30 replies to this topic

[colinjames11]

Hi everyone, i was thinking of upgrading my 998cc auto to a 1275 manuel mini possibly metro lump. However im in 2 minds as i thought the 998 auto's seem quite rare so would it be worth more as an auto? Because its more original or should i swap to manuel with bigger engibe becausd to be honest its more dedirable. But then theres listing the mods to insurance etc and im only 20 with 3 yrs nc so my insurance will go up bt id be happier. Any oppinions as to what would be better?

[ShoutforJoy]

What year/make/model is it? Older automatics and some models are really getting quite rare. Automatic generally fetch a little less than their manual counterparts, but it's not as much as you'd imagine.

I would check with your insurance to see how much of an increase you're looking at before you jump in.

[reallybig]

http://www.puddle.me...o1275Manual.doc

written by chris

he and i did it a few years ago tis easy, just don't drop your engine

[reallybig]

check somerford minis website they have some awesome exploded diagrams

[smartie93]

As said before, It depends if its a desirable model or not. If its an early auto, then keep it original. If its say a late 80s 90s auto the "originality" of the car is far less important and an automatic transmission will make it less desirable. If your worried about resale value, the cost of the new engine, equipment, consumables etc may make it uneconomical to convert it.

Good 1275s are becoming increasingly rare, if your willing to gamble you can get a "was running fine 6 months ago" engine like my MG 1275 for around £300, fully rebuilt ones will cost upwards of £800. If you have a late 998 auto you'll be lucky to get £100 for it so bear that in mind.

changing to a 998 manual might be better, they are far cheaper to buy and it shouldn't effect your insurance that much.

You'll also have to change other things clutch, gear linkage etc and that all adds up, mine was originally a manual, which somebody converted to auto and I'm now converting back, so i don't know if you need extra work having a true auto car.

Essay finished haha

[colinjames11]

Ah cheers for the speedy return guys. Mines a 89 rover mini mayfair. Ive got the gear selector. Pedal for pedal box inc spring. Need the linkage. Was wondering whether i need a clutch slave or anything like that. Atm found both a mini engine 1275 and metro 1275 for £150 i was wondering if anyone could recomend whats better? As in reliabillity and bhp ;). I understand it will never be a race car but i'd like to keep up with traffic haha. Yeah i thpught manual would be more reliable so thought its worth the conversion well swap. Will check that link asap :) atm at work although lovely day haha. Cheers again everyone

[SA MINI]

Is your auto in good order & where ate you based ? I'd be interested in buying if your not far

[smartie93]

Umm, if the engine comes with the slave cylinder then you won't need one :) you will need to have all of the clutch hydraulics, unless you don't want to change gear or stop

If i remember the main difference between the mini and metro 1275 is that most minis have an A series and the metro is an A+. I've never had any experience with the normal A series so i can't compare sorry, but both are pretty bulletproof if looked after properly.

As for power, depends on the engine's set up, head, carb, cam etc. but I think 50-55bhp from either should be obtainable if its standard and set up properly.

£150? thats pretty good going, just check they aren't seized and then check the compression :)

[ShoutforJoy]

An 89 Mayfair will have an A+ engine unless it's been changes from standard. It's not a particularly rare or desirable model so upgrading to manual isn't going to break anyone's heart.

If it's all running right and it's just a bit more oomph you want you could tune the engine you have. A stage 1 upgrade is a good place to start and can give up to a 20% increase in performance. Shouldn't hit your insurance as much as a 1275 upgrade either.

If the auto box has problems and you prefer manual then go for it.

[colinjames11]

Hmm maybe im getting out of my depth with all this. I thought a series abd a plus were the same lol. Id keep mine carb set up due to extra cost of fuel pump, lines etc i might buy the engine abd then research into what else id need to buy eg clutch slave so i can stop haha :). Sorry mines not for sale im based enfield where i live but work st.albans so mini is with me at work and comes home in evenings :)

[SA MINI]

I meant the auto engine. If you convert to manual.
If u are converting look for a rust bucket manual mini & use all the bits for yours ?

[smartie93]

The A+ is just the updated version, it's probably best you choose an engine that came out of a mini as the mounting points on the metro are different :)

What carb have you got? a HS4 should be fine to run a 1275 with, and if you don't already have one they're cheap.

[colinjames11]

Yeah true only thing is its near impossible to find any parts let alone a whole mini haha the scrap yard i spoje to have a mini bt they want £600 for it. If i had the money id get ut without hesitation. Only about a month ago i had one without the front end (as in wings bonnet etc) was going to use that for a vtec conversion but sold it to a friend haha. If i do the manual swap id be happy to sell my engine SA Mini. Mm carb is a standard for 89 mayfair pretty sure its a hs4 carb not fancy still got the old plastic boxed air filter quite like a pancake filter make it look pretty bt ill wait until engine swap

[colinjames11]

So finally got my engine today apparently a 1275 gt engine yet to be confirmed. Has a 12g940 head but need to check bore size. by the way anyone know the bore size of a 1275? :) i know its not much to look at at the moment but have to start somewhere right :). Had a look under the rocker cover and one of the vslves seems to maybe be bent or something :/ any suggestions? Pics up shortly

[colinjames11]

So finally got my engine today apparently a 1275 gt engine yet to be confirmed. Has a 12g940 head but need to check bore size. by the way anyone know the bore size of a 1275? :) i know its not much to look at at the moment but have to start somewhere right :). Had a look under the rocker cover and one of the vslves seems to maybe be bent or something :/ any suggestions? Pics up shortly  20120620_191037.jpg   87.02K   10 downloads  20120620_185503.jpg   70.05K   9 downloads  20120620_185403.jpg   71.43K   5 downloads  20120620_185433.jpg   74.11K   8 downloads