So i finally have a bit of time to start repair work on the mini up at my mates dads crash repairs.

The engine is out, and I want to do some things like gaskets, clutch, cam etc.. At the moment it's just a standard 998 with no real problems appart from the gearbox slipping out of 4th quite regularly now which will need to be fixed too.

I'm tossing up options of just doing the work myself, or just taking it somewhere. What do you guys recommend I do with the engine specifically while it's out and will I really save much doing it myself, compared to taking it somewhere to get these things done? Would there be a lot of hours worth of work involved?

I really want to get the car back on the road soon because i've really been missing it, I'm not looking at spending heaps of cash because i'll probably have to borrow some money for now to do the things I want to get done.

I guess from your post that you are having the gearbox done by someone else or your getting an exchange unit?

Doing most of the gaskets is fairly easy. Just make sure that all the gasket sufaces on the engine components are clean and flat. There are also 2 seals to replace and these too are fairly easy but also easy to stuff up. Just don't rush it. Be sure to centre the timing chain cover with your harmonic balancer or pulley before tightening this cover up and son't over-tighten it.

While your at it, I'd do the tming chain (maybe fit duplex), water pump, possibly oil pump, have the head serviced (ULP Conversion?), check the harmonic balancer (or fit one if it is only a pulley), replace the rocker shaft, fit a new oil pressure switch and replace the clutch. Also check the primary gear bushes and thrust washers.

Last time I told the Mrs that it was only getting 'rings and bearings' it went from a 1100 to a worked 1275....

Depending on how far you want to go with it and how competent you are, you may save some money in doing the work yourself. I've also had to fix stuff before where someone thought they could do it, and it's ended up a mess.
If your pulling the engine down to do cam, gaskets etc, then in addition to GT mowogs suggestions, I would at least be giving it a set of rings, bearings and new oil pump, I've seen plenty motors fail soon after a head and gasket change because of the extra loading placed on the old pistons and rings.

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How can it be rusty when it's covered in so much oil?

Yeah, if the $$$ will stretch that far then yes, I would agree 100%, but be aware that you could be up for a re-bore, new pistons and a crank grind. Then you've got a re-conditioned motor

But if you're just re-ringing, then have the bore honed.

Thanks guys.. $ are a bit of an issue atm. If I were to do most of what was suggested, how much would I roughly be looking at - just so i've got some sort of idea.. ?

To go the re-conditioned motor route, about $1800 - $2200 including pistons and machining.

To go the gaskets and head reco etc (as per my 1st posting) about $400 to $800.

Trust that helps.

in Vizards book he made a 988 go like a 1275 without boring it too much

but I guess for better performance engine's love air so I would say
maybe port the head a little and maybe a better flowing manifold

and maybe a larger carby or webber with a better performing exhaust
all these little factors can make a difference

Looks like i've decided to send off the engine somewhere to get the work done - as I've picked up more hours at work and just have less time to do it myself, but a bit more coin to back it up.

Can anyone recommend somewhere in Adelaide? Like they dont have to be specifically a mini place..?

It's unusual for 4th gear to be a problem. Hopefully it's just a bad synchro.

If the small bearing under the first motion shaft has disintegrated it can affect 4th gear. Hope it isn't that but if it is then the resulting swarf can take out your oil pump and main/big end bearings as well.

Best to get it pulled apart and assessed then make a plan of action.

Pete