21 replies to this topic

[Novataris]

Hi there!

 

I bought an Austin Mini Mayfair Auto (1986) that the previous owner had changed to a manual and swapped the engine out for a 1.3L (originally a 998cc). I now need/want to change it back to its original engine size but still with the manual gearbox. However, I am a little stuck and was hoping I could get some advice from you helpful people on here! So, where do I start? How do I go about getting this done? Is there any garages or specialists in the Southampton/Winchester area that people can reccommend? Where would I get a 998cc engine from and roughly how much would I be looking to spend? And how difficult is the job, i.e. will it be expensive to get a garage to do it for me (rough idea in cost..?) and perhaps let them keep the 1300cc. Any other information or advice you can offer is greatly appreciated as I am very much in the dark here.

 

Thank you very much in advance,

 

Novataris.

[Carlos W]

A 998 can be picked up fairly cheaply, your 1275 is more desirable to many.

Why are you looking to convert?

[robminibcy]

dont let them keep the 1300!! they are very desirable to us lot and worth a fair bit. you could probably do a swap on here for a good 998 and cash your way. if you do get a deal like this you could even bargin in that they do the swap as many here would be willing to save costs buying an un seen 1275

Edited by robminibcy, 24 April 2014 - 09:14 PM.

[robminibcy]

just out of interest why do you need to swap the 1275 for a 998?

[Dusky]

You'll find someone to swap a healthy 99 for a healthy 1300 ;)

[Novataris]

Because I can't get insurance for it as the engine upgrade. So what should I do about getting the engine swap then? Find someone who can do it? Is it expensive to get it done for me? And then try sell the 1275? Its a very low mileage 1275. How much is it worth?

[KernowCooper]

To be honest you need mechanical knowledge and a fair set of tools including a torque wrench and a workshop manual, if you have access to a workshop manual have a look and see if you think it is within your skill set.

[Novataris]

To be honest you need mechanical knowledge and a fair set of tools including a torque wrench and a workshop manual, if you have access to a workshop manual have a look and see if you think it is within your skill set.

 

To be perfectly honest with you, I'm looking to let a garage/specialist do it. Perhaps for a swap for a decent 998. Like the guy said above, if they swap it over and provide a decent 998, then they can probably have the 1275.

[KernowCooper]

You'll be lucky to find a garage, better to see if someone here can help you out

[Dan]

You realise that unless you change it back to an auto it's still a modification that will have to be declared. It won't cost as much with a 998 but I doubt it'll be free either.

[Novataris]

Well, if there is anybody here who is prepared to take it on, please let me know! Would really like to get this sorted and would appreciate any help, advice or information anyone has to offer! Thank you very much to all those who have replied so far!

[Novataris]

You realise that unless you change it back to an auto it's still a modification that will have to be declared. It won't cost as much with a 998 but I doubt it'll be free either.

 

I am aware of this, I'd have to declare the standard engine replacement and the transmission change as I will have the 998cc back but still want the manual gearbox (can NOT do automatic.. What even is that?!) but it is MUCH cheaper than to have it as the 1275.

[Steve G]

Is it your age or cost thats the problem with the insurance ? If it's cost by the time you have swapped the engine you could have probably paid the extra anyway.

 

To do the swap you would be better to get a complete engine and gearbox, plus things like the carb, distributor. The gearbox you have probably won't have the right diff ratio anyway and having a complete unit will be a lot easier to fit and get running.

 

I haven't used them but there is a Mini garage of some sort at Tyford near you in Winchester who might be able to help.

 

I fitted a 1380 engine in my 998 Mini and it's surprising just how many different parts there are, even stuff like the radiator brackets. 

[Captain Mainwaring]

You realise that unless you change it back to an auto it's still a modification that will have to be declared. It won't cost as much with a 998 but I doubt it'll be free either.

 

If he changes the log book to manual then why would he have to declare the car as modded? So long as the car is standard in accordance with the VRM wouldn't this be sufficient? Agreed, better to be safe than sorry with UK insurance companies.

[cal844]

The change from auto to manual is a modification(no idea why as its a reliability improvement imo)