Hi all,

my car is one or two months away from getting sprayed and i have started thinking about engines..

being a daily driver im leaning towards an engine capacity of around 1100cc or a 1275 if i can find one. I was wondering if you guys could help me out with engine builders in victoria or any interstate that are worth all the extra shipping fees and stuff..

I dont have an engine so Id be buying a whole rebuilt unit, can anyone tell me roughly how much id have to budget for?

thanks guys, sorry if im asking a bit much.

i just got my 1275 head completely rebuilt, crack tested, hot washed, new valves and steam seals and guides done at "lilydale engine reconitioners" good bloke, definently knows his stuff and price was around 400 which is about 200 bux cheaper than anywhere else i tried.

as for which motor to get.. well im running a 1275. but as my cars just been sprayed and have almost finished putting it back together i can't comment as to driveability.

however from as i understand it you'll need disc brakes at the front if you want to legally run the 1275 motor. and if its not currently on the road im not sure if the roadworthy assesor will even pass you without them.

It's always the double edged sword, isn't it?

Small bore motors like a 998 and 1100 are easier and cheaper to come by (although I think 1100's are starting to become a little harder and dearer as these are looked upon as second choice to a 1275).

Big Bore stuff is a little harder to come by and inevitably dearer.

So once you have a motor, no doubt you'd what to reco and / or mod it.

Reconditioning costs between the two types is similar, perhaps a little dearer on the big bore, but not by a lot. You still need bearings (same $) you still need gaskets (same $), oil pump (same $) re-bore (same $) etc...It's only really the pistons that will be dearer - maybe....

For drivability and generally living with from day to day....well it's always a personal choice, but I know which way I'd go.....

Keep in mind however if you do go to a 1275 that you'll need disc brakes, but then I would fit these in any event, not only better brakes but lower maintenance....

_________________

thanks for the speedy replies.

Yeah it seems so hard to come across a 1275 engine these days.. id buy one in a heartbeat if i could get one at a decent price.

i have three motors in the shed, two 998's and an 850.. but I really want a larger bore engine..

ring Josh from mini-Imports

_________________
No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

okay cool... uhm do you have Contact detials? website?

How about this
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mini-1275-Engine ... 45f1af0e7a

Cheers
Steve

_________________
1964 998cc Cooper
1971 Mini K x 2
1972 Clubman GT

I'd say that is a reasonable buy. According to the engine no. that is a 1275 LS Motor........

_________________

thaks panthersteve! I'll keep my eye on it.

These days, I'd say that is CHEAP.

_________________
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.

I'd love that one but I'm in Brissie.

_________________
Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

Josh @ Mini Imports 0419 396 877 for a 2nd hand engine & gearbox, good bloke, lots of other things that I am sure you will be interested in as well.

Engine builder . . . Lindsay @ Minis Plus 0434 393 558 and or www.minis.com.au. Another good bloke with lots of knowledge and plenty of bits and pieces im sure you will be interested in.

_________________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDMkVq1jRGU

awsome thanks for all the help guys