Sometimes it feels like there is a very fine line between oversteer and understeer. I feels unstable on long sweeping bends and tends to waiver a bit we steering from left to right or the opposite way (like when exiting a round-a-bout). im pretty sure the suspension (dry) is stuffed however im not sure if the bounciness is due to bad suspension or just a characteristic of minis. This is my first mini and ive only had it for 3 months so i havnt quite worked out whats is normal mini behavior and what isn't.

Step 1: get it wheel aligned.
They will tell you what's wrong, whether it's crabbing (rear misalignment), and what parts if any are worn.

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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.

can you elaborate on crabbing (rear misalignment) please. the rear track width is wider than the front, would this have any affect? Can it be easily fixed?

Front track is wider than the rear unless something's been changed. But that shouldn't make it handle funny.
Unlike crabbing...
Crabbing occurs when toe-in at the rear is different side to side. This can happen if someone had hit a kerb eg. in a roundabout which makes the LH wheel toe-out, not in. My car had this prob when bought.
Cure is find what is bent, whether trailing arm, stub axle or subframe, and get that fixed.
Stock rear alignment is about 1/8" (3mm) total toe-IN, equal both sides. For track use or better turn in, this can be reduced. But go too far (eg toe-out) to and it can get twitchy in an emergency.

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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.

Something you can also check is the clamp bolt at the bottom of the steering column inside the car. Make sure this is tight and you're splines are properly engaged.

From your explanation it sounds like something is loose, maybe a wheel bearing or suspension component.

You could jack the car up and with the wheels off the ground, grab each wheel and give it a good push/pull when your hands are at 3/9 o'clock and again at 12/6 o'clock.

But it really doesn't sound very good and i would recommend getting it looked at professionally ASAP.

Step 2: if the rack, ball joints etc need attention, drop everything and get it fixed!

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"Show me the Mini!"

Tie rod ends could be shot as well as all of the above

If you start playing around with the tie rods don't forget to count the turns it takes to come off

Sounds like I've got a fair job on my hands, thanks for the advice.

sounds very dangerous to me
i`d get a mini specialist to check it all over
so much stuff to look at & if you miss one (seemingly) silly thing
could mean disaster & pain
please get an experienced mini mechanic onto it???

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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.

I might get an electronic Rubber Stamp made up with that good advice on it Matt

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"Show me the Mini!"

I've managed to find time to investigate my steering issues and have found a couple of potential problems.

1. The RH tie rod end from the rack has quite a bit of movement when I move the hub with my hand. This doesn't look like it will be to difficult to do myself, provided I pay attention to the number of turns.

2. The LH track rod seems to show irregular movement at full lock to the left, the track rod touches the subframe rather than stop on its own accord, which i suspect it should. Also the steering wheel rotates more to the left than to the right, it rotates and extra 1/4 turn before full lock. I suspect there is an issues inside the left boot and was wondering if there is a repair kit for this or if I would have to replace the whole steering rack.

I am willing to try my hand at all mechanical repairs however I think replacing the steering rack without help may be beyond my skills, all advice on this will be appreciated.

AUSMINI ELECTRONIC RUBBER STAMP
sounds very dangerous to me
i`d get a mini specialist to check it all over
so much stuff to look at & if you miss one (seemingly) silly thing
could mean disaster & pain
please get an experienced mini mechanic onto it???
AUSMINI ELECTRONIC RUBBER STAMP

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"Show me the Mini!"

Hey green63 , where abouts are you located ?, there maybe someone nearby that can
help you out , or help diagnose your issues .

Quick update: Had the steering rack replaced as well as the tie rod ends and a wheel alignment. She now handles like a dream. Thanks for the advice lads, saved me alot of grief i think.