1966 Austin Mini

bneer · #1 10-19-2007, 12:01 PM

Hello classic mini folk. Just purchased a 66 Austin Mini. Would like someone to decipher vin number code for me if they would. It needs a good deal of work but I am excited about the possibilities. My wife and I own a 2004MCS which we enjoy alot, but this little mini is quickly becoming the focus of our adoration. The motor is seized, broken glass, a little rust but who cares. I am ready for the restoration, I'll need input I know, thanks in advance.

Big Norm · #2 10-19-2007, 12:20 PM

there is a thread on here somewhere that shows how to break it down in discription......i cant find it right now but im sure someone will post the link.......congrates on the purchase and good luck

Agro · #3 10-19-2007, 12:43 PM

Sounds like something to keep you busy for a while. Good luck with it.
Where are you located?

rl48mini · #4 10-19-2007, 01:21 PM

see: http://www.minimania.com/ they have a technical article on identifying your mini which should help a lot when it comes to buying replacement parts.

bneer · #5 10-19-2007, 01:32 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'll search for the vin breakdown. We are located in Lexington Missouri, that is 40 miles east of Kansas City. I will be busy for awhile, just beginning. Deciding to rebuild and upgrade existing motor, or purchase a crate motor. I really am inclined to do the rebuild if I have the 998 motor.

dimini · #6 10-19-2007, 01:51 PM

Welcome and congrats bneer,

Selfishly, I am very excited about your purchase, as we're practically neighbors and both own MINI/mini combo packages. It's great to see another mini near Kansas City.

MiniMania has a good vin number build guideline on their site. I have a couple of books with all the details to verifying date of build, etc. I might have an alternative engine source for you to consider/compare with rebuilt crate motors. Send me a PM if you would like further info.

rl48mini · #7 10-19-2007, 01:54 PM

being in Missouri, you should try to get hooked up with the local club: MADMEN. I think they have a link on the mini mania web site or try google.

dimini · #8 10-19-2007, 02:08 PM

good suggestion for hooking up with MADMEN. I think most of their members are probably in St. Louis area, but hey, compared to the rest of the nation, it's still very close.

STLMINI · #9 10-19-2007, 03:17 PM

I'm in St. Louis and one of the best classic mini mechanics is just south of us. Would love to see some pics!

bneer · #10 10-19-2007, 03:35 PM

Would like to here about engine options.

bneer · #11 10-19-2007, 03:42 PM

STLMini, need to begin with some photo's. Where is this mechanic, Sainte Genevieve? I'll need advice. Thanks for your interest.

mk0 · #12 10-19-2007, 07:47 PM

http://www.sjbaker.org/telamom/vin.html

Found this when doing a search on "mini vin number code". Hope it helps.

bneer · #13 10-22-2007, 08:11 AM

Neutral, I have cracked the I. D. code. A little let down however. My present motor is an 850 high compression, this is not the engine I will rebuild. Will look for a 1-liter, something that will match my Weber 40 DCOE and power expectations. If you have any leads on a 998 please send them to me. Thanks for your input.

dimini · #14 10-22-2007, 08:24 AM

bneer,

I have a suggestion for a possible great deal on 998. Call BJ at [SIZE=2]
706.246.0072. You will be talking to Minitec, out of Georgia. They are the guys who perform honda vtec conversions and develop Vtec mini components. They routinely have mini A-series engines laying around and in particular, I think I recall BJ telling me that there's little demand for the 998's as everyone wants a 1275. So... I'd guess that they are likely to have at least a few on hand and maybe priced well.
[/SIZE]

mk0 · #15 10-22-2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bneer

Neutral, I have cracked the I. D. code. A little let down however. My present motor is an 850 high compression, this is not the engine I will rebuild. Will look for a 1-liter, something that will match my Weber 40 DCOE and power expectations. If you have any leads on a 998 please send them to me. Thanks for your input.

Hi bneer,

if you have not started why not start with a 1275cc? Based on my experience, there are many things you can do to 998... but soon you will hit the limit. So, why not start from something that give you more room to play with?

Juz an idea.

bneer · #16 10-22-2007, 08:46 AM

dimini, thanks for the lead. I have noticed that all the rebuild's offered are 1275's. They seem to have 100+ hp potential, however I have a bit of nostalgia connected to the 998 motor. My uncle built one about about 20 years ago and the last time they saw the car it was racing in the Denver area. A 1-litre motor will meet my needs, and I appreciate the contact information.

dimini · #17 10-22-2007, 08:54 AM

Hey,

I just thought of another possible source. You might send an email to drmini@optonline.net. Sorry, I don't remember his name, but he is in the NJ area and apparantly has a HUGE collection (9,000 SF barn?) full of mini parts, minis, etc. He's an enthusiast whose been into minis for lots of years and is selling off some of his inventory. He was going to have an ebay auction, which may or may not have taken place by now. You can find him on the minimania forum, or just email him at the above address. His Minimania screen name is drmini.