Clementine's Garage
Clementine the Cat
 
Image of flower
Yellow R4
 
home my cars restoration tech tips guides forum
Réparateur d'automobiles

Info on Argentinian-built 1397cc R4???

I

Iglooman

Enthusiast
Messages
14
It's over three years since my last post, but here we go again!

I was wondering if anyone could help me with finding more detailed information on the (Argentinian-built?) R4 with a 1397cc engine?

I was able to download (Argentinian?) workshop manuals for the R4 in Spanish, and there was this 'mystery' 1397cc version! The engine was very low-stressed as it only had 40ish bhp. The engine code was not a familiar Sierra/Cleon series code, but rather something like 'M-1400'. Despite that, the cubic displacement was 1397cc so it's definately the good ole Cleon block.

Now, I've just acquired a 5-speed HA1 gearbox and am thinking of going "the Malcolm way" of building a 1397cc/5-sp. R4. But as our car legislation here in Finland is somewhat more stringent than in the UK, I'd need a certificate from the manufacturer stating that a 1397cc engine really was available as a factory fit. Failing that, I could naturally rivet an 1108cc plate to a 1397cc block and tell the MOT it's just an 1100, but my conscience would feel rather happier if I could track down a manufacturer certificate of a 1397cc R4....
 
I have never heard of it, and I would be really interested to know more!
The only "unknown" engine I am aware of is one fitted to Colombian production R4s (around 1050cc).
 
I've uploaded a pdf file (temporarily) here:
http://netti.nic.fi/~gordini/r4/R4_motores2.pdf

The engine version 1400-07-914 is 1397cc but makes only 46bhp out of it!

The information manual of the Argentinian Renault 4 Club shortly mentions the following:
"*Nota 3: algunas unidades del modelo F4 correspondientes al año 1987 fueron equipadas con propulsores de 1400cc, utilizados por el modelo R6-12."

Now I don't speak Spanish, but obviously that must mean something like "In 1987 some F4 [vans, that is] models were equipped with a 1400cc powerplant, as used in the models R6-12"?????

So not only was the 1400cc used in the R4 van, but the R6 sedan as well!?
 
To me the pdf looks a lot like a list of engines for all Renaults rather than only for the Renault 4. There are far too many 1397 engines in there. Where is your info from?

Though the Spanish did things differently with their R4s so I'd not be surprised if the Argentinians did things even more differently. Maybe the question should be how good is the Spanish of your vehicle inspectors, or why is it not possible to swap engine plates between 1400 and 1108cc engines (engine blocks look the same, and some R4s were built with bigger carburetors).
 
Yes, obviously the pdf has all Renault engines, the name of the file (r4_motores2) is misleading no doubt.

My info is from the following "Los RENAULT 4 Argentinos" pdf by the "Argentina Renault 4
Motor Club":

http://netti.nic.fi/~gordini/r4/R4_manual1.pdf

There on the page three is the info I quoted in my earlier post.

(I would have posted a link to their website, but I couldn't get to their current one as my internet security program blocks access to their site to protect from potential security risks! These pdfs were saved when I last visited their site in 2005.)
 
Me knowing how difficult it would be to get the change authorised, would go down the plate changing route, the blocks look the same and a tester isn't there to check which actual engine is in there, he's more interested in the safety aspects of the vehicle rather than which engine is which. I'd be willing to bet if you did nothing and mentioned it to no one then you'd have problem.

We ran a 1982 VW Polo for years with a 1300cc engine with 5 speed gearbox, it was a direct replacement from a later VW GT, along with that cars suspension and brakes, in over 5 years of annual MOT tests it was never ever picked up there was no need for the MOT tester to be looking at the engine apart from its mountings to check they weren't loose.

Oh and that flew by the way, it was a great little sleeper of a car with great economy to go with it.
 
If thats the case its almost as easy, a Dremel is your best friend and then a quick punch set to replace the numbers with what you need.

Ebay is your friend
 
pepper said:
If thats the case its almost as easy, a Dremel is your best friend and then a quick punch set to replace the numbers with what you need.
Click to expand...

Well this is 1108ccm block:
31082008177Small.jpg


and this is 1397ccm...
31082008175Small.jpg


The numbers on the 1397 are deeper engraved so I would have to fill them up ad then punch new on the standard 1108 side...
 
Yes but thats only the block number, the engine number is the little plate attached with the rivets, and its surely only the part that an mot tester would ever look at?

I used to rebuild VW engines and we used to grind the old numbers off and rebuild them with our own number system so we could track the block to the customer, it was far easier for identification purposes and for us to check the specifications etc.
 
The second row number on the plate is the same as the one on the block and that number is written in the car's registration card, at least that's the way it's over here. We do not have engine number written in the registration card.
 
its still easily sorted though isn't it?

I'd fill the number on the distributor and just use the ID plate.

It will save you loads of hassle, and no one will notice the differences unless they happen to be saddos like me.

I was at a car show the other day and was looking at Morris Minors and I could tell where the 850cc A series engines had been upgraded to 950cc size, but the only way to tell was the Air filter housing, everything else was totally the same.
 
I think I'll be taking the plate swapping route too, at least for starters.

Anyone have any experience with the Renault Histoire&Collection in France? One would think they'd have access to "the Argentinian files"....

I'm having slight problems sourcing a suitable Alpine (=Gordini) engine as they were never especially plentiful here in Finland, so at the moment I'm eyeing for a 1289cc R5 TS unit.
 
As much as I can see they have updated wiki page on R4. New photos and few facts, this could be interesting:

In Colombia, the car was one of the most sold, and remained in the memory of many Colombians, it was nicknamed "Amigo fiel" (Faithful friend) and was manufactured in the SOFASA plant in Envigado (a city near Medellín) from 1970 to 1992. Two of the most popular versions included the Master (1022 cc) and the Líder (Leader), with a more powerful 1300 cc engine.
Click to expand...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_4
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2024 XenForo Ltd.
Back
Top