Engine upgrade

[rich 36]

Son wants to upgrade his 1000cc
with a 1300 (Metro?) lump
what else could do with beefing up at same time

will the rad be enough for a start,
what on the dashboard might not correspond also?

[Snake the Sniper]

What age mini is it?
When I last did this, I didn't bother changing the rad, as it never overheated. Also, a brake upgrade may be required, depending upon what you have on there at the moment.

[Adam_BGT]

if ur after some carbs, i've got twin 1 1/2" SUs, inlet and exhaust manifolds, just off a b series engine. will involve moving the speedo across the dash and hammering out the bulkhead a little. yours for a song as they're just takin up garage space! would also recommend a new cam on the 1300 metro unit with them .... would create a rather quick little car!

[love machine]

I would consider a 12HF01 MG or VDP engine for starters. Has a high CR, more interesting cam and makes the best power out of the box. In my opinion, the 12HD24 engine is the best, but it is 10:5:1 and leaded. Fit an LCB and a BDK needle. The BDL (hd24) is too rich low down and too lean further up as standard. The BDK needle does this nicely. I think the 12HF01 is similar but less so, you can leave this standard.

I fitted a 2 core (big cores) rad in my one when I did it and S Discs.

I remember the first test of my 1964 mini with it's 12HD24 engine. Went over the first speedbump in the village and nailed it. The mini went like shit off a shovel.

You need Haynes 719 (the metro manual with ALL the data) and figure out things like your final drive. 10" wheels and a 3.7 FD make things noisy if you need to do long trips. I think the 12HD24 and 12HF01 are 3.44 out of the box.

A good move if you ask me. Going from about 35hp to about 70 is great

[Mr Edd]

If you already got 12 inch wheels. You might be better off buying a whole metro (MG if you get lucky). It might cost a little bit more but there are several gains to be made:-

1) You can run the engine properly before you install
2) If you get the right metro you can take the 4pot calipers and upgrade the brakes at the same time.
3) The front seats fit easily.

Dont forgot to take the anti run on valve from the metro its not essential but can save a bit of head scratching later on.

[rich 36]

I suggested a rolling metro to start with actually, what else might be worth salvaging,

He's got some 'snug' seating already so son't need that ta,

The brake bits might be advantageous though good idea

[V8mini]

Not a huge amount else worth saving from the metro to be honest! I think the main advantage is being able to check the engine works and doesn't need an immediate rebuild before spending time fitting it to the mini!


You could save the inlet manifold from the metro, but to be honest you're probably better off buying a Stage 1 kit which'll give you nice new manifolds/exhaust/air filter etc anyway. Also take the two-pin electrical connector off the metro that hooks up to the electronic dizzy! The electronic metro dizzy isn't perfect but is certainly better than the standard 998 mini one. Aside from that, save any unused ancillaries for spares!

Oh, and make sure you check the speedo drive on the 1275 'box is right for your mini's speedo cable before you drop the engine in, and swap it for the one from the 998 if not.

[Mr Edd]

It is possible (Depending on what size wheel and offset you have) to mount the electric fan from the metro in the mini. You have to cut out most of slats in the inner wing, it can be very useful when you have had a good blast then get stuck in traffic.

[wildoliver]

Rich depending how much you want to spend I have a cooper injection for sale with a smashing engine and box that I bought for Emma, mostly done the bodywork needs a couple of days spending on it, comes with the lovely half leather and wood dash etc too.

You can have it for £500 mate.

[rich 36]

Thanks Oliver,

Given James your number,
Will you throw in the usual can of 'additive' from our mutual friend?

[wildoliver]

absolutely, guaranteed to run in any engine, i.e. produce vast amounts of swarf :P