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| Joined: | 05-01-2005 |
| Location: | Minneapolis, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 573 |
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On a topic more germane to the creators of this list, how hard/expensive is it to obtain parts for a Jensen Healey? (Snip)... Do the 907 engines continue to deserve their reputation for fragility, or are newer components available to make them more reliable?
Thurman,
All parts are readily available. In some cases, OEM parts are becoming difficult to obtain. However, some independent parts houses like JAE are stepping up to provide excellent alternatives. Don't avoid the 9XX engines because of parts concerns.
Reliability is in the eye of the beholder. No low production, high performance specialty engine gives the ignore it and turn the key reliability of a modern, mass produced engine. The 9XX demands a certain amount of attention, and it demands it regularly. Keep up with the demand and the engine is reliable. Ignore it and it becomes expensive in a hurry.
The maintenance isn't hi-tech or expensive if you do it yourself. Just change the oil and filter often, use premium quality oil, check the valve clearances frequently/ adjust as required, and check the timing belt tension on a paranoid schedule. If you are running the original style trapezoidal timing belt and tend to drive the car hard, then cut the recommended replacement interval in half... down to 12,000 miles or 2 years, which ever comes first. Replace the ignition points with an electronic system. Keep the carbs balanced (Dellortos require less fiddling than Strombergs). Non-engine, but flush and bleed the brakes annually with Castrol GT LMA for street use.
Then drive the car !! Nothing kills 'em like sitting idle for long periods. The "Garage Queens" generate a disproportionate number of the horror stories. Exercise it regularly (at least weakly, daily is better) and give it a good work-out.
I'd take off cross-country with one of my 907's at the drop of a hat... no worries. My two longest 907 trips were sudden with no prep. Asheville, NC to Minneapolis non-stop (23 hours) and round-trip Minneapolis-Columbus OH-Minneapolis in a weekend. Never missed a beat, including 2 hours of inching along in a Chicago rush hour.
Treat the 907 right and it's a good engine. Your reward for a little extra effort is the pleasure of driving a really fun engine.
Regards,
Tim Engel