Sorry if there is a topic on this elsewhere, I tried searching to no avail.

Basically I am somewhat unenthused with the power output on my clubbies 998cc engine, it finds hills a bit of a chore and has to maintain quite high revs to maintain speeds above 80km/h

Very soon I'll be able to get my hands on a nice bit of money to invest in the mini, starting with 12" rims and disc brakes, but I'd like to do something to boost the power. I'm no racer, but would still love a little more bang accelerating from stand still, and would love further still to go up hills quicker than walking speed.

My question is basically will a 1275cc engine do the trick, with say, twin carbies and extractors etc, or is a conversion the way to go?

I like the idea of dropping in a 1275, because its cheaper and definatly less mechanically insane, but how is the power/acceleration? I'm a 'spirited' driver usually, and would like a 'spirited' car,

Any feedback would be awesome

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1978 Mini Clubman 998cc...for now

well you could get a 4efte 1/2 cut around $1800 these days add another 3 grand to install it with driveshafts and gearshifter, then put exhaust, fuel system and wiring in another $1000 and you sell of parts of starlet not needed +$200, sell of mini engine and parts +$200 and you have a 130hp@wheels for around 5 grand + on road costs.

Now to do a really hot 1275 (1380) conversion you are looking at 5 grand just for a motor and box to give you around 80-90hp@wheels.

Which one will be more reliable? which one will be cheaper in the future? which one can get over 150hP@wheels with minor mods (under $500), which one will get you comments like "its not a real mini"

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1974 Moke - 998cc
76 Clubman B16a2 Vtec AWD Turbo 12.9@105mph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9PW49e1hYs

A mild 1275 will give spirited perfomance, a wilder one even more so

It's just that there are some over the top people on this forum who live by the motto:
too much is never enough

And it's far cheaper to go for a jap motor if you're looking for over 100kW.

Unfortunately I am one of those people

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Too many cars, and too little time.

348.1 bhp might be enough

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225hp atw on 14psi. 1/4 Mile no idea. Take one 1971 Mini Clubman, one Starlet GT Halfcut, Simmer over a warm MIG Welder, and Voila Minstar! www.mpdesign.id.au

I'm with Brad, you just can't build a mini motor and gearbox that will give you the same results for the same money. Look beyond power, to reliability, driveality (I bet brads missus would prefer a toyo g/box to a mini's), ongoing supply of parts.....

It just all adds up. Comments like "it's just not mini" are dated and are no sooner followed by "fark, $1000 for a crank now, if I can find one you say", "and then it needs to be reground, aswell".

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But he's thriving and striving and hugging the turns.

13sec, you make a VERY good argument

I've been keen on the 4efte, my main concern is that it will take too long to swap over, given I can't really keep the clubbie off the road for much more than a month.

Also, I'd like to know where that 3grand for install/driveshaft.shifter comes from, is that mostly DIY or fully professional?

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1978 Mini Clubman 998cc...for now

that 3 grand will cover a professional workshop to strip the old frame of what is not needed, build new frame and engine mounts and install the engine and box. Also get the driveshafts made and installed and gearshifter installed.

Id say it will take more then a month to do a full conversion, but it could be done i spose, if you have everything ready and the workshop dosnt stuff you around.

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1974 Moke - 998cc
76 Clubman B16a2 Vtec AWD Turbo 12.9@105mph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9PW49e1hYs

Mr enforcer is quoting 1 week for the engine and subframe to be installed and 6 weeks for the car to be running and drivable, eg brakes etc.

Yeah well I have been waving money infront of Mr Enforcer trying to get my car ready for ages.. he is just so darn busy....

I can see its possible... but then again we aren't in a fantasy world...

I agree completly with Brad... A-series is not gonna get you Bang for Bucks anymore.. Been there tried that...

Hmmm hopefully I will have enough power now!

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Baracade
Relationships! The only time you get to sleep with the enemy!
1972 US Export Moke in Bundaberg QLD

HA HA HA !
Dean make joke

Forget a cabin mounted fire extinguisher,
you'll need one in each front wheel arch!

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Too many cars, and too little time.

Just wondering, is anyone running 10" wheels with any of the engine conversions (4efte, swift, etc)? Or is it not recommended/possible?

Absolutely. The rolling diameter of the wheel doesn't change a hell of alot between 10's and 13's. Only reason you really need to be fitting bigger wheels is to get bigger brakes under there.

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But he's thriving and striving and hugging the turns.

Of course it will, you spend Bucks it goes Bang, simple.

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But he's thriving and striving and hugging the turns.

I would have loved to put 10's on it... but what kind of decent brakes can you fit on... you can get some decent brakes under 13's or even 12's thou...

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Baracade
Relationships! The only time you get to sleep with the enemy!
1972 US Export Moke in Bundaberg QLD

You can get 7.5/7.9" 4 pot ventilated, like Grant has but not many 10" wheels fit. He's still looking...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.