12 replies to this topic

[ScrambledEggs]

I recently bought a 998 auto as a non runner. The engine has had it (very low compression). So now I'm on the hunt for a manual 1275 (or bigger) replacement engine and gearbox.

Ideally I'd like an engine and box that are ready to drop in (I.e. not in need of a rebuild) but these seem hard to find for sensible money (I don't want to splash out on a fresh rebuild at the moment).

Does anyone have one for sale in or close to Lincolnshire/Cambridgeshire?

Also I'd appreciate advice on the best type of 1275 to fit in an '88. And what parts I'll need other than the gearbox and engine.

I've done engine swaps before but not on a mini so I'm learning as I go.

Thanks!

Edited by ScrambledEggs, 13 March 2025 - 11:17 AM.

[Cooperman]

The problem with a complete unit 'ready to drop in' is that you have no way of establishing whether it will run OK and that the gearbox is working.

Personally I will never just drop in an engine of unknown origin without first taking the engine off of the gearbox to check crankshaft bearings, fit a new oil pump and timing chain, probably hone the bores and fit new rings and re-lap the valves. Then inspect the gearbox and final drive including, especially for wear in the diff pin, and measure the diff ratio to ensure it's what you want.

Before fitting fit a new clutch plate and release bearing.

The idea of paying quite a lot for a replacement 'lump' and then finding, for example, that it has low oil pressure, smokes or won't go into gear is far from ideal and there is a lot of 'junk' around at high prices.

It's really 'buyer beware' here.

[ScrambledEggs]

Unfortunately I just don't have the time to be doing an engine rebuild at the moment and I'd really like to have the mini on the road for summer.

I know it's a minefield. That's why I was hoping someone trustworthy (i.e. a known member on here) may have a good engine for sale. I'd much rather buy from someone on here than risk buying off ebay or Facebook.

Maybe I'm being too optimistic but I was hoping someone might have one for sale.

[lordyoung1980]

Sent you a PM.

[Cooperman]

Of course it's easy to understand your time constraints, but if you put an engine & gearbox in and then find that there are issues with either or both, the man-hours to take it all out again, fix it and put it back in would exceed the time to do a precautionary partial strip down before fitting it in the first place.

The horror stories on here from buying unknown engines and 'boxes without first checking them over are not good.

[imack]

I bought a complete 1275 purely as a core unit to strip and rebuild. I really only wanted the block, head and rods. The seller told me the engine was good and he wouldn't bother rebuilding it, just fit and drive it.
I had it running on the garage floor and
it sounded ok. Upon strip down I found the big end and mains worn out. The step on the 1275 had been machined down so it could run a small bore primary gear, of which the top hat bush was broken up. The double roller bearing on the mainshaft had collapsed too.

[Cooperman]

I bought a complete 1275 purely as a core unit to strip and rebuild. I really only wanted the block, head and rods. The seller told me the engine was good and he wouldn't bother rebuilding it, just fit and drive it.
I had it running on the garage floor and
it sounded ok. Upon strip down I found the big end and mains worn out. The step on the 1275 had been machined down so it could run a small bore primary gear, of which the top hat bush was broken up. The double roller bearing on the mainshaft had collapsed too.

 

That sounds fairly typical.

 

By the way, the OP's 998 is an auto, so other modifications will be needed apart from the engine change.

Edited by Cooperman, 14 March 2025 - 09:42 PM.

[Blumeanie]

There is always urgency when the mini is off the road during the 'nice' weather portion of the year... But the headaches related to ending-up on the wrong end of an engine / gearbox purchase come with dire repercussions.

 

Perhaps paying the premium that comes with a rebuilt engine from a reliable builder would be good insurance to a good outcome.

 

Hopefully you can secure a good motor from someone here.

 

Unfortunately I just don't have the time to be doing an engine rebuild at the moment and I'd really like to have the mini on the road for summer.

I know it's a minefield. That's why I was hoping someone trustworthy (i.e. a known member on here) may have a good engine for sale. I'd much rather buy from someone on here than risk buying off ebay or Facebook.

Maybe I'm being too optimistic but I was hoping someone might have one for sale.

[Shooter63]

I bought a complete 1275 purely as a core unit to strip and rebuild. I really only wanted the block, head and rods. The seller told me the engine was good and he wouldn't bother rebuilding it, just fit and drive it.
I had it running on the garage floor and
it sounded ok. Upon strip down I found the big end and mains worn out. The step on the 1275 had been machined down so it could run a small bore primary gear, of which the top hat bush was broken up. The double roller bearing on the mainshaft had collapsed too.

Yeah, but apart from that:)

Shooter

[Ichbineinmini]

There’s a seller on eBay who has something on at the moment for £3270.72 or best offer, Milton Keynes based.

Seems to be clear what work has been done and the price seems to fit ‘premium’ end

Would that engine be one that would be plug and play or would it still need inspection?

[Cooperman]

In terms of claims about rebuilt engines, trust no-one and you won't be disappointed!

[ScrambledEggs]

Thanks for all the comments. You've convinced me to find a 1275 and rebuild it myself. It won't be on the road this year but at least I'll know its good when it's eventually done. I've just ordered the David Vizard bible to guide me through it.

[mab01uk]

No longer available on DVD but can be seen below on YouTube.
Over 4 hours video with Bill Sollis:-