23 replies to this topic

[Project_1275_GT]

Hi 

 

I have started a project on here for the rebuild of my 998 A plus engine and box. I have calculated the realistic cost for the rebuild and adds up to £2392.49 without really charging for labour. So i guess final selling cost will be £2800 to allow for time and effort along with all the materials not included in my costings like paint, oil, grease etc. 

 

Here is the question? Is there really a market for a 998 engine for this money? I have listed a spec below and would like peoples opinions 

 

998 A plus +20 re board 

New Hepolite pistons and ring set

chemical clean 

original con rods [bead blast]

new oil gallery plugs

new cam bearings

new evo 1 cam

new main bearings

new big end bearings

New oil pump [slot drive]

All clearances checked 

repainted 

oil filter housing blast and ACF50

new oil filter

compression ration checked

 

standard head for 998 chemical clean and bead blast [unleaded valve seats]

new rocker shaft

new rocker springs

original valves lapped 

original spring set

new oil seal

new head gasket

MG alloy finned rocker reconditioned with new cap

silicone gasket

new thermostat and reconditioned housing + gaskets

new temp sensor

 

3.44 final drive A plus gear unit - glass blast and sprayed with ACF50

all new RHP bearings

new needle bearings

comp lay shaft

comp baulk rings

X pin diff

new springs and bearings

new gaskets

original gear set checked ok

glass blast transfer housing - new bearings - idle gear shims set

AP pressure plate and clutch plate

Standard flywheel 

primary gear correctly gapped

 

New distributor Evo from mini spares [electronic]

new sports coil 

new plug leads and plugs

 

New alloy inlet manifold 

Reconditioned HS4 carb with new AAU needle 

K&N cone filter

New fuel pump [mechanical]

Cooper free flow exhaust 

all gaskets etc

 

all required brackets and mountings 

 

The unit will be pretty much ready to drop in and start driving. But the biggest question is ..

 

Does anyone value this at the above cost? Really not trying to do this for huge profit. Going to be at home for a few months, had the engine and many parts already laying around. Just thought it would be nice project to build and sell on. But at near £3000 i am wondering if anyone would spend the money on a 998 or simply by a 1275.. The build spec should be classed as at least stage 1 and the gearbox would allow much more room for power. If someone really wanted to make it quicker they could change the head to 12G295 and have it flowed. Ive probably missed some items off on the rebuild list. its quite extensive. 

 

Any thoughts welcome 

 

thanks

 

 

 

 

[luismx123]

hmmm difficult to say. at 3000 id look into getting a 1275 thats been upgraded, and i know lots would too. it costs the same to do a 1275 or 998. and with a tuned 998 like your plan, youll be just passing 1275s in standard form.

[johnv]

The buyer will need to trust that you have put it together properly. You will have to trust that the buyer installs and treats it properly. 
what if something goes wrong?

But .. nice engine and worth the money to the right buyer!

Edited by johnv, 07 November 2020 - 02:16 PM.

[Project_1275_GT]

hmmm difficult to say. at 3000 id look into getting a 1275 thats been upgraded, and i know lots would too. it costs the same to do a 1275 or 998. and with a tuned 998 like your plan, youll be just passing 1275s in standard form.

 

Thats sort of my thinking. Seems a shame to not complete what i have started. But I do wonder how many people would actually want it. 

[Project_1275_GT]

The buyer will need to trust that you have put it together properly. You will have to trust that the buyer installs and treats it properly. 
what if something goes wrong?

But .. nice engine and worth the money to the right buyer!

 

This is also a concern. I have been posting the progress so far. I do intend to show all build detail and costs. But your comment of correct install and treatment from buyer does also worry me. 

[Project_1275_GT]

As I already have most of the main components I might build each section and sell. 

 

Carb with K&N

 

Head

 

Short block

 

Gearbox

 

Just a little concerned i will build something that is good but not really wanted. Sure the separate sections will sell on ebay

[Turbo Phil]

There’s not a huge market for 998’s and at nearly 3k for a basically standard engine I think you’d struggle to sell it.

Phil.

[dyshipfakta]

It’s a labour of love you will never get your money back. If you not going to use it I wouldn’t bother.

[Project_1275_GT]

There’s not a huge market for 998’s and at nearly 3k for a basically standard engine I think you’d struggle to sell it.

Phil.

 

This is the problem. The gearbox rebuild costs a fair amount of the money. But when you put the 998 on top it makes it all seem expensive. I would not really be prepared to cut any corners building it. wouldnt make sense. 

[Project_1275_GT]

It’s a labour of love you will never get your money back. If you not going to use it I wouldn’t bother.

 

The time is not really an issue. I will be house bound for the next 3 month. I will be able to sit and build the engine to prevent myself being extremely bored. But it will cost best part of £3000 and i dont really see a huge market for the 998 engines. its a shame really. 

 

first mini was a 1098 clubman - loved it

second was the 1275 gt im still working on... 

third was a 998 - loved it 

 

I really liked the small engines. but not worth time and money if no one wants it 

[Maccmike8]

I wouldnt drop 3k on any engine if not from a reputable builder or at least test driven in a running car.

[Project_1275_GT]

I wouldnt drop 3k on any engine if not from a reputable builder or at least test driven in a running car.

 

That seems to be the problem. To rebuild correctly the parts cost a lot of money. Just does not seem viable to build. I just dont think people will be prepared to pay what it actually cost

 

I built my turbo engine and did not add it up. Im sure the final cost would have been over double that of the 998 build. Maybe more. 

 

Looks like i will continue to build but sell as separate parts. 

[sonscar]

To my jaundiced eye any engine from a private seller is only suitable for a rebuild,you may be an excellent engineer but what if a new part fails?£300 tops.Just my cynical view.Steve..

[Project_1275_GT]

To my jaundiced eye any engine from a private seller is only suitable for a rebuild,you may be an excellent engineer but what if a new part fails?£300 tops.Just my cynical view.Steve..

 

Again this seems to be the general consensus. Looks like I will continue with the refurb of all parts I have, then just sell the individual items. If I build it it costs a lot more. Seems crazy that the 998 engine is not that favoured. I really enjoyed driving mine  

[Maccmike8]

Build it, use it and then in a year or 2 sell it to me for £1k wink wink.