20 replies to this topic

[Reece_Mini]

Thanks again Sonikk4 and Joe, think I will go for the 1275 as a solid base!

Joe sorry to hear The RNS was stolen, people make me sick! don't let it put you off just jealous individuals... I am 70/30 on getting a mini now just so much to do in terms of restoring and tuning it :)

[Reece_Mini]

Another question if I may... If I get a decent Austin/Rover Mini with a solid shell with no/minimal rust.. Keep is sealed and cared for i.e. in a garage... Will it still rust? Obviously I am aware all cars do over time, but if I get a Mini which has been resprayed within the last few years for example, will this suffice... I just don't want to spend lots repairing rust which in turn will loose me money in the long run? Thanks for your help 

[sonikk4]

If and its a big if there is no rust and its top coated then use something like a carcoon or something that you can seal it in. Pack it full of silica gel bags to absorb any moisture. Try and keep the garge or whatever its going to be stored in dry and aired.

[Reece_Mini]

So my beloved R32 is up for sale...

In respect of a mini, was the cooper the only one with a 1275 as standard? If so, most for sale (that I can find) seem in half decent condition... In terms of a mini, I am wondering if it is worth getting a bit of a shed, 998 for example, putting a reconditioned 1275 in and getting it resprayed (rust repaired too) (I guess the resprayed and getting the engine swap would be about (1.7k ish...) and work on it from there... That would then be the equivalent of getting a mini for 4-5, with the peace of mind knowing it has been resprayed/new engine.. Even if I do this, when I go to sell it years later would the fact I have swapped the engine devalue it do you think? As it isn't 'original' OEM to the numberplate of the car

[sonikk4]

There are so many minis out there now that have had engine swaps from 998 to 1275. If done well then to be honest there will not be any significant de valuation.

Any second hand engine is a ticking time bomb unless there is documented history with it, heard running etc etc. A full engine rebuild is not cheap and your budget will be blown just on that alone. A decent paint job by a professional can be anywhere upto £6k. You need to shop around to find a reasonable place to get it done. And yes you can get it cheaper but it may not be on your door step so will have to travel.

I would go for a car with a 1275 fitted already unless the car is pristine then go for a engine swap.

[Reece_Mini]

Thank you for more sound advice! :)

 

Last question, and I will leave you all be! I have decided on a carb Mini, were the carb Mini engines (1275) produced between certain years? Finding it a little difficult to differentiate between the MPI, SPI and Carb engine's on adverts I have seen...