9 replies to this topic

[Dangermouse92]

Hey,

I'm currently rebuilding my mini and have a standard 1275 (running) engine on a standard gearbox and hif 44 carb.

I'm looking to upgrade it before I put it back in. I was hoping you guys would be able to give me some ideas on what upgrades are best for money/performance ratio. i.e what upgrades should I prioritise. I'm guessing head and cam would be the obvious ones but what spec?

The car won't be a daily driver, it's a weekend/track day fun car that will probably be driven quite hard...

Many thanks,

Dan

[bmcecosse]

Is the engine in tip top condition? If not -waste of money making any modifications. But a big valve head with the standard Vizard mods is the first step, and a better cam. MG Metro works well (or 266 from various suppliers). And a decent exhaust manifold and system - and a good alloy inlet if you don't have that already. More drastic mods would need engine strengthening/lightening/balancing etc to safely allow higher revs..... If you have the cash to spend - there is no limit.......... Start by buying/reading the Vizard book! Plenty on ebay.

Edited by bmcecosse, 02 October 2012 - 05:37 PM.

[Dangermouse92]

Thanks for the reply.

The engine has done a far few miles to be honest... Do you think it would make more sense to buy a complete engine rebuilt with various upgrades already completed! Say something by hythe performance or other such engine suppliers...? I'm just weighing up the costs to see what is the best way to spend the money.

[racingbob]

ive very happy with my set up and mines not my daily

mg metro engine
mg metro cam
med sub stack and itg filter
stage 3 head
balanced engine
stage 2 maniflow system
flywheel ass. is standard just balanced

goes very well indeed

and i used to race minis and this set up ideal for fast road with the reliabilty
beleive it or not i rarely rev it more than 5000 and get excellent performance

[shaun-barry]

Sorry to jack this thread but im in a similar possition, rebuilding a 1275 and want to do it right first time.

I've got a 998 auto 1990 and want to replace the engine with the 1275 i've got.
It's going to be a weekend car and would like it to be a very fast road/race car and would appreciate any info people are willing to give.
so was thinking along the lines of..

rebore to 1380
cam 286 or sw10 ?
duplex chain
dont know anything about carbs single or twin and which type? (next thing on the list to read up on)
roller tip rockers 1.5
lightend flywheel
is a stage 1 kit any good? would any part not be needed or replaced for something better?

i'll be running on 13x7 wheels
the budget is not bad because it'll be built over a couple of months but not mega money either.

any help would be great. thanks

[racingbob]

Sorry to jack this thread but im in a similar possition, rebuilding a 1275 and want to do it right first time.

I've got a 998 auto 1990 and want to replace the engine with the 1275 i've got.
It's going to be a weekend car and would like it to be a very fast road/race car and would appreciate any info people are willing to give.
so was thinking along the lines of..

rebore to 1380
cam 286 or sw10 ?
duplex chain
dont know anything about carbs single or twin and which type? (next thing on the list to read up on)
roller tip rockers 1.5
lightend flywheel
is a stage 1 kit any good? would any part not be needed or replaced for something better?

i'll be running on 13x7 wheels
the budget is not bad because it'll be built over a couple of months but not mega money either.

any help would be great. thanks

save your £180 on roller rockers get a MED substack with ITG filter and put the rest to a dyno

HIF 44 carby, balance engine,and a good stage 3 head. no point putting 286 with standard head
stage 2 maniflow system

13 x7 wheels may be a problem around bumby lanes, mine seems best on 12 x 5 with the yoko 048r

[shaun-barry]

Thanks for the advice
The med substack looks really good so I'll be adding that to the shopping list.

[Spitz]

I have a mostly stock 1275. I use it for auto slalom.
I was amazed at the difference an ultrlight flywheel made!

[racingbob]

I have a mostly stock 1275. I use it for auto slalom.
I was amazed at the difference an ultrlight flywheel made!

strange isnt it i put a ultralite flywheel ass on my mg metro engine
which was then basically stage 1 and lost all my nice torque i had low down
put old one back on torque was back
i wouldnt put a ultralite flywheel ass on unless high cams are used with high revs

[Spitz]

Odd yes...something else must be at work.
Very glad a switched to a light flywheel.....still smooth at idle also.
(I'm running twin 1.5 also )