Hi All,

Im about to pull the engine and box out of my matching numbers 68 for a tidy up.

While I was there I thought I would get a bit of work done on the engine to give it a bit more punch.

Now Im wondering if I shouldnt just get a replacement engine and box (with more punch) and leave the original engine sitting in the shed.

I have a budget of about 5k.

I would be interested in your opinions / options.

Cheers
Dave

What engine is it?

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Mini, its in my blood........

Hi,

The engine in it currently is a 998 with a 3 syncro box.

Dave

depends what sort of driving you do.... and how much use it gets. $5K will rebuild the original engine and gearbox, and it should last another 40 years

from my perspective...

I have a very original MK2 Cooper S, I have the original motor sitting on my shelf - it got tired and I didn't want an expensive rebuild when the time came, and when I rebuild it, it will be for when the car is completely restored and becomes a show pony.

so now I am running another motor that I have had in 4 cars, have given 2 rebuilds, and I don't give a rats arse if it throws a conrod - the car is driven about 300km per week, I compete in Motorkhanas once a month, and I don't hesitate to jump in it and drive all day (like 900km each way to Adelaide a few weeks ago)

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Thanks Simon,

It doesnt get driven all that much and I dont drive it hard.

Im not planning on going racing or anything like that but I'd like it to go a little harder when I feel like giving it a squirt.

Dave

As others have said, it really just depends what you want it for.

For five grand you could rebuild it and the box etc with a little bit more punch and as Simon says, without it being thrashed and with regular maintenance it will last a very long time.

Or

You could build a mild 1275 that would also have more punch and use it until you feel like putting it back to original.

In my opinion, if it is not a daily driver and is an original car, rebuild the original motor with a few mods.

Cheers Ryan

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Ryan Filippi
Minis In The Gong
[email protected]
www.minisinthegong.com.au

Thanks guys,

If I do chose to go down the original engine rebuild path who is the best person to take it to in Melborune?

Cheers
Dave

well I'd rebuild the original, and add a 1.5" carb and extractors - a nice period mod, and does give it a good kick along. You can have the cam upgraded cheaply - realistically, the best way to get performance out of an engine is to do everything properly, not to throw money at it

as for mini places in Melbourne, Ballistic on here runs "Minitopia", there's Link Auto, and others I can't remember - grab a copy of the mini experience and look at some ads in there, or the VMCI magazine - I *think* there is a list of mini mechanics in a sticky thread somewhere, but I can't find it!

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Thanks Simon,

Just out of curiosity why would you go for a 1.5 rather than a twin 1.25 set up?

Dave

no special reason - just cheaper & easier.... honestly didn't think about it

with $5K to play with you might get a nice set of twins inside your budget, but sourcing, rebuilding, fitting and tuning can add up quickly

even though I have twin 1.5"s on my car, I prefer a big single over twins

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

No worries.

I have a set of twin 1.25" and manifold in my shed and I was going to get those reconditioned and put them on.

After reading your post I started to think maybe I'd wasted my money.

Dave

ha - nah, if you've got them, use them!



don't listen to me, I have no idea what I'm talking about

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

5K you say well you could make a 998 go quite hard somewhere between mild leaning towards the wilder side or youcould buy a 1275 A+ engine and rebuild that bit better than stock.

1275 has more torque / hp / cc's and is probibly a better way to go IMHO.

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120bhp with 450kg just fun waiting to happen

We were prob. drunk when we set it up last and thought this will be a good idea

A nicer cam and a set of nice maniflow pipes make a standard S engine sound pretty nice let me tell you....helps with a little extra punch as well...

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thanks guys, now Im totally confused.

I change my mind on an hourly basis

Dave