Hello everyone. I am on several automotive discussion forums, so I know new guys can be frowned upon sometimes, but please bear with me.
I'll tell you about myself first and keep it quick. Life long mini fan (im 22 now), loved them since before I knew what a car was. I am a 3rd gen auto mechanic, it is the family business. I've been working at the shop every summer/vacation from school and the past several years of my life, so I know my way around things.I don't know why, but I've always had a place in my heart for the Mini, new or classic. Well I've been looking for a new daily driver that is light and fun, and I found a project Mini in my area.

My current daily driver is a black 1992 Dodge Stealth, and although I love the car, It's just getting a little boring. My fun car is a modded white 1991 Stealth RT/TT. Pics for those who are interested:





Anyways, on to the point. I am going to sell my 92 Base and I am looking to pick up this 1974 RHD MINI for a project. I would like to get it back together before the winter, and in as little time as possible. It has been out of commission for quite some time, and is in several pieces (interior is out, motor is apart, as is tranny). It is the original 998cc motor, and everything is supposedly there except for the drivers seat. The Mini itself seems to be in good shape, my only concern is the motor sitting out like that, but I'm fully able to do a rebuild. He is asking $1800 OBO, I was thinking of offering between 1K and 1500 (I will of course go see everything in person beforehand). Here are some pictures he sent, he'll be sending more Monday:








I am just wondering what the pro's opinions are, how much its worth, etc. Also, judging from the interior pic, can anyone tell if it is manual or auto? Look manual to me, but Im not familiar with classic mini layouts.
Another few questions...How difficult are these motors and transmissions to put together and install? Not to difficult I assume. Are 74's FI or Carbed? I assume carbed. Also, in the case that this motor is DOA, what is a common swap that poses the least problems? Preferably something with a little power.
I really appreciate any help, and I hope to become an owner soon.

 

PM SENT

 

Hi and welcome. Don't worry, I only pick on Norm....

First, it is likely not a 74 Mini (tho this is not a problem) becuase of some features like 8.4" disc brakes, side marker lights, door cards, seat belts, steering wheel, washer bottle, etc seem to say it's a 80's+ Mini. That is common as many were imported by circumventing the fed law on exemptions. That's a lengthy topic, but as l;ong as it has a valid state title and registration you should be just fine.

How to ID your Mini:
http://www.minimania.com/matrix/

This may/may not help with the VIN number. The Mini may carry the VIN plate off the 1974. It was common to scrap an old Mini and put the VIN plate on a newer Mini to bypass the federal 25 year old import exemption rule.
http://www.minimania.com/web/SCatago...9/ArticleV.cfm
http://www.minimania.com/web/SCatago...2/ArticleV.cfm

It appears to

• been repainted a couple times (black interior and red exterior)
• manual trans
• possibly overheated, most of the engine parts look baked with sludge and the front of the block looks like a cylinder head gasket might have leaked

First caution is watch out for rust. If it is any distance from you, ask for photos of the floors w/o carpet, sills (rocker panels), inside the rear bins w/o liner cards, front & rear valance for a start. Here's where to start looking:


As far as the engine trans, you can spend your money building a 998 which is a perfectly good motor, or you can spend the same amount building a 1275cc motor which may suit you better since you have had performance cars. These can be purchased used or already rebuilt (shortblocks or full) from Minimania, Heritage Garage and 7 Enterprises all in California.

http://www.minimania.com/web/Item/U%.../InvDetail.cfm

http://www.minimania.com/web/Item/12.../InvDetail.cfm

You don't say where you're located. You may have a local Mini group that could assist you.

Since it's already apart, do it right and rebuild the entire car. You'll end up with a reliable daily driver in the end. You'll find parts are not as expensive as many American cars and are readily available.

 

Thanks a lot for the responses, a lot of help in that PM and post
A little more info I got. He bought it from someone who was going to turn it into a track vehicle some time ago (dont have the exact time) to finish the project, but picked up a mustang instead... I dont understand why he would do that in the first place :D
I am located in southern NH, and the MINI is slightly north of me. I know a lot about cars, but not of mini's specifically. If anyone who is knowledgeable of classic Mini's would be willing to assist me in going over this car let me know, I'd be happy to reimburse you for your assistance.
The sludge did bother me too, but I think it may be from sitting out so long. He's going to provide more pictures tomorrow as well, so hopefully I can get a better idea of what shape everything is in.
If I was to pick it up, I would definitely go over it carefully and take my time. I have another car I can use for a DD, and although I'd be aiming to get the Mini on the road as soon as possible I'd just take it slow and be careful. I have rebuilt a few motors before, as well as gone over a few cars top to bottom so I don't expect it to be too difficult. Thanks again for the help.

 

Try NEMO for Mini owners in your area...

http://www.nemomini.org/nemo/index.cfm

also service parts & cars new & used
http://www.madhouseminis.com/

 

Thanks Minimad.....lol

 

Thanks for the links, much appreciated.
Apparently it hasn't ever been registered in the US, but all the paperwork is there. I assume that'd cost a bit? Of course I imagine it's regional specific, Ill have to call the DMV I assume.
Also, just for fun, how would this motor handle some turbo charging? I have a spare turbo+intercooler setup at home. How solid are they? whats the compression ratio?

 

If it hasn't yet been registered and appears to have some bits that date it as mid 80s, be sure to check the vin on the UK registration with the vin on the car. If you don't have a registration showing it was first registered at least 25 years ago, you won't be able to register it here in the States.

 

Can't comment on the overall reliability of such a setup, but it has been done... https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=112980

 

check out this site if your wanting to go wth a honda conversion

http://www.superfastminis.com/Mini-HondaProducts.htm

but be warned that it is not cheap to go this route......if you wanna stay within reasonable price stay with a mini motor........im not sure if anyone has posted anything about the Turbo Metro conversion, i hear that one is not to bad to do