11 replies to this topic

[77 layland]

What bhp am I likely to get???, if I get stage one kit or will a kn do the job, as iv been told 850's don't breath well....
Is this engine more reliable and higher revving thn the 998?

[MIGLIACARS]

nothing basically 

 

to make an 850 fast  get spending

[77 layland]

Not so much fast just more driveable, I no they do 33bhp, if I could get it to 40bhp I'd be happy at that.

[Dusky]

Do you need a 850?
Id be tempted to buy a 998 stage one otherwise. 
If 'd have a 850 I'd leave it like that, just enjoy how it drives :)

[77 layland]

Not really lol but 998 would be extra expense, n wouldn't of thouget there'd be much difference.?

[coopdog]

998 is painfully slow, you need to spend a lot on a 850 to make it move at a normal pace haha

[Cooperman]

As with all Minis, but especially the 850 & basic 998 (not the 998 Cooper) the biggest limiting factor is the cylinder head.

Gas flow the head, increase the compression ratio a bit, fit a better air filter, improve the carburettor and fit a better exhaust system.

You should get around 40 bhp if you do all this properly.

But do bear in mind that the pistons and the lack of cam bearings do mean that it won't be as strong as a well done 998. With a 998 it is easy to get 45 to 50 bhp with corresponding improvement in torque and with more reliability.

However, a genuine and original 850 is becoming more rare now so be aware of that. It will never be fast, or even 'brisk', but an 850 is the original Mini design icon.

[kelly1971]

As with all Minis, but especially the 850 & basic 998 (not the 998 Cooper) the biggest limiting factor is the cylinder head.

Gas flow the head, increase the compression ratio a bit, fit a better air filter, improve the carburettor and fit a better exhaust system.

You should get around 40 bhp if you do all this properly.

But do bear in mind that the pistons and the lack of cam bearings do mean that it won't be as strong as a well done 998. With a 998 it is easy to get 45 to 50 bhp with corresponding improvement in torque and with more reliability.

However, a genuine and original 850 is becoming more rare now so be aware of that. It will never be fast, or even 'brisk', but an 850 is the original Mini design icon.

is that 40 at the wheels...

[carbon]

30 bhp at the wheels if you're lucky...

 

See 'How to Modify Your Mini' by David Vizard, page 60, for an example dyno plot of std 850 and modified version.

 

The standard 850 is shown as having peak 21bhp at the wheels at about 4500rpm.

[Van13]

For the price you can pick up 998s I'd start there,also more fun to drive and still cheap on insurance

[Cooperman]

A 998 is good, but if you have an 850 as your classic car you just might want it because you like the 'retro 1960's' driving experience. That is why people have classic cars, not to go fast in. If you want to go fast, buy a fast car!

The 850 really is the Classic Mini Design Icon and they will increase a lot more in value if fitted with an 850, even a slightly 'improved' one. An 850 is really good fun and is 'where it all began' in Mini terms.

[mab01uk]

Tuning the 850 Engine:-

http://www.theminifo...ne-formula-850/