Mini Van - Engine options
Discussion
Early ones were 850, later 998 - I don't remember 1100 being a standard fit unless it was the very last ones. 1275 will mean an engine swap. I put a late 1275 MPI engine and box (plus all the other bits from a late crashed Cooper) into my Clubman Estate shell - but that needs lots of mods to the fuel tank, which is under the rear floor.
http://www.stallard-engineering.co.uk/stories/Mini...
Ian
http://www.stallard-engineering.co.uk/stories/Mini...
Ian
There's no need to go to 1380 or indeed to over bore at all unless the engine needs it due to wear. Don't forget these engines are not being made any more and each overbore brings forward the date when the block will become scrap or need expensive and potentially unreliable sleeving. The cam and head will provide the 'easy' power.
Find a nice 1275 lump and fit a modern high torque cam, a decent exhaust and manifold and, if feeling flush, a well worked head and use a single 1.75 SU. You will have a nicely mannered torquey road engine which will be a pleasure to drive. These engines are all about torque and that's what gets you down the road.
Find a nice 1275 lump and fit a modern high torque cam, a decent exhaust and manifold and, if feeling flush, a well worked head and use a single 1.75 SU. You will have a nicely mannered torquey road engine which will be a pleasure to drive. These engines are all about torque and that's what gets you down the road.
Lotobear said:
Find a nice 1275 lump and fit a modern high torque cam, a decent exhaust and manifold and, if feeling flush, a well worked head and use a single 1.75 SU. You will have a nicely mannered torquey road engine which will be a pleasure to drive. These engines are all about torque and that's what gets you down the road.
This is exactly the set up I have in my Mini van. I also have totally adjustable suspension and geometry all round, and coupled with 4 pot brakes and 10 inch wheels, it is the best handling and performing Mini I have, and I have 4!1275 is a good option but you can make the 1100 just as quick.
I had a 1100 clubman est cause I could get my tool chest straight in and shut doors. The 1100 is essentially the same as the 1000cc but with a longer stroke giving you the additional 100cc. Go for torque which the 1100 had more of and good topend if you get the combo and tuning right. My 1100 had a ported cooper 998 cylinder head ( use twin valve springs ) on a standard block and pistons. Lighter flywheel. Standard 1100 camshaft with high lift ratio rockers. Worth degreeing in camshaft and keep valve clearances on the tighter side. Twin 11/4 su , 3-2-1 exhaust manifold into sport exhaust system ( don’t go massive bore, just slight bigger standard ) think mine was RC kit. I changed the front brakes to metro single discs and dual pots on 12” wheels. Rear brakes had apec shoes and cross drilled drums. Turned it into a little screamer that picked up really well from low rpm. Off the line it was quick and Upto 70 it would beat a standard 1275 then it was even Stevens to 95. Loved to rev simular to the 1000cc . Electronic ignition also helped. Traveled to Newquay from brim regularly on weekends sitting at 85 90 no issue with other minis including 1380s and I was never left behind. Mates always said it was a surprise package, exhaust note was always crisp like the old xr3s.
I had a 1100 clubman est cause I could get my tool chest straight in and shut doors. The 1100 is essentially the same as the 1000cc but with a longer stroke giving you the additional 100cc. Go for torque which the 1100 had more of and good topend if you get the combo and tuning right. My 1100 had a ported cooper 998 cylinder head ( use twin valve springs ) on a standard block and pistons. Lighter flywheel. Standard 1100 camshaft with high lift ratio rockers. Worth degreeing in camshaft and keep valve clearances on the tighter side. Twin 11/4 su , 3-2-1 exhaust manifold into sport exhaust system ( don’t go massive bore, just slight bigger standard ) think mine was RC kit. I changed the front brakes to metro single discs and dual pots on 12” wheels. Rear brakes had apec shoes and cross drilled drums. Turned it into a little screamer that picked up really well from low rpm. Off the line it was quick and Upto 70 it would beat a standard 1275 then it was even Stevens to 95. Loved to rev simular to the 1000cc . Electronic ignition also helped. Traveled to Newquay from brim regularly on weekends sitting at 85 90 no issue with other minis including 1380s and I was never left behind. Mates always said it was a surprise package, exhaust note was always crisp like the old xr3s.
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