As I'm quite environment focused I'm using her as a kind of mascot for a slow down and still have fun blog I've just started. Think Minis are just as relevant in these modern times. Brief history below
Five years ago bought as a standard city in azure blue from a fifteen year old selling it to fund a new tropical fish tank ?!?
Bodywork has always been pretty good overall, we added goodies as we went along. Engine has been the main source of frustration, on its third motor now. Original 998 had weird rattle that no one could diagnose so that came out and replaced with a pre unleaded mg metro unit that started smoking so whipped back out and rebored to 1293. Pretty lively after that but suffered vibration at certain revs.
Went pear shaped when I ran it low on oil and developed big end knock.
Work was busy and garage wasn't warm so decided against going through another stripdown and rebuild.
Got (fairly) lucky when I found a tidy little 850 for £80 on eBay, all painted up with alloy rocker cover etc. Seller turned out to be a decent guy too.
Threw caution to the wind and put it straight in. I changed head gasket, payen copper item, added electronic ignition and away to go - I'm in love!
Brilliant fun having to really drive it to try and keep up with modern traffic. Engine is so smooth and a delight to hear with a stage one kit fitted. Takes me back to my first car (custom black 998 Mini) absolutely loving it!
Does have some crankcase pressure and loses a bit of water but does 70 on the flat with some in reserve ;)
All in all for an £80 engine I'm chuffed to bits.
Future plans are hilos and a moderate suspension drop, bit more tidying up and that's about it.
Happy days :)