Could i have some input please on this....
Discussion
So I am very near to closing a deal on buying this engine.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
this is a you tube link of it running before it was refreshed (painted and gaskets etc)
http://youtu.be/8bXbZPrKC4A
As its a metro unit what changes do i need to make (if any) to make it fit my 1970 850 mini?
Any input is greatly appriceiated.
Gwiz
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
this is a you tube link of it running before it was refreshed (painted and gaskets etc)
http://youtu.be/8bXbZPrKC4A
As its a metro unit what changes do i need to make (if any) to make it fit my 1970 850 mini?
Any input is greatly appriceiated.
Gwiz
If Your 1970 has its original chassis and it was not an auto, then the gear linkage/gearbox tunnel is different. Not impossible to make it work, but needs some creativity.
You will also need matching drive shafts, need to change the exhaust manifold, some fiddling will be necessary around the clutch (it is verto). Etc. Far not straight-foreward, but could be done.
You will also need matching drive shafts, need to change the exhaust manifold, some fiddling will be necessary around the clutch (it is verto). Etc. Far not straight-foreward, but could be done.
It is the original chassie/shell and is currently a magic wond style gear box, however it does have the blanking plate included for the remote gear selection. this was one of the first shells to have this as they where in the transitional period of switching over to a full syncro remote box.
I hear what you are saying about a fool and his money being easily parted; however sourcing a 1275 engine from anywhere is very difficult. A rebuilt/recon engine starts at 1500+ the surcharge for an exchange unit (typically £350-£525) if not present. So its 2k for a bare engine, then add on the ancillieries and we are quickly approaching 2.5k
I have looked at loads on the web and this is the best i have seen for three reasons. 1 I have seen it running, 2 its complete and 3 its not much more then an exchange unit would cost I have spoken to the guy and he rebuilds/ renovates them periodically.
With regards to the clutch can you explain further?
Many thanks so far.
gwiz
n.b this engine is only going to be doing about 75 miles per week and probably pulled and rebuilt in a year to 18months time when funds allow. I just need to fit one in the interim and this is the best i have come up with.
N.b (I'm really not bothered about the paint as anyone (as you rightly stated) can do it, but the fact that its a runner and has good compression over all the cylinders is about as much as i reasonably can do in the way of research)
I hear what you are saying about a fool and his money being easily parted; however sourcing a 1275 engine from anywhere is very difficult. A rebuilt/recon engine starts at 1500+ the surcharge for an exchange unit (typically £350-£525) if not present. So its 2k for a bare engine, then add on the ancillieries and we are quickly approaching 2.5k
I have looked at loads on the web and this is the best i have seen for three reasons. 1 I have seen it running, 2 its complete and 3 its not much more then an exchange unit would cost I have spoken to the guy and he rebuilds/ renovates them periodically. With regards to the clutch can you explain further?
Many thanks so far.
gwiz
n.b this engine is only going to be doing about 75 miles per week and probably pulled and rebuilt in a year to 18months time when funds allow. I just need to fit one in the interim and this is the best i have come up with.
N.b (I'm really not bothered about the paint as anyone (as you rightly stated) can do it, but the fact that its a runner and has good compression over all the cylinders is about as much as i reasonably can do in the way of research)
all that engine is is a scrapyard engine thats had a nice paint job, nothing more
it could last years without a problem (as the £150 1275cc engine i put in my mini has done), or it could have many problems - what will you do if you fit it and second gear has gone in it? - if the seller has no warrenty then the fancy 'two day' paint job means nothing.
you are right thats its a difficult choice to make now-a-days due to the cost of core, but this engine should be consided (and valued) as nothing more than a painted core unit in my opinion
it could last years without a problem (as the £150 1275cc engine i put in my mini has done), or it could have many problems - what will you do if you fit it and second gear has gone in it? - if the seller has no warrenty then the fancy 'two day' paint job means nothing.
