11 replies to this topic

[Phobic]

So after a short while searching this beautiful machine popped up on MiniMania.com only about an hour and a half from me. I had to go take a look and I am incredibly glad I did! This thing is super clean, there is some rust but doesn't appear to be too bad honestly. The underside is clean, floors are clean, glass is good, and the engine is solid for the most part. Made the 101 mile drive from the previous owner to my house without a single break down or issue. I was amazed, to be honest. 

 

But I'll shut up now so you guys can see my beauty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gear ratio kinda stinks, it only goes 50-55mph and I think the waterpump is bad, but that's pretty much it for issues that I can immediately diagnose. I'd love to get a new final drive for it to be a bit better of a motorway cruiser, but am not sure what would be best for the 998cc engine from '73. 

 

Can't wait to spend more quality time with her!

 

Any suggestions are welcome as well. I'm not new to customizing cars but am new to mini. 

 

[RedRuby]

Welcome and enjoy your van. Looks like you have got yourself a little corker there.

[sledgehammer]

Nice van - looks great

 

just wondering - why the english number plate in the second to last pic ? (may be just the way the pic was taken) POR333M ?

 

are 1275 engine's easy to get out there ? - could be an option to up the cruising speed if the FDR is right

Edited by sledgehammer, 20 August 2014 - 02:20 PM.

[Devo]

Hello Phobic welcome to the forum, congratulations on your purchase you hit a jackpot very clean car 

[Phobic]

Welcome and enjoy your van. Looks like you have got yourself a little corker there.

 

Thanks. I love it already. 

 

Nice van - looks great

 

just wondering - why the english number plate in the second to last pic ? (may be just the way the pic was taken) POR333M ?

 

are 1275 engine's easy to get out there ? - could be an option to up the cruising speed if the FDR is right

 

That is from 2 owners previous. I believe they kept it on after importing it. People do that over here for some reason... Keep it more original maybe? I don't know. I think its nice for car shows. 

 

I'm not sure if the 1275 engine is readily available out here, although Im sure I could find something used for a good price. Just need to find the right places to look. I'm still pretty new to this scene. 

 

Hello Phobic welcome to the forum, congratulations on your purchase you hit a jackpot very clean car 

 

yeah, Im still waiting to see what surprises I find, but all in all I am extremely pleased. 

[Vinay-RS]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Your van looks lovely, congrats on your purchase :)

[sonikk4]

Nice looking van. You can change the gear ratio by installing a different diff which will help in speed stakes. I would have thought it would do more than 55-60 though. Maybe a decent tune up of the engine will help. Do a compression test as well to see if there maybe some issues there.

My 998 in my clubman will happily cruise at 70mph with some in reserve and that a 75 vintage engine, bog stock.

[Phobic]

Nice looking van. You can change the gear ratio by installing a different diff which will help in speed stakes. I would have thought it would do more than 55-60 though. Maybe a decent tune up of the engine will help. Do a compression test as well to see if there maybe some issues there.

My 998 in my clubman will happily cruise at 70mph with some in reserve and that a 75 vintage engine, bog stock.

Thank you for this! I am not sure what the final drive is but I basically need to hit 3rd before I even get to 25-30 and by 55mph the engine is screaming a bit. I have an appointment with a garage that specializes in these guys next week and requested a tune and compression test. Maybe that truely is all I need and I won't need to update the diff. That would be fantastic!

 

Glad to know other 998s can run 70mph with no issues. I really didnt want to swap the engine out since it's still original. 

[TomSober]

Welcome :) I love your car it looks great, I use my 998 on motorways each weekend travelling over 200 mills, it will run at 70 nicely,hope you sort it out, very nice car

[Phobic]

Thanks! I hope so too. gotta figure out which final drive is in there and which one that will do well for me. 

[minimissions]

Really nice van there, is that the same van the 10' wheels as well? looks ace either way :)

[Phobic]

yeah, those are the stock wheels. Im putting those on today. The larger ones rub a bit.