If you were restoring, what would you change, add or remove?

[Napper]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to get my 1988 Mini Jet Black (Cilla) fully restored.

Regarding my project I'm expecting the whole shell to be replaced. I'm not too bothered about keeping Cilla standard although I want her to be used frequently, mainly in dry weather and to be reliable (wife will use her occasionally)

My current thoughts are;
Engine: Whether to upgrade, keep it original (which is a strong little 998 c/w stage 1) or replace with a refurbished unit which already has upgrades etc... Replace clutch while engine is out (if the engine & box aren't replaced).
Exterior: Sportspack wheel arches or have steel arches moulded to the wings (Undecided). Remove the sunroof. 2 x bullet type wing mirrors mounted on the doors. Heated front screen. Clear indicators front & back with LED bulbs. Add a 2nd fuel tank.
Wheels: 13 x 6 with suitable spacers. (I like the wide look with large wheels)
Interior: New black leather seats which can be adjusted properly and aren't just clipped on to a rail. Custom made dash by a very clever uncle (not sure of design yet - open to suggestions). No sound proofing, just carpet. Unsure whether to add music to her or not.

If you were restoring your mini now;
What changes would you make?
What would you add?
What would you remove?

I am purely after your opinions and ideas of what you would do or not do if you were restoring now. Thought it would be interesting and will help with my decision process.

Thanks.

[Lesgrandepotato]

I’d not skip the sound deadening. It gets pretty wearing pretty fast.
It’ll likely handle better on 10’s but follow the picture in your minds eye :-)

A 1275 will be quicker than a lightly tuned thou. Fwiw mines a thou bored 1050 and in the process of having a vintage supercharger fitted

[Napper]

Lesgrandepotato said:

I’d not skip the sound deadening. It gets pretty wearing pretty fast.
It’ll likely handle better on 10’s but follow the picture in your minds eye :-)

A 1275 will be quicker than a lightly tuned thou. Fwiw mines a thou bored 1050 and in the process of having a vintage supercharger fitted

Thanks for the comments Lesgrandepotato. I was beginning to think no one cam on this forum anymore
I bet your 1050 will be fun once the supercharger is fitted.

Once I get a price for the work I need doing, if there is sufficient money left in the budget I will be considering a 1275.

I'm not planning on going to far in her once she's restored but I'll have a think about the sound deadening.

Thanks again.
N

[Bungleaio]

Have you driven a car with 13 inch wheels on? They aren't as good as 10 or 12 inch.

[mk1coopers]

I’d also say don’t put 13’s on for anything other than static looks, for track work they are not progressive, loads of grip then no grip (snappy), on the road they will tram line and every bump you hit will be transmitted straight through the car due to the lack of sidewall.

Rover Cooper style 12’s aren’t too bad, the overall rolling diameter can be quite close to a 10 depending on tyre choice, even 10’s when you get up to 6 inches wide don’t give the best experience.

I’d say 10’s, no more than 5 inches wide, on decent quality 165 /70’s will give you the best combination for driving