you are right thats its a difficult choice to make now-a-days due to the cost of core, but this engine should be consided (and valued) as nothing more than a painted core unit in my opinion
guru_1071 said:
all that engine is is a scrapyard engine thats had a nice paint job, nothing more
it could last years without a problem (as the £150 1275cc engine i put in my mini has done), or it could have many problems - what will you do if you fit it and second gear has gone in it? - if the seller has no warrenty then the fancy 'two day' paint job means nothing.
you are right thats its a difficult choice to make now-a-days due to the cost of core, but this engine should be consided (and valued) as nothing more than a painted core unit in my opinion
Cheers guru, i think i am just going to have to take a punt, I did loads of snooping on his profile last night and this guy seems legit, buys and sells parts, sold engine units have all had very positive feed back (he has sold 3 maybe 4 various mini/metro engines). The wall i keep running into is that you just cannot get a 1275 lump for less then 500 notes, see here....it could last years without a problem (as the £150 1275cc engine i put in my mini has done), or it could have many problems - what will you do if you fit it and second gear has gone in it? - if the seller has no warrenty then the fancy 'two day' paint job means nothing.
you are right thats its a difficult choice to make now-a-days due to the cost of core, but this engine should be consided (and valued) as nothing more than a painted core unit in my opinion
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI-ENGINE-1275...
No ancilleries...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1275-cc-Fully-Reconditio...
this is just a bare engine despite pictures! plus the surcharge for a exchange unit...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI-1275CC-ENGI...
this has been relisted three times, and has not sold at £410....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-1330-A-engine-and-g...
This just does not feel right and is easily going to go for over 1k plus delivary.... Its also on its second overbore.. and its baiscally a bare engine....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mini-1275cc-engine-/3209...
I'm not sure what i can say about this one.....
Granted these are all ebay examples, but its just easier to link on here. Now i have scoured the last 2 years worth of mini mags that i have and engines start at £150 upto £650 but are mainly injection models. Which i do not want. All of which have been sat and not ran since being removed from the car, which begs the question why where they removed in the first place just to be stood around....
If i need to put a new gear box on it then thats going to cost me 10+ hours and £495 for a new box from minispares or alike, and really just means the rebuild job is partially undertaken early. Did anyone view the youtube link i posted? It sounds a good engine and runs well.
I know no one is going to tell me to do it, but i have to get one from somewhere, and weighing up the probabilities and costs it just seems the best current option......
as i said
oh and this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mini-1380cc-engine-strai...
Its on its realistic max overbore and is going to be noisey and top out pretty early on..... sc drops and box+close ratio.... on a lumpy 296 scatter cam..... not a gentle tick over in my expirence....
Edited by GingerWizard on Wednesday 23 May 10:07
camelotr said:
Clutch: You will need the to change slave cylinder and the flexi hose for verto clutch.
Oh yes: You have to use the Metro type starter (pre-engage), but then have to alter the wiring of the car.OR
You can use the clutch of Your original unit, though a stronger pressure plate is a good thing to add.
Edited by camelotr on Wednesday 23 May 10:45
camelotr said:
camelotr said:
Clutch: You will need the to change slave cylinder and the flexi hose for verto clutch.
Oh yes: You have to use the Metro type starter (pre-engage), but then have to alter the wiring of the car.OR
You can use the clutch of Your original unit, though a stronger pressure plate is a good thing to add.
Edited by camelotr on Wednesday 23 May 10:45
Perhaps some photos might help...
This is essentially the same a+ engine which was fitted in the later mini`s. I sold one last year for £300, so there are the odd bargains out there, but not many as they are becoming more and more rarer.
You`ll need the rod change linkages and gear stick as well if thats not included. Good to hear you are uprating the brakes, although id really get a servo if possible. I ran my old 850cc mini on the small original cooper S discs with no servo and it needed quite a bit of breaking effort.
One thing to note, is that your old magic wand engine is worth a few quid. I had one in my 1971 850 mini and had mini stock guys fighting over it. Something to do with the gear ratios or something...
