15 replies to this topic

[jonb_5]

Hi Guys,

I think I have made my mind up and am going to start to build my engine myself but might need quite alot of help.

I already have a 998cc engine, which I am going to use the gearbox from, possibly getting it reconditioned - its only ever done 30 000miles though.

Going to start with some bits from MiniSpares:

Head: http://www.minispare....aspx?pid=32734



Block, with piston and camshaft: http://www.minispare....aspx?pid=36496



Am a complete novice so am planning to complete a guide that everyone at the same level as me can follow!!

As well as the gearbox, block, head etc, what else am I going to need??

Thanks

Jon

[stickycreambun]

all the ancillaries to make it go? do you want a list?

[alexcrosse]

id buy an engine and take it to someone like SMMC, MED, morspeed etc and get it machined, then build it. Hard to list everything you will need though

Head gasket set
engine conversion gasket set
head studs & nuts
rockers
pushrods
cam followers
center main strap
electronic fuel pump
fuel regulator
engine steadys (poly)
Rebuilt gearbox
prefrible a xpin diff or hardened pin
decision on carburetter, minimum of HIF44 on a good inlet
dizzy to match camshaft
decent coil
turbo oil pump
new water pump
decent radiator (special 2 core)
breathers

and alot of other bits you will only find ur missing when you try to put it in

Edited by alexcrosse, 23 May 2008 - 03:27 PM.

[jonb_5]

I have a 998cc engine which i can take some of the bits off of if i can.

The only reason I am considering going down this route is that buying a 1275 engine, getting it bored, honed, etc and buying pistons and decent camshaft is going to be more that the £750 that MiniSpares want.

What do you reacon?

Thanks

Jon

[MediumHero1330]

I built my 1330 (with only basic knowledge before hand) from the ground up using a haynes manual and this dvd:

http://www.minifilms...iesbuilder.html

(also a LOT of patience, time, and £'s!!!!!!!)

Good luck

[stickycreambun]

but if you get a 1275 and work through it yourself, you will know the entire history of the build.

ps. I have a almost complete 1275 (missing a head and few other ancillaries) that would be ideal for a project..

[jonb_5]

Just looked on the MiniSpeed website and found this - seem very similar but the MiniSpeed kits comes with a lot more.

1380cc Fast Road Kit
CLASSIC MINI: KIT-FASTROAD
Kit details
Block - Hand selected, bored & honed to size, surfaced, centre main strap fitted, new cam bearings fitted, new oil gallery and core plugs, chemically cleaned & painted.
Crankshaft - Reground, ni-tempered, fully balanced with flywheel and pulley, journals lapped & polished to size & supplied with Vandervell bearing set.
Pistons - Powermax 73.5mm fitted to balanced rods.
Flywheel - Lightened verto or Mini with either AP Racing or Turbo clutch kit.
Ancilliaries - Kent or Piper camshaft with new followers, duplex timing gears & chain, H/C oil pump, competition head gasket and conversion gasket set.

Just a though, just see what everyone else would do?

Thanks

Jon

[stickycreambun]

I would not buy from minispeed...

As Alex said, and im sure many others would agree, its much better to work through it yourself.

[jonb_5]

O.k,

1. Find a 1275 engine. (I already have a decent 998 with gearbox so I am going to try and find a 1275 minus gearbox to cut down on costs, possibly exchange my 998cc in for it.)

2. Strip down and get 1275 block bored out to 1380, along with honing and skimming head.

3. Get gearbox reconditioned if neccesary. (Going to leve my standard for the time being.)

3. Buy all bits for assembly, (this is where i need your help guys!!)

- Crankshaft?
- Cam?
- Pistons?
- Roller Rocker?
- Head?

Not sure on makes/models etc so please add as you feel, going to try and build the engine using the most recommended parts.

4. .......

Thanks

Jon

[Jammy]

1. Become a member of TMF+ (Linky). It'll save you a shed load of money on those bits, especially from Minispares.
2. Use your new TMF+ discount to buy the Ultimate DVD's 1380 Engine builder DVD.

[Rosslin Racing]

1. Become a member of TMF+ (Linky). It'll save you a shed load of money on those bits, especially from Minispares.
2. Use your new TMF+ discount to buy the Ultimate DVD's 1380 Engine builder DVD.

and they might send you a membership pack? about a week before it runs out me thinks!

[Sam Walters]

use the how to build a 1380, ive heard its a good dvd, not watched i though. in these engine kits alot of the time they miss out little things such as the seal between the block and gearbox on the oil return.

[minipete]

I bought the 1380 short engine from minispares,i must admit it has been a great investment.For 600 and odd pounds i thought it was quite reasonable,added to that a MED stage 4 head lightened flywheel,bikes carbs i`ve got a 100+ bhp engine.

[haz]

that dvd is magic

its a bit of an undertaking building an engine when you dont know much about it (ie like me), you'll find it'll cost quite a bit if you want to hit a good spec. I've gone down the route of getting everything machined rather than buying a kit, but iv bought lots of second hand stuff to recondition too.

You're gonna need at least 2k id say, if you do all of the assembly work youself that is. Most of that will just be the head, block & crank and machining work. Once you've put a gearbox recon, bearing set, clutch set up, fueling set up, cam & dizzy... before you know it theres a big hole in your pocket!

i reckon im well past 3k now and i still need to buy a straight cut box and some roller rockers! theres some tool costs in there too tho, breaker bar, flywheel puller, various imperial sockets on half inch drive, DTI gague, engine stand, big torgue wrench etc etc etc

[andywaller]

im building my bros (mini bullet) 1380 - he got MED to do the block, gear box, piston and fly wheel. they where really good and had a good turn around time for the work. we're using the minifilms dvd, and the same spec as they use.

Edited by andywaller, 28 May 2008 - 12:24 PM.