19 replies to this topic

[Compdoc]

Thanks AC, I didn't realise that offset boring to +0.60" was common practice, but it certainly makes sense.

I am aware that 1380cc is probably pushing the A series towards its limits, but I think that many people are prepared to take that risk in an effort to make the Mini usable on modern roads. I think a 1380cc with a decent head and torquey cam is the minimum requirement for a small car like the Mini. Comparing the classic Mini to modern small cars leaves the Mini definitely lacking in the power department. add a high FDR to enable cruising at reasonable revs and the situation only gets worse.

When prices come down a bit, I am seriously considering a hybrid classic Mini with an electric motor driving the rear wheels and a small battery pack. I have already viewed a Mini with a front subframe mounted in the rear with locked steering, suspension and an MX5 diff. Not too difficult to connect an electric motor straight to the diff. No gearbox needed. So double the power of the existing front engine and the electric motor provides torque from zero revs and peters out as the front engine comes on cam. And its four wheel drive!

So we can still keep our 1275cc engine, or even a 998cc with a bit of help from the motor in the rear. Perhaps the electric motor/battery solution could be the saviour of the classic car in years to come by making it usable on the road instead of a museum piece.

Sorry wandered a bit off topic there. That's what happens when i get on my soapbox!

Edited by Compdoc, 20 August 2017 - 09:23 AM.

[Dusky]

And you d add a lot of weight with batteries making the front engine's job a lot harder once on cam.
Take a mg metro engkne, change the cam for a modern one (like one of AC'S,sw5,evo001) Will give you a nice torquey engine with good idling and emissions as well. As a lighter flywheel and I doubt a lot of modern cars will keep up with your 130bhp/tonne. (Could always put a full race 140bhp engine in there as well, even with 1330cc. But no power under 3k rpm isnt a lot of fun in traffic.)

[Spider]

 I think a 1380cc with a decent head and torquey cam is the minimum requirement for a small car like the Mini.

 

You can get some excellent results with a carefully machined & put together 1293. I'll even go out on a limb and say very close to a 1380.

[ACDodd]

A mini with 88bho and 92lbft of torque is no slouch and is easily up with modern traffic. Smooth idle and wide power and to. You won't get that with an old cam design though!
1293cc is all that is needed.

Ac

Edited by ACDodd, 20 August 2017 - 12:48 PM.

[Compdoc]

Thanks guys. Looks like 1293 it is then. At least for the time being.