Hey all,
I've just moved into a new place with a big garage, allowing me to continue with my long shelved Clubby project and I'm looking for some advice. It was running well when i drove it into a relo's garage, where it then sat for 4+ years. A couple of years ago i tried to fire it up but had no luck. apart from a stuck on front brake it seems to all still be in pretty good condition, was a ning nong to move though. Im currently in the process of pulling the motor out to give it a service, and re-spray the engine bay (the only part of the car which hasn't been resprayed and it looks s**t)

The engine is an 998, as far as I'm aware, and from memory it was pretty slow when it was running, i remember it struggling on the freeway a bit. Ideally i would like to build the car up to be a bit quicker, not race fast or anything, just to make it more drivable and fun.

I'm wondering if i should spend money working on the 998 or just ditch it and get an 1100 or 1275. Would i need engineering for any of these swaps (Vic)? Given that the brakes are probably rooted, i may as well do a disc conversion up front as i know thats a major 'must' when making old mini's quicker.

Im trying to weigh up my options at this stage, and am keen to hear some thoughts. Im happy to spend some cash on it, as its been sitting unfinished for so long i just want to enjoy it.

Lots of funds?? Look at a 1100/1275 plus disk brake conversion (if that what you want)

Limited funds? Get the 998 running, fix the brakes, tidy up the car, make sure everything is greased etc...then go out and have fun

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"Show me the Mini!"

I've seen 1275's without discs, Moke californians for example. I'd go the 1100/1275 and either fit discs or fix your brakes and fit discs when the bank account recovers. Maybe someone on here might have 1275 motor for sale, fit on your box.

With a decent head and cam you would be surprised how well a 998 can be made to go better

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1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

I like the idea of that, but how cost effective is it versus a 1100/1275 swap?

An 1100 doesn't have a lot more go than a 998, and the only difference between a 998 and an 1100 is the crank & pistons, so any head or cam work work can be carried over if you did decide to go to an 1100 later.

1275 is a different ballgame. 1275's are 'easy power' IE it's easy to build an un-stressed motor that makes good power. However none of your existing (internal) engine components are compatible. When sourcing/rebuilding a 1275, the upfront cost is a bit more, but the rebuild costs are the same.

The debate over whether a worked 998/1100 motor is as good as a 1275 goes on and on, but it boils down to:

"it's not how big it is, it's how you use it"

to which the appropriate reply is

"what if it's big, AND I know how to use it"

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Remember that speed and power come out of your Fuel tank. the more performance mods you do the lower the fuel economy gets.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

Well, yes and no. If you put on some go-fast bits, and don't use the go-fast, you will usually improve the fuel economy. The problem with the stock engine is it's inability to breathe. Change the exhaust, extractors, inlet and air filter, and you will see a noticeable improvement in performance, and if you take it easy (i.e. don't floor it all the time) your fuel economy will improve.

Since I'm currently doing the above, what's the next step for 'more powaaarrr"? Cleaning up the ports and lowering the compression? Cam? Lifters?

Don't go too big on the cam duration if you are chasing economy..
Re lowering the compression, that will reduce both power AND economy.

As for speed equipment- as Vizard said if it don't add `speed' it's pointless.

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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.

I have no idea why I said 'lowering' the compression Meant raising.

If I get the head skimmed and clean up the ports a bit, is that pointless without a new cam or is it worthwhile?

I had Vizard's bible but sold it.

The car will only ever be a weekend cruiser, so fuel economy is not really a concern.

I have a friend who is handy with a cylinder head, so maybe ill head down that route for now. Stick with the 998, pull the head off, Change it to unleaded, do some head work and maybe a cam. Then work on intake exhaust improvements.

Do your self a favour and buy a copy of "Tuning your A series by David Vizard" before you spend a cent on performance Mods.
It will steer you on the right direction whichever motor you choose to mod.
It's called the bible for a reason.
I built my first 1100 using How to Modify your Mini an earlier Vizard book and cannot express how valuable it was in making the right purchases and getting the best out of what i had available. With the internet and so much stuff available now days it pays to know what will make good power and whats a waste of time.
Good luck with mini and most of all have fun with it

Cheers Rob.

[url] http://www.bookdepository.c o.uk/Tuning-Series-Engine-David-Vizard/9781859606209?b=-3&t=-20#Fullde
scription-20[/url]

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82 BJ42 just completed resto
64 850 Modified(about to start rebuild)

Thanks for the advice, I've heard this book mentioned a fair bit on these forums. Will definitely grab a copy

My registered car is an almost standard 998. A mate whom has only had 1275s for years came on a MITG run with me in nov'12 and termed the car to 'punch above its weight'. He changed his mind about throwing out two 998 blocks he has in his shed. Standard everything except well-tuned, ported and shaped combustion chambers.

BTW the original valve seat were only every lightly pitted, After a seat grind & shave of 10 thou at the machinist I lapped the valves back in and she runs just lovely, starts first time every time.

Brakes no.1 on your list in consideration of the BMW emergency stopping in front of you!

Its what you do - but a 998 can never be a 1275 uphill

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..still waiting for the Italian Job sequel to see if the bus went down