20 replies to this topic

[Mattlav]

Got myself a 1981 Mini Mk3.. with an 850cc engine.. Need some advice.. its currently undergoing a full body restoration and well im planning stuff i would like to change and well my exhaust sounds ok its very old and very rusty so thats first on my list, being the young student i have found myself a rather nice exhaust but my question is simple.. will it add any performance/ much to the car..? I mean its an 850 so not fast at all!

Exhaust is the twin exdit one from: http://www.minispare...d...&prod_id=56

Thanks

[shorty]

well its out of stock so unlucky with that

as its an 850cc i wouldn't bother with a twin exit
go for something like an rc40 classic or a mainflow, both subtle looking but lovely sounding
and if tied in with a stage 1 kit will increase performance slightly

[bmcecosse]

Don't buy anything fancy/expensive - since you will soon upgrade to at least a 998 and probably a 1275 engine. So - save up for the decent exhaust for the larger engine !

[Mattlav]

@shorty haha i didnt mean buy right now from there.. just that same exhuast.. Hmm mabye RC40.. not sure i really really like the look of the twin..

@bmcecosse might do.. but student means im a student ie skint student.. haha

[bmcecosse]

Exactly - been there - done that. Hence advice to 'make do' at the moment - and not waste money on an exhaust that will be useless when you upgrade - and you WILL!

[Mattlav]

hmmm ok mabye.. if i do decide to change it.. my original question is.. will it add much to it..?

[bmcecosse]

Not really! You would need a full 'stage 1 ' kit to make much difference - but the limitation is going to be that 848 capacity engine!

[Mattlav]

Hmm i see.. mabye some serious 850cc engine modding is in order then!

[Boycie]

No, BMC is advising the opposite!!!!

Stick with the standard 850, grotty exhaust et al until you can find a decent cheap 998 or, if insurance and funds permit, a 1275.

If the exhaust needs replacement and you're feeling flush (ish) get a stage1 kit from Minispares. This will be mostly compatible with your new engine and will work with the baby 850.

I'm a bit in the middle as I have a 1098- bit of an oddball engine but it was cheap and only 33k old..

ps- your car is a mk4

[bmcecosse]

Yes - that's it - don't waste money on the 848 - and YES - the 1098 is an EXCELLENT engine! I had one in my road Mini - with a few 'improvements' - and it towed my racer (on trailer) all over Scotland and never let me down!

[me madjoe 90]

Nothing wrong with an 850 with a 1100 cam timed up right and a larger head / well ported. Good condition carb and inlet manifold and a small bore exhaust. I personaly like rc40 singal box center exit. May be small but rev like *melon* of a shovel. Only problem i could think of maby, poor streangth of bottem end crank/conrods ect......
Risk may need to be taken.

or sell you 850 to some one doing a mk1 resto....... or so on


Edit: Most of these bits can be picked up on cheap. 1100 cans are no realy wanted, you may be able to do the head work your self, carbs are easyly reconed Diy. Just got to wait for the bargin's with things like exhausts and inlet manifolds will be most costly in my opinyion

Edited by me madjoe 90, 02 February 2010 - 11:59 PM.

[bmcecosse]

I agree! An 848 CAN be made to shift (just read Tricket) - but is it worth the effort (unless for racing in 850 class) when same money etc will do much better in a 998 - or very much better in a 1098!!

Edited by bmcecosse, 02 February 2010 - 11:58 PM.

[me madjoe 90]

I agree! An 848 CAN be made to shift (just read Tricket) - but is it worth the effort (unless for racing in 850 class) when same money etc will do much better in a 998 - or very much better in a 1098!!

Also all of it Depends on perpose and driveing style.. as well as 1100 are abit laggy with the fact there a small ish bore with the longer stroke ive hered there poor from most and people would rather have 998 to an 1100

[bmcecosse]

The 1098 is 16% larger capacity than the 998 - and same bore! So yes - longer stroke - which leads to more low revs torque. So - you don't want a long cam in there - the MG Metro cam works very well indeed - I wouldn't go any longer than that. With a 940 head and decent manifolds - and 6000 rpm limit - it makes a great road engine - for very little money.

[Mattlav]

Wow alot of useful tips.. thogh i am thinking of the insurance only been driving for a little while.. im 18 on the 27th of feb.. so yeh insurance is a pain what would it be on a 1275?