28 replies to this topic

[DevonWarrior]

Hi,

Even though my user name doesn't give it away, I live in Sussex but hanker back to my childhood in Devon. All my family all still down there.

My first two cars were mini's, an 850 and 998 and a few years ago I bought my wife a mini 30. Now wish we never sold it. With a 12 year old son badgering me to buy another for the two of us to work on I have relented (it didn't take much persuading!).

Now trying to decide on the best canvas to start with. I'm thinking around 1987 - 1993 vintage 998 to be replaced with a 1275 or 1380 engine and a nice Flame Red or Solar red respray. Oh, and he also wants me to learn to weld, he can be very demanding :). Am reasonably practical and have a fair amount of tools owing to the Ultima GTR I'm also building but on long term hold awaiting lottery win to afford the next item, an engine and gearbox!

Enough rambling.... Hello!

Rob

[Carlos W]

Hi Rob,

Welcome to TMF

Don't worry too much about going as big as 1380, you get into off setting bores which can get expensive! You could probably get as much power for your money with a good gas flowed head, properly calculated compression ratio, a good electronic ignition and a good rolling road session.

I think you're right to avoid the later Rover models, rust seems to be worse on them.

Find yourself the car with the best body you can, everything else is easier to fix. Or see if you can find an abandoned project!

Avoid anything with oversills, people regard these as the work of the devil

[DevonWarrior]

Thanks, I've heard about the later models and rust. From which year should I be a little wary? Also I think I'd prefer Carbs (as per my usual diet) over Spi or MPi mainly because of my perception of easier modification. Therefore pre Oct 1991 I think.

[Alex_B]

I would just aim for a solid 80s mini, there are still lots about and purists won't cry when you modify it and 1380 is a bit pointless on the road as it makes the block scrap if it ever needs a report (I don't think they can be sleeved back due to the offset boring process) but if you want something hotter than a 1275 then 1293 or 1310 would be sufficient, i was at brands hatch last Friday and swift tune were there testing a mk1 with 1293 historic appendix k spec engine putting out 120bhp and that was quick!

[Carlos W]

I think you're about spot on with your dates!

Keep an eye out on here for projects!

[silve1999]

welcome!
theres a few good buys about at the moment if you hunt around!!

[DevonWarrior]

Thanks Alex. May go down the 1293 route.

[Alex_B]

Incidentally don't expect that sort of power on a road engine, that was a racing car with a racing cam so all the power was above about 5000rpm and not really driveable on the road but still 100bhp is achieve able and will feel very fast in a mini

[DevonWarrior]

Yes, would expect that car to be very 'cammy' and I'd probably have a little more sound proofing to add to the weight than they have

[Alex_B]

Mk1s didn't have much soundproofing as it is ad that wasn't stripped out just had some period buckets in the front and yes it was very cammy, I was in pit 2 right by the exit with the team I'm on and caught it leaving the pit lane at about 5500revs to get it moving but looked like great fun on track, where abouts in Sussex are you anyway? Nice seeing more local minis and enthusiasts, you going to Brighton for London to Brighton this year?

[DevonWarrior]

Plumpton Green. Will try and take my son down for the run although it will either be in the Discovery 3 or by train. Hate parking in Brighton.

[Alex_B]

Ahh yes last year I didn't get a ticket and parked elsewhere in brighton I think I spent as much as the run ticket on parking for 4 hours! This year I have done the same and missed out on a ticket but plan to get there early and get a space above madiera drive

[Alex_B]

Edit double post doh!

Edited by Alex_B, 24 April 2013 - 11:44 AM.

[mk1leg]

Hi..and welcome to TMF and enjoy........................

[stevedx]

Hi Rob

I am sussex too, in Brighon.

I am selling one of mine, what is your budget