16 replies to this topic

[sam138]

Which engine unit would be most reliable to turbo I have a 998 engine which i use at the moment and is very reliable at 92k of mileage and a 1275. I am looking at a daily drive 10k a year so would like around 40k before rebuild. I have looked through the forum and seen that around 90bhp is a reliable every day engine . What is the fueling like on each engine and is the 998 able to cope with 90bhp and what is that sort of power and torque like. will the 1275 have a easier life with that power and can I run a standard gearbox which is overhauled .

[Turbo Phil]

Either engine will give you the power you require, though all things being equal the 1275 will need less boost to make the power, or make more power & torque at the same boost than the 998.
If built well the engine should be very reliable at that kind of power level. Have a look at Wils 998 build here for a very basic engine: http://turbo-mini.com/62147.html
The principal is basically the same for a 1275.

[sam138]

What is 90bjp like in a mini and will I get similar torque . This is my basic set up dont know load about what I need but this is my
Basic engine list. 1275 rebored /rebuild engine with 21253 pistons as i have heard they are good for a turbo .reground metro cam with duplex timing and a 12g940 big valve head with unleaded seats fitted and a clean up And new valves .Std 3.44 gearbox rebuilt/refreshed with new diff pin . Garret t2 turbo with mirage manifold . Will I need a x diff or upgraded diff and will a normal alloy inlet be right or are they different.

Edited by sam138, 26 March 2013 - 08:13 PM.

[sam138]

Forgot the inter cooler and I know I have not added all the turbo bit but will this set up last .

[mini13]

that looks fine, the 21253's are the metty turbo piston arnt they? if so they are fine for 150hp+

with the mirage manifold you can use either the metro turbo or a normal inlet manifold ( the metro turbo one is shaped to miss the metro turbo exhaust manifold)

the 1275 will be more torquey, you'll have to buzz the 998 a bit more, but they like a bit or revs anyway so thats nit a problem. I would say if you go 1275 put an x pin diff in and a 3.1 diff as you'll probably end up putting more boost through it at some point.

[eden7842]

21253 are an ae aftermarket piston, still a very good budget piston good for around 14psi on a well setup engine

[t@z]

this question has been asked a million times. have a search around this area its been discussed a lot.

[Tommyboy12]

90bhp is hardly worth turbo'ing. A well set up 1275 will give you that for less outlay.

[mini*mad]

newer ae pistons lack the quality they used to since changing hands relatively recently by the way

[Turbo Nick]

21253's are a great budget piston, i've used them for years at 20psi. Although i probably wouldn't push them that hard again if i'm honest..

[sam138]

What would be the strongest and last longest at 90bhp as I need it as a daily car Only 19 got a 80bhp limit mod insurance at the moment with a standard 998cc . Would the torque in the 998 still be good was hoping for 90 in torque aswell. And what sort of mileage is achievable . My driving style in a 998 is 10mph,30,50 then top gear on a 3.44 box is this hard driving I don't know.

[scotsco]

I wouldn't say thats hard driving, I've taken my standard 1275, to 35mph in first! If your running turbo, you may not feel the turbo kick in till 2000 revs. I personally wouldn't turbo for 90mph, I'd tune your 1275, a new head, 266cam, exhaust, inlet etc. If set up right will give you will easily reach 90hp!

[mike.]

I think it depends on your budget really. If I were you i'd keep the 998 in for now, save money on insurance and fuel for the time being - Whilst building a nicely built 1275 and gearbox that can handle high boost in future.

Then when its ready you can stick the 1275 and adjust the boost to adjust the power as the engine has been built to take it.

I wouldn't want to refurb your 998 now to give around 90bhp only to want more power 12 months down the line.


On the subject of what power is like in the mini, i'd say my N/A 1275 has around 90bhp and its more than enough for a daily driver. 0-60 i'd say is around 9 seconds which will keep up with your average tdi golf and the like nicely on the road.

[dan187]

I suggest the 998 turbo. The insurance cost for mine was 25% less than my standard 1275 putting out less power! I get around 110bhp from it and it has proved reliable for 10,000 miles so far. Efficient on fuel if you're just pottering to work. As said though, you do have to rev it to get the power. Mine's only really got power after 4,500 rpm but starts up about 3,000 rpm

[sam138]

yer i think for now a 998 turbo would be better for my age / insurance would a standard rebuild be ok or does the engine need x pin diff and what new pistons are a good strong piston and will both engine give the same sort of mileage out of them if i only want 90bhp and the same in torque and is a 12g295 head best to get the compression and will the standard cam be ok or will my mg metro be better. Dan187 what piston are you using on your 998 and would you say that car is decently fast for a mini .