The K-Series engine is built by MG Rover's MG Powertrain division. It's a straight-4 cylinder engine, available with SOHC and DOHC, ranging from 1.1 L to 1.8 L.
The K Series was introduced in 1988 as a powerplant for the Rover Metro car. It was revolutionary in that it was the first volume production implementation of the low pressure sand casting technique (LPS). This production technology overcame many of the inherent problems of casting aluminium components, and consequently permitted lower casting wall thicknesses and higher strength to weight ratios.
The engine was introduced in 1.1 L single overhead cam, and 1.4 L dual overhead cam versions. The engines were unique in being held together as a sandwich of components by long through-bolts which held the engine under compression.
Low Pressure Sand Casting works by injecting liquid aluminium into an upturned sand mould from below. In this way any oxide film always remains on the surface of the casting and is not stirred into the casting structure.
K11
All K11 engines displace 1.1 L (1120 cc/68 inł). Two variations were created:
- SOHC 8-valve, SPI, 60 hp (44 kw)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, 75 hp (55 kW)
K14
All K14 engines displace 1.4 L (1396 cc/85 inł). Four variations were created:
- SOHC 8-valve, SPI, 75 hp (55 kW)
- SOHC 8-valve, MPI, 84 hp (62 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, SPI, 90 hp (66 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, 103 hp (76 kW)
K16
All K16 engines displace 1.6 L (1588 cc/96 inł). Two variations were created:
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, 109 hp (80 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, 116 hp (85 kW)
K18
All K18 engines displace 1.8 L (1795 cc/109 inł). Six variations were created:
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, 117 to 120 hp (86 to 88 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, 136 hp (100 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, VVT, 145 hp (107 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, VVT, 160 hp (118 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, turbocharged, 150 to 160 hp (110 to 118 kW)
- DOHC 16-valve, MPI, VVT, 177 hp (130 kW) ( Lotus version)
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