Appealing to all ausmini members for some advice on what engine config to use in the my van restoration. I also need a gearbox. My current options are:

1275 A+ from somewhere like Brickworx - Yea I do have 7.5 disks
1100 second hand (unknown condition) cheap hope for the best, may have to rebuild.
Brand new short motor 1100/1275 and sort out a box and other bits (Warranty !!!)

I initially did not want to spend big dollars on the engine/box but this car is going to take me and Jessie around the country once complete so will be looking for something that is reliable. And I will save, and pay for that peace of mind.

I value your opinion and would like to know what options you would pursue. If you have any suggestions about where I might find/how much each option will cost - please let me know.

Cheers All
Andy.

By far the cheapest option would be to go a whole Rover front cut. I would have but had $ issues raising the investment capital initially. Doing it the conventional way, I now have motor and brakes sorted but have now spent more than 2k more than a front cut and I still have suspension and electrics to go.

If reliability is your goal, you can't go past a young motor for having a fair bit of life left in it.

i agree get a front cut with air co so on them days when everyone else fry's you stay cool also 1275 loaded car traveling i would think the extra hp and torq would be handy
makka

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I don't know what there warranty means but I imagine it will mean that if you break down then either way you will be waiting for a fair while before the engine is rebuilt anyway,

Is the new block etc going to be any more reliable than a low kms rover front cut? air con would be a blessing too

You will have to show us photos of the van on you trip

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

I always like a 1275, the extra torque is great for a touring car and with the right bits are very reliable, either a late rover or any 1275 will be good, but which ever one a full engine rebuild would be sensible if you intend going round Australia so maybe look around for a 1100s cheap rather than rover frontcut and spend the difference on rebuilding it.

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Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

That's exactly the path i took - see my previous post. - Only trying to save you some dosh. Believe me the pay up front and get the lot [a front cut] is the cheapest way out, by far.

mmmm interesting air conditioning.
Might give Brickworx a bell tomorrow and find out some prices.

It is going to be a trip at a very friendly pace. We were initially going to go in Bromley but there just aint enough room for our gear. I am sure we could do it in an 1100, but to be honest I really would like a 1275 (price dependant)

What other places - perhaps closer to home ie NSW/VIC would you suggest may sell Rover engines. Apparantly metros would have the lowest KM?

You could try Josh from miniimports in melbourne on 03 98892422 or 0419 396 877 , he was selling some brake bits in the for sale section last week, the cranky mann from Northern in melbourne or the lot from ICI tech in sydney had some front cuts a while ago

Jon

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Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

the front cut option is definately the best but probably the most expensive too..

any second hand motor you buy will need freshening or rebuilding.. but a smallbore would be very cheap compared to a big block.

The front cut is the cheapest for the amount of stuff you get...
engine, suspension, brakes, wiring, air con,maybe efi, all late model gear.
A low km import motor will out perform an old engine that has been rebuilt... one is 10 years, old one is up to 45...

I've seen the light.

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Miniworx Centre 0883741299
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me too.
I'll start taking that front cut apart tomorrow, Rreve

Your warranty is already void willy.
These engines don't work upside down

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Miniworx Centre 0883741299
Sooperdooperminicooperexpertengineering
Online BMW Mini Shop

Hahahaha!!! Oh how true...

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Cheap, Fast, Reliable. Choose two.

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