Hello NAMers I've been lurking for quite a while and I've noticed that you guys are quite knowledgable when it comes to classic Mini's so I've decided to come out of the lurking shadows to ask you all some questions. I have private messaged some of you individually but figured I would get everyone's input as I am new to the classic Mini scene and felt that why not get more opinions, the more the merrier. I'm in the process of importing an 1981 Classic Mini from England complete with disc breaks in the front, new paint job, and a interior that's in pretty tip-top shape for an '81.

I have been presented with some ideas from the mechanic/importer in regards to upgrades and was looking to see if you all could guide me as to what I REALLY REALLY need for this to be a GREAT daily driver. (in it's present condition the car is a good stock daily driver)

Here are my options: (which of these should be a priority??!?!! How would you prioritize these??!?!)

1. trackrods £40.00
2. Rear shoes (uprated) £50
3. Adjustabe Dapers £290 (4)
4. Roller rockers (+20% power) £200
5. Performance kit, Exhaust, manifold, needle (+20%
power) £296


ANY input you all could provide would be such a great help to me.....THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU IN ADVANCE !!!!

 

What engine do you currently have?
The performance kit might be a good idea if your current exhaust is at all faulty or old/rusty. Upgrade now before it causes you problems later. Same goes for the rear shoes - if you need them, might as well do it now.
The adjustable dampers price seems a little high - what brand are they?
Also, considering the exchange rate it might work in your favor to wait and buy the parts in the US.

 

It really comes down to what you have to spend. I'm not a big fan of throwing money at performance modifications on a car that you have never driven. That said, parts should be cheaper over because of the exchange rate (although VAT over there is tough) so....

I would spend the money on any lingering issues the car may have (and trust me, they all have lingering issues.) Even making sure all the maintenance stuff is up to date (even where current condition is OK) would be money well spent. It not glamorous, but the car will not be any fun at all if you end up having it sit with a bunch of nagging issues.

All in I guess it comes down to what you have to spend... more power is always good but the car will be great fun even in it's stock form. Just best to have it as ready to go when it gets here as possible and start to make adjustments from there.

 

If you're purchasing parts from outside of the UK or Europe you don't have to pay VAT. (I just re-read and saw that you don't have the car - it might make sense to hold off on purchases right now 'cause the VAT is 17.5%). Y

I'd consider the "Stage 1" kit that you listed as #5 first off. From that point you'd probably want to upgrade the suspension / brake system before you added much more power. Like Tall Mini said though - sort out any problems the car has before you go tinkering with things. It might make more sense to get the car first, get it all sorted out and get used to it before you start adding power and other bits to it.

Make sure that your car has an unleaded cylinder head - that's the one thing I'd make sure of before you bring it over. If the person selling you the car is a mechanic it won't be any trouble for them to change it and put a new cylinder head gasket on the car before it comes over. The unleaded cylinder heads had hardened valve seats so that you can run unleaded fuel instead of leaded or +lead additive.

 

I think this is the way I'm going to go considering this will be my first and who knows I may just LOVE LOVE LOVE it as is. I might as well get used to it in it's stock form and that way I can really FEEL the performance upgrades that may come at a later time...thanks to all for the suggestions.

BTW Latka thanks for the suggestion on the unleaded cylinder head ....I'll have to look into that =)

 

The only time I can see someone being disappointed is if it's an 850cc car. A 998 has decent power, and the 1275 moves it along even better. Keep in mind though that a standard Mini with a 1275cc engine is only going to give stock Toyota Tercels a run for their money. It's all about lookin' cool. The handling is awesome though. Oh - also make sure that the rubber cones aren't worn out. They're a right pain in the butt to change your first time. Better they're changed now than when you get the car (5 - 7 years is the suggested lifespan I think).

 

When I got my mini, I took the opportunity to get to know the car and how it handles before adding any power upgrades. As it turns out, my money has mostly gone into adjustable suspension components (trumpets) and springs, and the odd shiny cosmetic doodad.