Despite all the good advice from this forum on rad caps and stuff the 1.4 in the Libra has finally gone pop. Unfortunately the replacement motor I sourced from a dismantler whilst it might be OK doesn't look too clever so I thought I'd either have it rebuilt or chop it in as exchange for a remanufactured engine. We can all probably think of a least a handful of A series engine builders but I can only think of Scholar and QED as arm and a leg type comps engine builders for the K series. I only want a straight service type rebuild no mods/cams etc. Does anyone know of a company peferably within striking distance of North Essex that can build a reliable standard engine?
Thanks
Steve S
PS: I'm away for the next couple of days but must get on with this late next week.

Don't know how far away from you they are but what about Motobuild?.

I thought they were Rover specialists?.
Heres a link.
.http://www.moto-build.com/ not a recommendation, but I thought they were supposed to have a good reputation. I'm sure I'll be told otherwise

It's certainly worth speaking to the Turners at the Rover Centre in St Albans 01727 834 004 they've rallied some very fast and successful Metros with K series engines, as well as being a "regular" garage.

Took Dino's advice -- the motor's with the Turners -- they reckon they've never had a head gasket failure with one of their motors.

If they don't work out, you could try Paul Exon, he used to be our workshop manager back when we were building engines.

http://www.exon-engines.co.uk/

Incidentally, the best protection against head gasket failure in the K-Series is a remote thermostat - but I'm sure you guys know that already