3 replies to this topic

[designadviser]

Hello,

I have a roundnose mini (MK1 /1965) that i am doing a full rebuild on.It has a 1275 cooper s mk1 block and a remote change gearbox from a standard mini (4 synchro).
I want to do the twin cam k series conversion and want to confirm what i know (or don't know) and get some opinions/advice!
The car is to be for fast road/very occasional track day use.

I have had major difficulties getting in touch with Simon from Morspeed, and have read the twin cam build guide by Specialist Components, but haven't rang John from SC as i was looking to get impartial opinions first.

So here goes ;

I have heard that the kits from both Morspeed and SC do not "fit" properly. If this is true what extra modifications are required in order to make them fit ?

Is the k1200 rs cylinder head the best one to use ? I have read that the kits are ideal for the k1100 engine and if using anything other (such as the 1200 rs) extra modification is required (over and above what is stated in the build guide). It was said this is because the 1200 head is "taller". Is this correct, and if so how extensive is the additional work required in order to get the 1200rs head to fit. Is this extra work justified or would it be easier to just get the 1100 head ?

I am looking at using Yamaha R1 carburretors and have heard that if I do this the bonnet will need to be modified as the carbs will be too long for the standard bonnet.Is this correct ?

For those who have done the conversion and used the SC build guide.Did it have all the information required or were there "gaps" in the way the information was described such as the order of doing things,steps that needed to be taken missing,extra parts required,etc. In other words what tips can you give for someone like me when doing the build and using the guide to avoid any unnecessary pain ???

My plan is as follows ;
Bore 1275 engine to 1293
All necessary work to block/pistons and head for it to fit
Am looking at blocking all holes in block - using Dry Deck kit (except those required to bolt head down to block)
Using 1200rs head and doing some port /polish work on head
Balance engine/flywheel
Using ARP Con Rod bolts
Using orange clutch (Will this be ok ?)
Standard gearbox using x pin diff (any suggestions)
Steel backed oil pump
Will be using hardy spicer steel driveline
Have been advised the A series cam will need to be retained in the block to drive oil pumps and pulleys that are part of the kit. In other words external oil pump is not really an option. Is this correct ?
Looking at compression ration of 11:1 (any ideas on pros and cons of certain Compression ratios,what is ideal and the RON fuel required?)

Any comments/thoughts/tips on the above? What should I do and why on things that I haven't mentioned and are there probs/issues with doing things that I have mentioned ?

What is the ideal ignition coil to use ? Brand/model

What is the ideal Distributor to run ? Brand/model

What is the ideal water Pump to run ? Brand/model

What is the ideal steel backed oil pump ? Brand/model

What ignition leads are required (Ford Sierra)and will standard ones be ok ?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated !!
Thanks

[miniboo]

Well i have the SC kit and it looks to be very good.

I have had a few minor problems though.

The cam pulley adaptors dont fit in the pulleys. ( i have not done anything with this yet as i want to talk to John at SC first)

The adaptor plate for the head dint fit BUT mine is a K100 head and the piece at the time was only supplied for K1100/1200 heads i believe. (I think the kit from SC has changed a bit since i bought mine)

John is a top bloke and all his parts are well engineered. I can not make any comments on the Morspeed kit as i have not seen it.

I personally am running injection and i think you should look into this also. If you are still going to use carbs then i would go for a Megajolt setup for the ignition.

Some guys are using external electric water pumps, i am using a standard mini pump.

I am also doing this to a 998 block so i have extra complications to teh normal big bore route.

11:1 sounds ok to me. but i am sure higher RON fuel will be needed.

[miniboo]

Also have a look here as there is loads of info: http://www.efiminis.olicentral.com/

[GraemeC]

Sounds like a good project that you are thinking out well. One comment though - if you have a proper Cooper S block I wouldn't start butchering it for this conversion - use a much more readily available A+ block.