Im in the process of buying a mini,the problem i have is the choice of power units ouy there.At the moment im looking at a 998 bored out to a 1060 with a cooper cam,a 1100 with extractors,cam,rc exhaust,a1275(1360)and so on.Obviously i would like a 1275 with all the good bits,but what is a 998 like (bored 1060) in respects to performance and reliability,hope someone can help, thanks joel

I used to own an 1098. She drove alright. But then I drove a 1430 and the power difference was huge, and couldn't stand going back.

It depends on what you want to do to it. My personal opinion is (and I'm not ratting on people who do this) that if you were going to bore out a 850/998/1098, why wouldn't you just buy the model above? Increasing the stroke is a little different, though.

Go for a 1275, even stock if you want. It can always be bored out big time. They can get enhanced to (most commonly) 1380, 1430 and even 1510.

The more you modify, the more chance there is of it being less reliable (depending on who does the mods).

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Jonathan
http://photobucket.com/albums/y64/FatMaserati/

what are you looking for?

everyone seeks something different in a Mini.

Do you want a nice relieable car that is sporty and fun, or do you want a ball tearer that will blow away anything on the road?

I think a 998 is fine...especially a rebuilt one with a few nice mods.

A 1275 would be great....but to drive everyday as regular transport?? Probably not.

If you just want a Mini.....go the 998 or 1098. If you want a perfoamance Mini, don't considder anyting other than a 1275.

thanks mate,im looking for a car with some go,but in the long run im going to be useing it nearly every day and reliability is important(im also on my L, and as a result wont be able to go over 80 90 then 100 for quite a while at least thats what ill tell the cops

First Mini? stick with a 998. Love it for what it is......later on you can upgrade easily.

my Clubby has a 998......'slightly' modified....

i'm thinking about an 850 engine...

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998's can be fun.
You'll learn to carry your speed through corners anyway....

Ahh the simple things in life.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

And plan passing manouvers going down hill

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Roads need more corners
A Deluxe(CG13DE), 2 Clubbies(998 and 1275) and 2 Morris 1100Ss

why would you choose small capacity engines? racing classes for one, reliability and cheaper parts. Ever notice how anything 1275 is at least double the price??

Also if you are on your Ls think insurance prices. 998 will be a fair bit cheaper.

i used to be able to corner my 850 engined mini minor on cross plies faster than most larger engined cars (not necesarily minis though) on radials. and like they said its all about learning to keep the momentum up, never get out of fourth gear and don't use the brakes!

<edit> ok spaceboy - learn to do that on the track and khanacross like i did then .....

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

i wouldnt be encouraging a Learner to drive like that.
i drove a very nice stock 1275, and was great for everyday use...
it was not nearly as fast as my worked 1100 however...
people work the smallbores because 1275s are harder to come by and more expensive.

a 998 with some mild tuning will go plenty fast and be cheap on fuel.