32 replies to this topic

[wobblybob]

hi im starting a project in october and i was going to go for something like the 1380 or 1400 with stage 2 kit, is this a good idea for power(not too much for insurance) or is there a cheaper better way?? i will be fitting whole new everything to the car aswell

[Jammy]

Hmmm, if your thinking about going to that big an engine you may as well make the most of it rather than using a stuff that won't let it breathe or run properly! What sort out power output you want? Maybe a 1275 or 1298 with a HIF44 or even HIF38 for more torque, and a really nice head? How old are you?

[Guess-Works.com]

The best ones, are the ones which start on a cold morning when you're late for work...

If you have ANY concerns about insurance, then anything other than standard is going to boost the premium...

[Jammy]

Just read in the other post that your nearly 18, at that age your looking at probably over £1500 for a 1380, in fact it will probably be more than that for just a 1275! And if you start with a cooper or 1275 GT engine it will be even more! it all depends on what you want to pay on insurance! At your age I would get a 998 and tune it until my money stops and my premium is costing as much as you can afford!

[Bungle]

A standard 1275 engine might be cheaper than a moded 998 and more power full :smartass:

[Jammy]

Hmm, I dunno, depends on how much its modified, but then again it can be swings and rounabout with some of these insurance companies, and at his age he won't be able to get insurance with MiniWorld!

[Bungle]

whats you 1425 like for insurance jammy as you are young ?

[frostie]

lowest quote i've had is 1600 for a 1275 no mods n i'm 17!

[Jammy]

19, no no claims bonus - first year of driving, 1425, uprated suspension, disc brakes, roll cage, non-standard dash. £1800 with mini world.

[Bungle]

ouch mines £250 fully comp , i must be getting old LOL

[Cir-clipalot]

£170 incl. mods on 1100, dammit im VERY old!!!!

[miniman5]

well, if you want a good mini i would leave the end till last, get the shell proper mint, then get some good brakes so it will stop. then get some shocks and sparkely suspension. like guessworks says you want an engine that will start and is reliable. i would go for a 1293 or a 1380, get some big carbs or webber and youle be sorted after spendign all your dollar lol

[Purple Tom]

Miniman5 ihas it right there.

There's no point having a car that will go fast if it won't stop and it won't handle.

Get your brakes sorted out, get suspension uprated (you can go neg camber or lower it to achieve the same thing, adj shocks, solid subframe mounts etc), and get your exterior and interior nice and sorted.

You can stage one whatever engine you have, but don't forget that its best to keep the engine standard for the model, ie a standard 1275 Sprite is likely to be less to insure than say a Racing Green (998 originally) with a 1275 dropped it, as its then classed as modified.

Like Miniman5 says, either 1293 or 1330/40/80 is good. I've gone for a 1293 in my Clubby as it means I can stay in group B at the drag racing events, and there's not so much of an increase in capacity. You can still get BIG power outputs from an essentially small capacity engine (compared to 1380/1425's).

Just my two pence anyway!

Tom

[wobblybob]

yea i know what you mean with insurance i dont mind paying anything under 2000 really as long as ive got a ncie mini, got about 2500 to spend, might get the 1380 big brakes, lowerd, alloys, fat arches(you know it) because by the time ive finished it all i'll nearly have 1 yrs no claims which i'll get nxt feb
cheers guys

[wobblybob]

What sort out power output you want?

anything 80bhp+ is good so i beat all those little 1.4 chavs thinkin there big lol