Hi crew,

Being a newbie here I thought I'd leverage of your collective experience.

Tell me about your dream mini engine build or rebuild!

What would you build? Share all if possible. Cam specs, rods, cubic centimetres, intakes, electronics, etc.

Who would you have build it (be kind, I'm sure there's many great builders, and I don't want this to become a slagging contest).

What would you do if money were no object and you could afford it?

I've a stock 1998 Rover mini engine, 98% spirited street driven. It runs ok, but in the spirit of: reliable, fast and cheap, I'm interested to learn how to best improve it.
Nothing is out of bounds, but I would like to keep it as mini as possible so as much as I love me a Honda, no engine conversions.

Thanks in advance

If it's a 1998 model, Is it spi or mpi? Either way, you would be restricted legally as to what mods you can do.
Engine internals they can't see so a bit of head work could help, cams are restricted due to efi programing but you can fit higher ratio rockers. You can fit extractors and pipe, but you can't change the fuel injection for a carby or two. ;

As an old person (+65) who's played with minis since the 60's I understand why you are asking the question, but I can't really give you many recommendations. I don't know much about minis and am always amazed at how much there is to know about such an ordinary car.
There aren't many people who can spend a lot of time trying different ideas and get to compare the results.
Are you wanting to learn about how car systems work and have the satisfaction of fixing problems and developing your mechanical skills? Or will you have others do these things. Neither is 'better' - just a different motive and endpoint.
One suggestion: don't take much notice of car magazines!
And 1 other: have a go at building things yourself. At least YOU learn from the mistakes.

This is my favourite

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^ OMG, that is just insane! ^

Dimis - one place to start learning your alternatives is GR's website that goes into great technical detail of several engine configurations.

http://russellengineering.com.au/

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

The ultimate Street build for me would be a 1600cc custom crank stroker, BMW 16 valve twin cam head, turbocharged and EFI with a torsen style diff.

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Too many cars, and too little time.

David Vizard books are worth a read. Apparently he knows something about the A Series. He backs up his knowledge with tests and publishes comparison results.

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

Shhhhhh GR lurks here and is every bit as good or better than DV

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"Show me the Mini!"

Big call.

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

Uh Huh...

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"Show me the Mini!"

Some folks are still developing the A series, but David Vizard ain't. Yes, I have and have used his Old Testament books.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

You've got lots of different options... just depends on how deep your wallet is! The late fuel injected minis make much less hp (~62hp) than the Cooper S did (~75hp) and are normally restricted by the stock injection system as far as performance mods go...

Twin cam BMW head (also available from Australian suppliers)
http://twinkam.co.uk/epages/191f6b26-60 ... cts/SCE001

Supercharger kits:
http://www.vmaxscart.co.uk/new-dcoe-supercharger-kit/
For fuel injected engines
http://www.vmaxscart.co.uk/injection-mi ... its-parts/

16V KAD head
http://www.kentautodevelopments.com/sho ... -camshafts

Arden 8 port head
http://www.med-engineering.co.uk/produc ... arge-valve

Then you've got stroker cranks up to 86mm to make a big 1400cc+ engine
http://www.med-engineering.co.uk/produc ... rankshafts

Upgraded programmable injection kits
http://twinkam.co.uk/epages/191f6b26-60 ... ucts/SC218

Most of these would need to be part of a full performance rebuild, simply slapping on a fancy head won't work unless its part of the total package.

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How Dare you Ty!!!
Every Know All here recognises GR as the Mini Guru of the world!!! Why don't You?

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