4 replies to this topic

[Zaki]

Hi guys/gals.

 

I just got my first classic Mini- 1991 Mayfair 998cc Automatic. It is an unfinished project with almost all the bodywork finished. It came from France with it's previous owner. It is now in Poland and that is where I live.

 

I have taken care of the subframes and suspension. I'll go for the EVO rubber cones + Bilstein b4 or KYB Gas-A-Just shocks.

 

When it comes to brakes I'll simply buy a ready set of calipers with 7,5'' discs that 10" wheels can clear easily.

 

The problem is the engine. I have absolutely no idea what could I do raise it's power from 42bhp to something around 55-65bhp.

I keep browsing forums like this one and theminiforum.co.uk, Facebook, Youtube and the more I know... the less I know .

 

The vast majority of tips about tuning Mini engines is about 1275cc and bigger units. I can hardly find any tips describing

tuning of a 998 and things get even worse when I add an automatic gearbox to this equation.

 

As I'm not a skilled car mechanic myself I'll have someone do all these things for me. I just have to point in the direction we should go with this project.

 

I have tons of question about, basically, everything when it comes to tuning of a 998.

 

 

• 1. Engine. I've read that changing rockers and a head is not necessarily something that I should go for as this may even cause degrease of power.
  I don't know how true this statement is but I'm not convinced that I should change that much as this is my first project.
  The other thing is that previous owner already has bought new pistons, crankshaft bearings and took care of engine's block resurfacing.
  So I really would not like to spend money on another set of pistons etc. (I'll check later what pistons and bearings these are)
   
  I was thinking about using one of these sets from Minisport. Do you think that it's worth something? Would custom air intake and exhaust do the trick?
  www.minisport.com/t-ktk01l-stage-1-tuning-kit-998-1275-hif38-carb-1990-on.html

• 2. Carburettor. Does changing this part help a lot in terms of gaining more power? I doubt that this engine would work better with two carbs but again- this is just my guess.
  I think that one but bigger carb would do the trick. Please correct me if I'm wrong. If yes- which one shall I go for.

• 3. Timing chain. Again- so many options as forum users writing about it. After studying this topic for a few hours I came to conclusion that  I have two options:
   
  a. Simplex timing chain of good quality (EVO) and maybe lighter timing gear and a tensioner (I don't know if this is needed).
  b. Duplex timing chain of good quality (EVO), lighter timing gear. I know about these 2 screws and possible cover fitting problems.
   
  I' pretty sure that I don't need any advanced solutions like MED's duplex as this is not that sophisticated/demanding tuning that I aim for.

• 4. Gearbox. I know that since the engine is stripped down reconditioning it is absolutely worth it.  I've visited ap2.world/ (Owner of the #ClassicMiniCulture Youtube channel helped me here- real Mini automatic lover . Thank you!).
  I was thinking about using this service kit but from what I can see there is a set of tools that I would have to buy as well in order to rebuild this gearbox.
  I've already sent an email or two to Martin (from autominiregister forum) and I am really considering sending him this unit as I'm not sure if my mechanic will be able to deal with it without all the special tools and Martin's knowledge.

• 5. Cooling. I read that I have to use a proper motor oil and I thought about Millers ZFS 10w40 JASO MA2. What about additional oil cooler? Do I need one? Some say that tuned, automatic engine has tendency to overheating
  and some say it doesn't if you change the oil every 2000-3000 miles. I'm confused here. Won't 2 hour long highway trip cause engine to overheat? What about the air cooler? Do I need one? I was thinking about this Fletcher.

 

 

As you can see there's dozen of topics to cover and I'm sure that I can count on your vast knowledge. Specialists, and Mini lovers, that had to deal with all of similar problems not once, not twice .

 

 

Maciej (Mike if you prefer)

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Edited by Zaki, 17 November 2022 - 09:12 AM.

[mab01uk]

You might also find the 'Automatic Mini Register' useful:-

https://autominiregi....proboards.com/

 

Edit: Just checked and it looks like you have already found it!

Edited by mab01uk, 17 November 2022 - 11:24 AM.

[Tony75]

Welcome to the site. That's a cracking looking project you have there.

 

With regards to the engine tuning I would suggest looking no further than "Tuning the A-series" by David Vizard. This is widely regarded as the tuning bible for A-Series engines and I have no doubt that there will be details on auto boxes, I know there is plenty on 998's.

 

I see you live in Poland, so I found the book on Amazon.pl for you

 

Tuning The A-Series Engine: The definitive manual on tuning for performance or economy : Vizard, David: Amazon.pl: Książki

 

Hope that helps

 

Thanks

 

Tony

 

[Zaki]

Welcome to the site. That's a cracking looking project you have there.

 

With regards to the engine tuning I would suggest looking no further than "Tuning the A-series" by David Vizard. This is widely regarded as the tuning bible for A-Series engines and I have no doubt that there will be details on auto boxes, I know there is plenty on 998's.

 

I see you live in Poland, so I found the book on Amazon.pl for you

 

Tuning The A-Series Engine: The definitive manual on tuning for performance or economy : Vizard, David: Amazon.pl: Książki

 

Hope that helps

 

Thanks

 

Tony

Wow! I haven't heard about this book before. I got a lot of old ones in PDF files from one of the users of theminiregistered forum.

Thank you very much Tony.

 

Maciej

[ctwomey]

There is a great book by Des Hammill - How to power tune the BMC/BL/Rover 998 A-Series Engine that might be of help. It’s available on Google Play Books