Engineering

Engines

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Rebuilds & conversions

Need a vintage Bentley engine rebuilt or converted? VBE has a wealth of experience rebuilding 3, 4 and 6-cylinder Bentley engines. We can overhaul or rebuild the entire engine to original specification, including white metal bearings — or, as an alternative, install new con-rods and crankshaft with modern shell bearings.

We usually recommend the latter, for three reasons:

• Fatigue. After 80+ years and countless stress reversals, original connecting rods and crankshafts are liable to breakage — with catastrophic results.
• Cost. Re-metalling requires not just white metal but usually new bronze shells as well.
• Durability. New components and shells last longer. We supply our own design of crankshaft and con-rods — superior to the originals, designed especially for us by an ex-Jaguar designer.

Beyond standard rebuilds, VBE specialises in engine conversions: 3 Litre to 4½ Litre, 4½ Litre to 5.3 Litre, or 3 Litre straight to 5.3 Litre. Additionally, 6½ Litre and Speed Six engines can be converted to 8.0 Litre — a disproportionately large increase in performance with little visual change under the bonnet. The conversion is reversible, though once the prodigious increase in power is experienced, that is an unlikely decision.

Gearbox & Axle

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Transmission overhauls

VBE rebuilds all types of Bentley gearbox, fitting new bearings and gears as required. Closer-ratio gears can be specified, or a conversion to constant mesh — a "dog box" — allowing easier, quicker gear changes without double de-clutching. Modern sealing arrangements greatly reduce the usual oil leakage from the casing.

Rear axle overhauls can include new heavy-duty half shafts, bearings, gears, sleeves and crown wheel & pinion — the latter to any of the originally available ratios, and we'll help calculate the most suitable ratio for your driving. As an alternative to a higher axle ratio for relaxed cruising, an overdrive can be fitted. Modern seals eliminate the axle-oil leaks to the rear brakes so common with the original Acme scroll seals.

Fuel Systems

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Copper tanks to original patterns

VBE's engineers and skilled fabricators produce a range of fuel tanks for vintage Bentleys — exact copies of the original designs and construction, but made from copper sheet to minimise the corrosion caused by modern bio-fuels and additives.

The standard 4½ Litre pattern is slightly modified in two respects: an increased capacity of 16 gallons rather than 15, and the incorporation of the 3 Litre-type top filler with reserve tap.