8 replies to this topic

[Andy!]

So, in about a year or two, i aim to upgrade my engine from a 1000cc automatic, to a higher capacity metro manual engine which brings me onto my first of 2 questions...

1) What engine sizes were made in compatible metros? (by compatible i mean engines that bolt straight into the minis subframe) 1.0?, 1.2? 1.3? 1.4? 1.6? 1.8?

2) Does the metro engine bolt into the mini as it is? or will i need a metro subframe/modifications?

[Tupers]

Mk1 and Mk2 Metros came with the A-series 998 (1000) and 1275 (1300) engines. These are the only two that will bolt into a Mini subframe simply. You need to change the engine mounts to Mini ones and do a little plumbing on the water system be they're fairly easy to do.

Latter Rover Metros came with the K-series 1400, 1600, and 1800 engines. These can been fitted to Minis but require some fairly extensive modification of the body and subframe. They are certainly not a bolt in option.

[Tommyboy12]

If your going to be doing it in a year or two its not likely you will find a cheap donor. Metros are really going up in price at the moment. You would be better off buying a 1275 off eBay or something on its own.

[charie t]

Latter Rover Metros came with the K-series 1400, 1600, and 1800 engines.

Don't mean to be pedantic but metro's never came with any k series engine bigger than 1.4

[oli8925]

And they came with a 1.1 (didn't they?)

[Klevdo2202]

1.1 was carb I believe? and the 1.4 was injection?

Keep the A series engine, the K series is not that good....

[Tupers]

Don't mean to be pedantic but metro's never came with any k series engine bigger than 1.4

You're quite right.

[Andy!]

I heard the k-series was pretty dodgy and with big modifications it's a real no-go for me, and yeah although i called this 'metro donor' i was thinking more along the lines of just buying a metro engine, is there any noticeable advantage of a metro 1275 over a mini 1275? and whats the costs like for each?

[Tupers]

Most Mini and Metro A+ engines are very similar with some changes in inlet and exhaust sizes for the most part. The most uprated one (aside from the Turbo) would be from an MG metro that was fitted with an uprated camshaft and a better head.

An MG metro engine is going to be 22 years old now at best and being the sportier engine will have been driven harder would need a good going over. To be honest I'd start saving now and just have a 1275 built to suit your needs.