I remember seeing that photo of the downported head myself and it is probably saved on on old computer. I think it was posted by Ernie "bige" who owns ATE race engines.

Would a shrink fit even be acceptable?

Bought my 1200 coupe at 15 years old, owned it for 15 years and am building the first motor for it at the moment

See the minor scallops in the photo of the underside of the block? Those chamfers had to be a lot larger for the RB rods and broke through into the oil gallery. Unsure if a aftermarket RB rod would help or hinder. Would have to buy one or a set to see how they compare?

Interested to hear what you are up to Benny

No problems Rallytwit. I have probably got a little carried away but I'm excited to see how it all goes!

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Pics as promised. These are a 77mm Mahle forged piston out of a standard BMW Cooper S Mini that had run a big end.

The initial plan was to run a RB20 rod (121.5mm long same as a12) and had a 21mm small end same as the supercharged mini pistons. This plan failed when we hit the oil gallery clearancing the block because there was to much meat around the big end of the rod.

Plan B - use some late a12 rods. They have the same meat on the OD of the small end as an A12A rod (19mm pin) so they were opened up from 17.45mm to 21mm. Engine builder was plenty happy with opening them up to 21mm. The block then only needed minor clearancing for the rods. The crank itself spun in the block when doing a dummy up years ago.

Crank did need machining. Counterweights turned down slightly and flat spots added for clearance at BTC - see pics.

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We put my 1527cc A12 short block together over the weekend. Yet to be proven but early A12 block, A15 crank, late A12 rods (small end opened up) and modern 77mm Mini Cooper S pistons. That combo came up flush with the deck - will upload pics tonight.

Yes I totally agree. Even crinkle finish paint would be the winner. It's easy to mask the outside and the just flat block off the letters afterwards.