There is a Aceca I am considering to purchase but has as yet, undiagnosed engine issues. In general and considering the worst scenario, what would the cost be to rebuild an Aceca engine. It is an AC straight six, not a Bristol. I am in the U.S. and trying to get a general ballpark. Thank you
Hi BBK,
the worst but very usual scenario is that the water jackets suffered heavily from corrosion (especially in the US where you didn't use any antifreeze/anticorrosion products in the cooling water!?). For this reason it's a case for an AC specialist and not for any engine shop! It's a lot more than fitting an engine with new gaskets and new bearings...Even the crankshaft needs much attention like crack testing etc. At very least you need a proper head gasket, what is a science as well. So my advice is to find an experienced expert for the very special job.
And be prepared that you should have 8, better 10k Dollars in your petty cash......
Good luck,
Chris
Hi Chris. Thank you for the input. I was thinking about $10k for a rebuild. Finding an experienced AC engine person will be another matter. Thanks!
Accouding to the Broadarrow,the auctioneers,the engine is "stuck" which probably means that there has been serious water ingress into the block. If that is the case, a new block would be required which I believe are obtainable but the cost of a rebuild would be considerably more than US 10k.
You don't say if it's an AC or a Bristol engine? If it's a Bristol try any of these - INRacing.co.uk, Spencer Lane Jones (office@spencer-lj.com),Grame Payne @ classicbristolcarpartscompany.co.uk/. If it's AC search the forum and you will be pointed in the right direction as there are 2 main suppliers of AC engine parts as I understand it - Robin Woolmer (AC-project.co.uk) and Rod Briggs (ac-6.co.uk)- I have no experience of either of these gentlemen.
If you check the auction photos, it is an AC Weller engine.
Thanks for the information. I mention it is an AC six (not Bristol) in my original post.
Quote from: RJE on February 15, 2025, 12:35:08You don't say if it's an AC or a Bristol engine? If it's a Bristol try any of these - INRacing.co.uk, Spencer Lane Jones (office@spencer-lj.com),Grame Payne @ classicbristolcarpartscompany.co.uk/. If it's AC search the forum and you will be pointed in the right direction as there are 2 main suppliers of AC engine parts as I understand it - Robin Woolmer (AC-project.co.uk) and Rod Briggs (ac-6.co.uk)- I have no experience of either of these gentlemen.
There are a couple of Aceca's out there that need refurbishment (engine related and other). Re. The Broadarrow car, besides the engine, once a car has been sitting, so many other things likely need attention too....... Hard to value the car correctly because when you add in 12% commission, sales tax, shipping and refurbishment costs, it all adds up quickly!
Quote from: parker on February 14, 2025, 18:54:24Accouding to the Broadarrow,the auctioneers,the engine is "stuck" which probably means that there has been serious water ingress into the block. If that is the case, a new block would be required which I believe are obtainable but the cost of a rebuild would be considerably more than US 10k.
The Broad Arrow Aceca just sold for $85,000 (USD). It has a "stuck" engine. Perhaps it is possible to unstick it, or rebuild the motor or worst case it may need a new block. A new block will affect value with a NOM AC engine or maybe a Bristol engine gets installed? With the 12% auction fee of $10,200 plus sales tax of $7,310 (8.6% where I am), puts the total price paid at $102,510 for this Aceca before mechanical work. The engine rebuild (assuming the engine cannot be unstuck somehow) might add $10,000 USD and possibly more and unknown what else needs attention mechanically. Cosmetics appear to be good. All in all, with the price paid and further investment, hoping the new owner will not be in over the value of the car if it were to be sold as a running example. In any event, once the issues are fixed, it will be a gorgeous car to own.
BBK, I agree , it will be a gorgeous car to own. I saw it in the flesh when it was beside my AEX 1194 Ace at 2012 Pebble where I was lucky enough to win my class but thought the Aceca was a very serios contender.If the new owner cares to connect with me, I have a photo of his Aceca on the field at Pebble.
Definitely a beauty. Spoke to the auction manager and he thought it would go for $50k. Guess there was a lot more interest than from me! I was prepared to bid and was signed up for this particular auction but when the price went up as much as it did, I was out. Your Ace must be a beauty to be on the lawn at Pebble! I wonder what how bad the Aceca engine is?
Where are the auction results published as I was interested in what the Lotus Elite type14 sold for and the squire?
If you google Broad Arrow auctions it will bring up their site. I'm not sure if they publish the sold price though.
Hi bbk,
if you're still interested in an Aceca - perhaps we should keep contact...who knows?
I'm thinking about selling AE 501. You can find some pictures in this forum.
Flying horse, link below to the auction results.
https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/results?q%5Bbranch_id_eq%5D=19&q%5Bs%5D%5B0%5D%5Bname_dir%5D=stock.asc&utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_content=SF25_Results&hashed_email=785b845e3902c74b5f0527ba240b014553176405d992d1e20717d4623cbbe059&dtm_em=785b845e3902c74b5f0527ba240b014553176405d992d1e20717d4623cbbe059
Quote from: Flyinghorse on February 16, 2025, 01:16:01Where are the auction results published as I was interested in what the Lotus Elite type14 sold for and the squire?
@AE501, thank you but looking for an export LHD model.
Quote from: AE 501 on February 17, 2025, 13:40:38Hi bbk,
if you're still interested in an Aceca - perhaps we should keep contact...who knows?
I'm thinking about selling AE 501. You can find some pictures in this forum.
Hi, The AC engine is alloy block with steel liners pressed in and cast iron head.
If the engine is stuck then it is probably corrosion between piston/rings and liners.It could be an easy fix because liners and pistons are available.When I say the liners are pressed into the block they are only pressed in for less than 3 inches at the bottomand can be removed by hand when the alloy block is warmed with a space heater. I think the ac manual shows two tyre levers easing them out!
Your main problem could be the head surface of the block due to corrosion,which can be surfaced easily if you can remove the head studs!!! main problem ( but they can be drilled out at a good machine shop)
Take a chance and keep the car on the road with say a triumph engine while you sort the original engine
Good Luck Tony
When looking for alternative engines, don't forget the Ford Zephyr MK2 was also used by AC, with the Mays 12 port head (you can run triple DCOE 40s). It's also a 2.6L. The zephyr MK3 is almost identical but with bigger crank journals.