is there a big difference in performance? i.e. how noticeable is it?

Yes - there is a very big difference. Any 1275 motor is noticably more powerful and has more torque than an 1100.

The downside is that you need disc brakes legally and morally to have it on the road. You need to be able to stop it without fuss..

Yes in standard form a 1275 has it over an 1100. I have (and many others have too) modified 1100 engines than are more than a match for a standard 1275.

But then (as the argument goes) if you did the same sort of modifications to a 1275 that you do to the 1100 you get even more power...

At the end of the day it's up to you and your budget.

But I beg to question: a fast 1100 with shotty drum brakes is false economy...

I'd much rather a fast 1100 with disc brakes so I can brake later and with confidence, than to run with shotty drum brakes. (Caveat properly maintained and adjusted drums are pretty good too, but nothing compared to discs).

Mike is all correct

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

.......unless it's going in a Moke.......

Also, there is no subsitiute for cubic inches.

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how would they compare in terms of fuel consumption?not an important question just interested

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one van, one mini s, one knitted cardigan

It depends on the state of tune. I went from a hot 1100 to a fairly standard 1275 from an 1100S, the performance was about the same but the economy of the 1275 was quite a bit better.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

big big difference in performance, its the torque thats the main thing, you can go up hills in a 1275.

thanks guys. just trying to work out whether to spend a bit extra and get a 1275. however it does have drums.

On a side note, how does one tell if the engine is a 1100 or 1275? Engine number?

also, how bad are the drum brakes? If there in good condition and adjusted etc, would that be ok? Or still too dangerous?

Both cars im looking at (1100 and 1275) have drums. The 1275 brakes terribly although the wheel shakes, i suspect the drums need machining and adjusting.

They are pretty bad, even on an 1100, ive changed mine to discs. You have the legal issue to contend with too.

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So... I'm Seifer

the 1100 I was driving recently had no problem with hills and was achieving better than 42MPG they are quite a bit cheaper to buy than a 1275 and for that $ difference you can do a lot to a 1100.

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That's why it's good to be.............ME

There, fixed that for you Drum brakes are actually more powerful in the same size as discs, but the key is that they have to be properly maintained (which few people actually do). Also on a Mini, they're not self-adjusting which lends weight to the problem.

The big benefit with discs is they're set and forget -- I fitted mine to my road warrior three years ago and haven't looked at them since. The rear drums I have to adjust every time I change the oil

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

well i guess thats not too bad, i dont mind doing some maintenance

Just need to know how to confirm the engine size so i can make sure this engine IS definetly a 1275?

best way is to see if you can fit your thumb between the rocker cover and the thermostat housing

there are caveats to that, but if you're looking at a standard sort of a car, then that's about how to tell