Also, is your 850 running a dynamo or alternator? You may have to alter the wiring to suit. Id also go for an uprated radiator rather than use the 850 one if they dont give you one with this new unit.
You`ll need the rod change linkages and gear stick as well if thats not included. Good to hear you are uprating the brakes, although id really get a servo if possible. I ran my old 850cc mini on the small original cooper S discs with no servo and it needed quite a bit of breaking effort.
One thing to note, is that your old magic wand engine is worth a few quid. I had one in my 1971 850 mini and had mini stock guys fighting over it. Something to do with the gear ratios or something...
Also, is your 850 running a dynamo or alternator? You may have to alter the wiring to suit. Id also go for an uprated radiator rather than use the 850 one if they dont give you one with this new unit.
rabbitstew said:
This is essentially the same a+ engine which was fitted in the later mini`s. I sold one last year for £300, so there are the odd bargains out there, but not many as they are becoming more and more rarer.
You`ll need the rod change linkages and gear stick as well if thats not included. Good to hear you are uprating the brakes, although id really get a servo if possible. I ran my old 850cc mini on the small original cooper S discs with no servo and it needed quite a bit of breaking effort.
One thing to note, is that your old magic wand engine is worth a few quid. I had one in my 1971 850 mini and had mini stock guys fighting over it. Something to do with the gear ratios or something...
Also, is your 850 running a dynamo or alternator? You may have to alter the wiring to suit. Id also go for an uprated radiator rather than use the 850 one if they dont give you one with this new unit.
The front loom was shot so had been removed prior to sale ( i still have it though) I am putting a new loom front to back in so need get a fuse box and a few other items. The car is totally original, which is why i bought it. The shell sub frames and engine all match. The whole front assembly is coming off and being stored carefully so i can restore it over time.You`ll need the rod change linkages and gear stick as well if thats not included. Good to hear you are uprating the brakes, although id really get a servo if possible. I ran my old 850cc mini on the small original cooper S discs with no servo and it needed quite a bit of breaking effort.
One thing to note, is that your old magic wand engine is worth a few quid. I had one in my 1971 850 mini and had mini stock guys fighting over it. Something to do with the gear ratios or something...
Also, is your 850 running a dynamo or alternator? You may have to alter the wiring to suit. Id also go for an uprated radiator rather than use the 850 one if they dont give you one with this new unit.
Ultimatly this mini will be returned to standard but with a few speedwell accessories and a period supercharger on the 850 block. However at the moment i dont have the spare 5k to do this. I have 2k and want to own a 1275 lump that is useable now as i have future plans for more minis...
I'm about to buy this....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI-COMPLETE-FR...
Well I bought it, I have to say I am very bloody happy! The engine is in great condition, checked the clearances on the rockers, spot on, took the head off and the cylinders and pistons are in very good condition. Its definitly a low milage engine. The chap put two new pot joints on, and changed the clutch arm before coming.It has new gaskets throughout, a magnetic sump plug, and electronic ignition.
I actually did a little jig when i got to look at it properly.
The bloke was a really nice guy, he(40ish) he came with his father (70ish) in a small van, with the engine wrapped and strapped down very neatly. He actually bought two rocker covers so the refurbed one did not get marked by the straps, swapping them out when it arrived. A very honest and genuine guy, this combined with the engine pleases me greatly.
Looks like i got away with it by the skin of my teeth!
Gwiz
I actually did a little jig when i got to look at it properly.
The bloke was a really nice guy, he(40ish) he came with his father (70ish) in a small van, with the engine wrapped and strapped down very neatly. He actually bought two rocker covers so the refurbed one did not get marked by the straps, swapping them out when it arrived. A very honest and genuine guy, this combined with the engine pleases me greatly.
Looks like i got away with it by the skin of my teeth!
Gwiz
iwanna said:
Turn the fan around before fitting, its on the wrong way around.
no its not.....smooth side to the engine (handily marked 'engine side', ribbed side to the radiator.
i recon 50% of minis that i pop the bonnet on have the fans on back to front - i see at three or four a week!
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