Iv'e had enough of my old tired 1100. First the clutch is going, then the water pump leaks like a tap, the bottom end needs a rebuild, my passengers get a extreme foot massage from what we think is the CV joint dying and I learnt today that the valves are most probably burnt and destroyed.
So if my finances go well I will have a budget of around $5000, I was wondering what you mini pro's thought I should do with my money. I dont really care about getting a bigger engine but I wouldn't mind a 1275. I will be getting a disc brake conversion cos that includes all new CV's. So what should I get engine wise? My gearbox is in average shape too.

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Mini Clubman, 1.3i, air con, 12" mags, pioneer sound system.

Depends if you are mechanically minded and can do the work yourself..

Your CV joint isn't part of your engine problem...

I'd get the CV's done and bearings and brake upgrade..there's at least $2-2500

which leaves you to scrape together $2500 for an engine rebuild or upgrade..

These are slighty exagerrated prices to take into account misc. things..

You could get away with the braking cheaper with a conversion and what not.....

If you don't have 1275 to start with you can rebuild your 1098 into a very satisfactor and quick street car. Mine keeps up with a Commodore....

It's about the same to rebuild a 1098 as it is a 1275 though...but your looking at about $600+ for the 1275 to rebuild...

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

I know the basics when it comes to a mini engine but id rather get it done by someone who knows what there doing. I was looking at a Jap late model front cut, but iv'e heard some bad stuff about the EFI setup. Don't care if it has less power though.

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Mini Clubman, 1.3i, air con, 12" mags, pioneer sound system.

5 grand will buy you a low kilometer 90's model fuel injected 1275 auto complete with disc brakes, wiring, dash, steering rack and column, air conditioning...... with cash to spare.

A grand and a bit less (3500ish) will get you the same bits on a 998 manual.

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[NATHAN] -- Sold everything mini related and am back in big beautiful BMWs

If I were you and I had absolutely no mechanical knowledge, then I'd get the disc brake conversion (say about $1500 to $2000) done professionally and learn all I can about doing my own engine. Like Aaron of this forum said:

(In my best Aaron impersonation voice) "If you ever played with lego when you were a kid then putting together an mini engine is the same. Consult a few books, find out a few tips, ask a few mates and hey presto..." (not exactly word for word but pretty close )

It's the best bang for buck, cause at the end of the day when you run into problems, you'll know how to fix it. Esp if you are not looking to hot up your engine. That's my honest opinion. Go on, you know you want to! just takes balls to immerse yourself into it! Least that way you know you aren't getting ripped off and probably have change left from $3000 or so. I am willing to bet that your current engine will last you at least another 6 months (if driven nicely) which is plenty of time to learn all you can about the A series...

Actually I lie, IF i were you I'd do it all myself

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Yep, the only way to learn is to get your hands dirty

Another six months eh? your optimistic. The way it's running now, even though it's got new points, new spark plugs and a new coil, i will give it another six days. But that doesn't matter cos I can drive me dads mazda round till I get the mini sorted.
I think I'll get the 90's 1275 conversion, it has heaps of features for around about the same price as the other options iv'e looked at. thanks for your help.

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Mini Clubman, 1.3i, air con, 12" mags, pioneer sound system.