BDR 1600 engine block color

[Wayne Stambaugh]

I am curious about the color of the engine block in my 86 Caterham with a BDR 1600. I have no reason to believe this is the wrong color or a repaint but I have to admit the blue cam cover and the maroon engine block and the raw aluminum on the sides of the head are a weird color combination. I’m sure some of you experts out there know if this is correct. I plan to repaint the block to freshen it up before the engine goes back in the car.

[MV8]

This paint combo (blue cover, bare head, red block) is not unique among BDR 1600 Cats.

Edited November 4, 2023 by MV8

[inchoate]

my 1700 BDR block is painted a similar red.

 

1600 BDRs are unicorns among unicorns and the blue cam cover is distinctive.  I'd leave it as is if it were me, but you do you.

 

Interesting trivia, the 1700s have gold cam covers but they just painted over the blue.  

 

 

[Wayne Stambaugh]

9 minutes ago, inchoate said:

my 1700 BDR block is painted a similar red.

 

1600 BDRs are unicorns among unicorns and the blue cam cover is distinctive.  I'd leave it as is if it were me, but you do you.

 

Interesting trivia, the 1700s have gold cam covers but they just painted over the blue.  

 

 

I don’t plan to change any colors. I want it to look like it did the day it arrived from Caterham. I was assuming the colors were original but you have to admit it’s a strange combination.

[inchoate]

Caterham is involved, so strange combinations are the order of the day.

[Wayne Stambaugh]

I’m beginning to see that!