Just found out my 1980 Mini takes leaded gas and I'll need to include an additive. I'd really rather not. However, instead of just changing the valve seats, I'd prefer to do a head swap with something that will improve the overall efficiency (and/or power) of the engine. If I had to choose between power and efficiency, I'd go with efficient. I've got a 998cc. Any suggestions?

Haven't even gotten my car yet and I'm so full of questions...

Thanks!
~Melissa

 

I'm not an expert, but I've been told that unless you put a lot of high rpm miles (i.e. highway) on your car you don't have to worry too much about valve seat wear.

 

It's going to be my daily driver. I want to take care of it. And I will be taking it on the highway a decent amount...

 

In the articles section of MiniMania.com there is a good article on Stage 1 tuning which doesn't necessarily do the head, but then a sequel on Stage 2 . . .and although I don't have time to go back and look, maybe just an article on the "lead/no lead" issue.

Good Luck
Tom in Wheaton, IL Maxfield Mini's Caregiver - 77 Aussie built 1000

 

Leave it alone...fix it when it actually needs it (maybe years from now)....in the interim learn more about the car, save up your money and buy the appropriately modified head as a replacement.

 

Yeah, I read the lead article on minimania and it pretty much said to just use redline additive. I'd really only consider a head swap if I'm going to gain a lot of efficiency, though my boyfriend keep trying to push me towards power modifications... Not gonna do it. I'm going to make this thing an efficiency monster. ;-)

I suppose saving up for a full engine swap might be more worth my while and just put some rocker arms on it for now...

I am thinking about doing a bunch of the stage one stuff since it does seem to be more geared towards efficiency rather than power.

Thanks guys!

 

I'd recommend a Stage One mod before you get into any other serious work (and money). Lot of bang for the buck when you do a Stage One.

 

Hey Shorn, are you a member of the Birmingham British motoring Club ?,
Or the B'ham MINI club ?, my racer is at a shop in Pelham, Empire Autohaus, good people,
Manuel

 

fairly simple to add additive........i wouldn't touch it till it needs it........one thing will always lead to another.....