5 replies to this topic

[-kieran-]

now that i know i can get relatively cheap insurance on a mini i need to know what to look for. I dont really know much about the different types of minis, well i dont know anything actually (jap cars is my thing :tongue: ).

im just interested in knowing the best type to look for & what areas to look at for damage or ware when i go to look at a car. Looking to spend around £1000 (not a great budget) but prob could stretch to £1500. High insurance prices have resulted in a low car budget

cheers guys

[-kieran-]

seeing as no one has replied yet i'll add a few things i've researched myself & see if you agree with them.

I've been advised to go for the carb model 1275cc (with disc brakes). I've been told to look for an MG Metro engine. & to check the rear subfame & mounts, sills, wings, a panel & the boot floor.

The mods i plan to do are:
strip it out & place 2 bucket seats, fully adjustable coilovers & lightweight wheels (magnesium minilites have been recommended) originally.

Other mods that have been recommended are:
lcb manifold, rc40 exhaust, k&n air filter & eventually cams

the exterior mods i plan are:
front flip carbon bonnet, carbon fibre effect roof vinyl & group 2 wheel arches.

what do you guys think? any better mods to look at or go for first?

[lilly]

sounds good i like your ideas i like jap cars too (not with body kits and poo but for the engine tech) but mainly the small ones like starlet turbos as they look so ugly but arepretty quick

before cams i'd go for a decent head as its a far easier mod if your gonna buy off the shelf...

as for the coilovers they seem tobe a bit ott for a road car just get some decent adjustable dampers and some hi,los and spend the cash on rust proofing the shell haha and maybe a good dyno and suspension setup at a mini specialist

oh and i think you can get a full carbon roof from curley is it? but i'd go for a decent cage with that as i'm sure cutting the roof off wont do much for the rigidity of the car happy hunting

[-kieran-]

thanks. would you suggest a fully seam welded cage or fit in cage? do you have a link to the carbon roof by any chance?

[Guess-Works.com]

High insurance prices have resulted in a low car budget 

Whoever advised you to look for a mini with an MG metro engine has forgotten the one major rule, modified minis cost more to insure...

and I'm sorry but your modifications dont match your budget....

What I suggest you do is look for a standard 998 mini in reasonable shape, which will take the majority of your 1k.

[-kieran-]

my budget is for the car itself. i have money set by for modifications & i plan to do them over a good number of years. I wana keep this car for a while