4 replies to this topic

[mk=john]

Hello

My mini is an early Mk1. Its engine is currently an 850cc unit, which has the original early cast manifold and single HS2 carburettor. If the cars engine was modified to an 998cc unit, what other modifications are required? I want the car to look completely standard when the bonnet is opened.

If this conversion was done, could I keep the single HS2 carb, early cast manifild, distributor etc? Its only 150cc difference. I don't want to add anything that will make the car look any different from standard 850cc

Thanks
John

[Big_Adam]

Well, if you got a similar age / style engine (not a remote box on it or similar) then very little needs doing bar swapping out. BMC where cheap, very cheap, why make different parts when you can have one that fits 6 different cars?

Carb could stay, manifold too, not sure about dizzy. The stock carb and manifold would choke power a bit. You could look into period mods if you don't want to change too much. Even just messing with the internals of the carb will help with power (David Vizard books). As for dizzy, not overly sure there's even any different on the early engines with dizzys.

[danrock101]

I'm sure the dissys were just either A+ drive or A, though the dissy on my 850 looks like something off an old landrover lol

[mk=john]

Well, if you got a similar age / style engine (not a remote box on it or similar) then very little needs doing bar swapping out. BMC where cheap, very cheap, why make different parts when you can have one that fits 6 different cars?

Carb could stay, manifold too, not sure about dizzy. The stock carb and manifold would choke power a bit. You could look into period mods if you don't want to change too much. Even just messing with the internals of the carb will help with power (David Vizard books). As for dizzy, not overly sure there's even any different on the early engines with dizzys.

Cheers mate
Yeah, just looking at options that I have to maintain visual originality. The engine builder will try to keep it an 850cc, but in case he is unable to find the parts then it may have to be overbored to a 998, where the parts are easily available.

At least then it will have a new lease of life with readily available parts into the 21st century!

But I really do want to keep it as an 850 in my heart of hearts.

[Cooperman]

If you search you will find the 850 parts you need. The one big problem with the 850 is that there were no cam bearings as such, the cam ran in the cast iron of the basic block. Once the cast iron wears away, you need to get the bore line-bored to take the later type cam bearings. Not too many machine shops can do this, but I'm sure someone on here can recommend a machine shop to do this. For pistons try FW Thornton of Shrewsbury.
If you do need to go to 998, try to fine a 998 from around 1970 to 1974 and it should just go straight onto your 850 gearbox and will look standard.