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[Spinksta]

Morning all,
I don't know whether this should go in here or in general chat so apologies if it's in the wrong place.

In about a year, I'll have roughly £4k (might be able to stretch it just a tiny bit more... ) to spend on an engine & gearbox for my mini.
I'm looking for around 150 - 160 bhp but as it will be used every day drivability is important, and more importantly still, it needs to be reliable. I don't really want to have to be rebuilding it every single year (although with 160 ponies I imagine that's a distinct possibility...)

I want to keep it A series with carb(s) and I don't mind building some/all of it to keep costs down.

I'm not sure which route to go but my current list is:

• 1275 - 1380 turbo (probably T2.5 with a mirage manifold - I don't want to be cutting the bulkhead) - prefer the 1380 but don't know how reliable a 1380 turbo would be. Very popular/common
• Supercharged 7 port - Not sure how plausable / worthwhile this is but probably my favourite option if possible - although I don't really fancy fitting the supercharger myself. Not been done much before - is there a reason for this? I also realize this would be quite expensive, but it sounds so nice...
• Highly tuned 8 port with webers - not sure if I'd be able to get the power i want, but would still be very very nice!
• Was pondering on a 16v engine but don't think it will be possible for the money, especially as I have to include the gearbox in the price. Also I don't really know enough about them

The rest of the car will, by then, be able to cope with the high output (brakes, suspension, etc) so that won't be a problem. It's over a year away so these are just first ideas really, but I want to decide on a basic spec soon so i have plenty of time to finalize things before fun time - I get to buy all the bits!

OK cheers for your time most beneficent ones, all your input is much appreciated!

Nick