real definitive on A series heads from the manufacturers.