8 replies to this topic

[deanymini]

Thinking of rebuiding my engine in the not too distant future, but need to do it on a tight budget!

I was considering keeping the 1275cc capacity and fitting new rings, bearings, gaskets, seals and oil pump and then possibly fitting a 286 cam and 1.5 rockers. Has anyone got a spec similar to this?

It would be a second car that I want to be stripped out, loud and lairy! So not fussed about road manners too much. Just want to unleash a few more horses if possible.

[TopCatCustom]

Save the money from the 1.5 roller rockers and put it towards a mildly ported head, a 276 may be more suited to road driving but I'm not going to say too much more as I don't have enough experience with different mini cams and don't want to cause an arguement.

Generally speaking with older engines, money is usually best spent in the following sort of order- manifolds (inlet & exhaust) and exhaust system, head work, carb, cam, then it gets expensive.

After changing anything you should get it on a rolling road for a tune up as a good session will usually yeald far better results than simple mods, simply because old cars seldom run to their full potential due to things going out of alignment, timing not perfect, carb needle getting worn/out of adjustment etc.

A hardened diff pin would be a good idea too if taking the engine/box apart.

[deanymini]

Good advice. Yeah, I was thinking a hardened diff pin. I'm looking for about 80bhp which should be good fun in a mini with only bucket seats and a rollcage!

[deanymini]

Oh, and it's already got a stage one kit bolted on

[minicb]

I would go for a 276 cam 1.3 rokers and a modified head

if you put 1.5 rokers on a 286 cam will make it like a 296 cam and will be undriveable on the raod

Edited by minicb, 01 July 2011 - 02:15 PM.

[Sprocket]

If you are considering anything other than a standard rebuild, it will need a rebore, not just rings

[richieg]

I just rebuilt my 1293 and put a 286 in along with STD rockers and bigger valve head. I must say it is brilliant and I'm just running it in. It just want to get going from 3k on. Also put on full maniflow as well. I use it as a weekend car as well. Have to agree that rockers aren't much use

[cooperrodeo]

I have a 1330 with twin 1.25s, decent head etc and a Newman Phase 2 cam. It's brilliant but the top end is probably stiffled by the small carbs even though slightly Vizarded. The gearing is just right (3.44 diff) pulling to a genuine 72mph (more on the clock) at 6250rpm in 3rd at which point the torque at the wheels in top is the same.

[bmcecosse]

Certainly don't waste money on silly rockers - spend the money on a 544 cam (~286) -big inlet valve head - and an HIF44 carb with decent manifolds.