25 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

Mpis are the best though

At rusting yes.... they're pretty much unrivalled at it in fact!!!

Yeah all other Minis never have terrible rust problem.

[iMurray]

Straight in and rolling roaded... Stage 3 mpi will get you near enough a 90 break.... And rust is lighter than metal!

[Black.Ghost]

As I understand it, and I may be wrong, but aftermarket ECUs on the MPis are a right pain and don't tend to help all that much, whereas on the SPi they have been quite successful. Everyone will tell you that carb is easier to maintain but a well set up SPi is fine and you can get decent power for the aftermarket ECU. Many tests of the S kits offered by John Cooper Garages showed around 85 hp max. The MPi ECU just can't cope with more.

If you really want fast, get an ERA turbo ;) Probably out of budget though.

[racingenglishcars]

Of course the carb can produce very respectable performance and economy results. For ultimate economy, I personally would opt for the MPI and retrofit a completely adjustable control system like Megasquirt. For better efficiency using a multipoint, an advantage would be to use a 7-port head, though there has also been talk about modifying 5-port heads by dividing the inlet ports. Either way, using four injectors has better fuel distribution than two injectors, which is better than one injector, which can have better adjustment than a carb and needle.

[oli8925]

Are you handy with spanners?

I would have thought the cheapest way of getting a Mini with minimal rust for the budget and power would be to get a late 80's 998, loads of them about, 8.4" discs after '84 and servos after '89 (wouldn't like drums with big bhp and I'd always completely rebuild the brakes too!) and probably the cheapest Minis around, and buy a 1275 to fit in.

Realistically though, your budget isn't high enough for your demands. Minis are very overpriced (sorry, they are) and solid ones are fairly rare on the cheap and tend to cost about £2k these days. £1.5k if you're lucky and find a gem. So you may be able to get a solid Mini and a 1275. I can't remember much about Mini tuning, but 90bhp in an A-series isn't to be sniffed at and won't come by a few bolt on modifications. You'll probably have to uprate most of the engine, which will be a big engine out and rebuild job, and won't be at all cheap. A few years ago I priced up my perfect spec for a 1293cc aiming for around 90bhp and it wasn't cheap at all. Ok, with a bit of shopping around and some second hand parts you could probably significantly reduce that, but it's still a fair chunk of your budget. I'm currently building a fast road 1256 OHV for my Viva, thinking it wouldn't cost much. By the time I finish the engine alone will be around £1k if not more. It all adds up. Good bit of homework, search the forum and project threads for peoples engine builds and see what spec, output and use (track or road - huge valves etc won't be nice to live with as a daily) they get, make a shopping list and do a spreadsheet. Easy way to see the actual cost and how all the little things for a full rebuild add up.

Also coming back to a point I touched on - brakes. 90bhp is a 50% increase over a standard late Cooper, that's quite a bit. I've already said I wouldn't trust drums or 8.4" discs without a rebuild, but will they need to be a bit better still? Others will have more of an idea than me, but more research is needed here and consider the extra cost. Going fast isn't fun if you don't trust your brakes, especialy not in the twisties. And all this is assuming you find a decent, solid shell in budget. There's no point sticking a freshly rebuilt, pocket rocket engine in a body that is just going to fall apart. Also allow for maintenance and replacement of tired components that will feel the effects of the extra power.

With all that considered, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you? I mean no offence by this but if you're fairly young, might be worth taking a look at insurance on a highly modified car before you get your hopes up.

Is that a fair answer or am I way off the mark?

[Ludford]

I'm 22. Currently I insure a 300hp STi for £900 so I figure the mini is going to be much cheaper.

[iMurray]

90bhp is easily achievable. My quote was took minispeed, who comment on here...

1250 for the stage there and rolling roaded.

[Yoda]

I would think it is worth considering finding a MG Metro engine and putting in any Mini. Probably much cheaper too. Then you can do what you want. Your main issues on a Mini will be to do with the body.

I agree, either a 1991 or 1992 mainstream cooper (as in my signature below) or as quoted above, find a good condition car and install the MG Metro engine, this will basically be the same spec as the mainstream cooper for performance but the style of car of your choice, just get something older than 1992 for passing emission tests at MOT.

[oli8925]

I'm 22. Currently I insure a 300hp STi for £900 so I figure the mini is going to be much cheaper.

In that case it should (good price for a high performance car with a reputation too, how did you manage that!?). I'm 23 and last year got a quote for the Viva I mentioned earlier with all mods declared for £220, so it figures a Mini will be about the same, although you never can tell with insurance companies it seems.

iMurray, easily achieveable but not cheap. Allowing £1250 for the tune up, that leaves £1250ish of the budget for a solid, complete Mini which will be hard to find these days. Pretty much impossible for an MPi.

[iMurray]

Sorry missed the budget bit!