Greetings!
I have an 82 Mini w/ a 998 motor & 10 inch wheels. I'd like a motor swap done to it this summer but the shop I spoke to says the following:

The 998 is on its last leg & has to be replaced. Ultimately, I'd like a newer motor, keep the 10 wheels & still save money. Thoughts?

PS: Im stationed in the UK so everything is UK spec. =)

 

I agree with the comment about the brakes, a 1275 with front drum brakes is not the ideal situation

there are other options however:
http://joltfreak.tripod.com/id1.html

 

You want a newer motor or a larger motor? Sounds like you've decided on a 1275 instead of rebuilding your 998 or getting a rebuilt 998. You're going to want better brakes with the 1275.

My Mini workshop manual shows the 1275 GT Minis had 7.5" front disc brakes with 10" wheels up to 1974. Perhaps you can procure some front brakes from an old 1275 GT. I would be surprised if a used set of front brakes would be more than £600.

Were there other any Minis that came with disc brakes with 10" wheels? Not sure, but if that's the case then perhaps you can find some junkyard parts to swap onto your front end and save some dough.

Good luck,
Jeff

 

I wanted to know if its mandatory to upgrade from drums to disc when swapping a 998 to a 1275. From the email I received from the mechanic, it sounded like the 1275 will not run w/ drum brakes. I plan on getting Joltfreak's Honda disc brake kits once the restoration is complete.

 

Sure it'll run, it's the stopping part you'll have trouble with. You don't have to wait until you do the engine swap to do the disc brakes. Why not go ahead and get it stopping good before you increase the go-power.

 

Nope, as far as I know, it's not required, it's just a good idea because of the additional speed capable with the 1275. The brakes are separated from the power unit (engine/trans) by the output shafts, via the drive flanges. If the mech is only swapping out the engine (and not the trans) you should have no problem.

From the snippit of the mechanic's suggestion, it sounds like they are suggesting upgrading the brakes and suspension, not requiring it.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

I have a 1275 in mine with Drum Brakes. You do not need to upgrade, but it doesn't stop all that well. I would love to upgrade mine brakes. I would do the upgrade if you can.

Jason

 

I think Im going w/ Joltfreak's Honda brake kit.

 

Look At the Mini Mania web site and check out there prices on conversion kits.

 

firstly, the 1275E came out with all round drums, so it must worked and worked for me for a long time, upgrade to disc you can alwyas do later if you saved up more cash. Why don't you go for a 1100 cc motor, basicaly the same block as 1275 just shorter stroke, and they are very strong.

you can sometimes get 2nd hand brake sets for not to much if you have to go for discs, i got my old ones and just redone them. worked a treat.

 

Uh, an 1100 is not a shorter stroke than a 1275... The 1100 (1098) is actually the longest stroke mini engine and uses a small bore block (same as 998) and small bore pistons (same diameter as 998 but different pin height). It's a nice torque producing motor, but a 1275 has more potential and is generally better out of box.

If you just need to use it as transportation, just drop another cheap motor in it, whatever size you can find, if yours is beyond repair. Or just buy a whole 'nother late model mini that already has disc brakes and a 1275 (but will likely have 12" wheels).

If that's not an option:

The later twin-leading drums will stop you as well as 7.5" discs if they are in perfect condition. But eventually they will pull left, right, or pitter-pat both. Double-pumping becomes mandatory after a while. They also require manual adjustments of 4 adjusters which isn't the easiest thing to get right time after time and as parts wear. Drums can also fade pretty badly if you are driving "spiritedly" and need to brake repeatedly. Discs stop in a straight line, every time (provided there are no major malfunctions), resist brake fade, and do not need to be regularly adjusted. If you plan to drive your mini with any regularity or pushing any limits, then don't rely on drums.

If you are looking to spend money, I suggest that the order in which you should upgrade your classic mini is:

#1 Disc Brakes: You will be able to drive your small engine faster (if that is your goal) because you can control it more predictably. You will never regret spending the money on disc brakes.

#2 Suspension upgrades like new bushings, quality shocks, and adjustable bits to allow you to get the alignment and handling dialed in. Face it: an A-series powered mini will never go super fast in a straight line or on a nascar oval. If that's what you want to do, "buy 'merican." Maximize the mini's strengths. If you think it corners on rails with the stock set-up, get in one that has suitable suspension mods (lowered some, 1.5-degrees negative camber up front, 0 or .5 neg at rear, 3-4 degrees castor, 1/16 toe out up front, dead 0 toe at rear, maybe a light rear swaybar...). Include wheels and tires shortly hereafter if you're still riding on skinny 145x10's on stock steelies.

#3 Performance driving school. Learn to drive your small-engined mini in a safe, supportive environment with skilled instructors.

#4 Motor upgrades or bigger motor. It's simply foolish to make a mini go faster when you haven't maximized your ability to control it (see #1-#3). Only you know for sure if your engine is on it's last legs or if that's just something you're telling yourself to justify an engine upgrade.

Sorry to sound preachy and a bit self-righteous, but I've been through 35 or so minis in 10 years and I will NEVER own a mini with drum brakes for long before I put discs on it. I also drove only 998s for the first 8 years I owned minis but I've seen time and time again people wanting "more power" for their classic mini but don't know how to drive what it is they already have.

 

Yes sorry you are right, i was thinking of the 1071cc as used in the cooper s. And i must agree with you that it is not a good idea to make a car faster if you can keep it in check. Power is nothing without control.

Good advise there, you seem to have alot of experiance.