Hi guys,

Hoping to put this 1275 in within the next month or two, I was originally going to pay a mini mechanic to do it, but have since decided I want to try and tackle it myself. (mostly money constraints)

First off I really need some help identifying the kind of 1275 I have and whether or not it'll be a simple swap into my 1977 morris 1000.

If the white writing is anything to go by it should be a straight drop as my mini currently has a rod gear box?




I've managed to get my hands on a pdf of the haynes mini manual as well as a hard copy.

I have about 2 months to rebuild and then put the new engine in the mini before I move across NZ and won't have access to a workshop (hoists, jacks, and lots of other goodies)

Is this feasible for a newbie? I'm going to be working slowly and methodically so I hope to not make any mistakes.

Which parts will I not be able to do? I don't think I'll be able to tell if it needs machining so may need some help with that, would a few pics up here suffice or should I see a local expert?

Any advice is greatly appreciated guys! I'll be taking heaps of photos for the sake of not messing up so will keep a little log of the progress on here?

Again, any tips and advice on things the manual may not cover would be hugely appreciated!

Cheers,
Shaan

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1977 Mini Morris LE - 998 soon to be replaced by a 1275

Easily do-able, but you need to be fully sorted out.

If you are building your own engine, you will need to cut away any double dipping on jobs. For example, you want to be able to drop your engine off at the machine shop, and pick it up with out having to re-book for further work. We're small fry us small job mini guys, and they will bump your work any day for a regular customer who comes in with yet another engine. You will need to be in constant contact to make sure they're onto it, or you will waste weeks.

I would recommend dropping your bare engine and crank (etc) to the engine machine shop for hot tanking and crack testing. Ask them to let you know what size overbore will be required, also the next grind of crank mains and big ends.Once they let you know, organise an engine rebuild kit from one of the Mini suppliers locally. The kit will come with everything you will need. You will just need to tell the supplier what size you engine is, the oil pump drive type, the crank main and big end sizes the machine shop gave you as well as the piston overbore size as well. They will probably prompt you, so have maybe call ahead and make sure you have the answers ready for when you go to order. Then hand the bearings and pistons/rings over to the machine shop, they won't grind or bore your engine until they have the parts in hand.

You might want to also give them the head and valves, and have the guides changed out and the valves seated with hardened exhaust seats (for unleaded fuel) inserted.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I reckon you'll be very lucky to get it done in less than 2 months unless you have assistance from someone who does it regularly, but if you had assistance from someone who does it regularly then you wouldn't be asking for advice on here....

Otherwise, I'd let (and have done before) the machine shop supply the rebuilt parts (pistons, rings, bearings etc.). They get them from the same places as I do and I just pick up all the bits ready to assemble when they're done machining - everything is the right size and ready to go.

Are you planning on using the gearbox that is under the 1300? if so, you might build a new motor and find that the gearbox is no good too. Are you planning on using those twin carbs? they look like they'll need rebuilding

If the hoist etc. is in your dad's shed, then maybe you're best off getting started, but taking it slow and careful and be prepared to go back home on the weekends for a few months. NZ isn't that big to drive from one side to the other - even at the widest point it's about 400km - we did 300km to Melbourne and back just today

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

It's the mechanics workshop in the army camp I'm currently posted to which they probably won't let me use when I'm posted elsewhere unfortunately and the Navy camp I'm heading too doesn't have the same facilities as far as I am aware

Is anyone able to give me any specific information about the engine by the look of it? Like what it likely came out of? Does it look like a 1275GT mk3 engine as it seems they tried to indicate with the white marker?

Also, I've gotten a quote done by a guy for the labour, how does it look?

GST excluded.

Clean block 65

Hone cyls 21 ea

Grind crank 225

Rebore cyls 231

Clean head 35

Cracktest head 38

Surface head 90

Cut valves and seats(8) 118

Fit cam bearings 33

Deck block 90

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1977 Mini Morris LE - 998 soon to be replaced by a 1275

The kiwis are great guys. I am sure they will support you working on your engine. They're a can-do defence force. Keep it neat, bring your own tools, polish the bench clean, and show your thanks and you will have pussers climbing over your shoulder to have a turn of your spanner.

They have workshops on most bases where people posted in can do work on their cars. Very rudimentary, they may have an inspection pit or ramps, benches, and maybe some lifting equipment.

The quote looks fine, but I'm always shocked at the quote for cleaning these days. I expect it as part of the job...but that's just me...

I would want to have the rotating crank and rods crack tested as well.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

+1 for the crack testing

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt