I've been reading through a lot of threads and what not and found a few sites that sell classic minis such as Hemmings, Miniguy, and MiniMania, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any different sites to look at?

I am also wondering if there are any classic mini owners in the Boston, MA area that I could talk to about their experiences owning a classic mini and check out their mini.

Another thing is engine size. Im wondering what people have found to be adequate for them in terms of which engine suites your style of driving. I want to really be able to have some fun in my classic mini and drive it around like a little go cart, so I'm assuming I would want on of the 1K+ cc engines, but if that's not the case I'd love to know.

anything Im missing feel free to chim in.

Thanks

 

welcome post number one ....


I see your question has 53 reads but no replys. Wonder why?


Don't take this the wrong way, but how much reading did you do here b4 you posted your - quite reasonable - question? I ask because your quest comes up every couple of months and sometimes get long answers and sometimes short ones ... but all those answers combined are great information.


Here's a few examples:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...en-to-you.html


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-delivery.html


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uyer-help.html


Yes, it takes some time to dig back thru YEARS of posts ... but there are some golden nuggets to be found. And SEARCH can be your friend (and seach by AUTHOR)


A few hints ... I've had my 79 for over 10 years now


- do not plan on a Mini as your daily driver .... bad idea
- if you don't have a garage or similar place to work on the car, don't buy one
- what's your tools and general automotive knowledge situation ... it WILL break and you can't just head over to the dealer
- you need either the skills to fix it yourself (including place, tools, etc) OR a good local mechanic which translates into deep pockets to PAY that mechanic
- anyone who says they are selling a 100% rust free Mini is a liar
- do NOT buy any Mini with an injected engine (Spi or Mpi)
- obviously the more you know the better off you are but some basics about models can REALLY help .... for example, if you see advertised a 1982 Cooper S what's wrong with the picture? Or "a 1968 Cooper upgrade to 1992 specifications" means what?


{Cooper and Cooper S basically 1961 thru 1971 only (not including later Rover Coopers which are not the same thing); and that called a "re-vin"}


**************
you can have plenty of fun with an 850cc and some say that it is the best engine ... others are of the more is always better school. I have a 1275cc. You might want to learn about the difference between an A block and an A+ block. A LOT of 1275 engines in Mini's today, are transplants from different sources - mine is from an MG Metro. Not bad but helps if you know what it means . . .
an 850 with a stage 1 kit versus a bone stock 1275?
single carb vs dual carb


IMO even a 1275 is not a fun car at modern Interstate speeds but to each there own. In addition to engine size, WHEEL SIZE can have a big factor here. 10" wheels are the most classic look IMO, but have to faster to get 60mph then 12" wheels do . . . straight line speed of course was never the car's strong point


Last point: if you really want to learn about Mini I HIGHLY recommend a subscription to MiniWorld. Not cheap but VERY useful with great tech articles every month
http://www.miniworld.co.uk/


wanna buy mine?

 

I did search and read a few threads, and I fully expected that response as well, but you worded it very well. I appreciate all the information as well.

I have some mechanical knowledge; I can work on suspension, brakes, and all the typical bits, but Im not much of an engine guy. I assume with a mini I need to be and I'd like to be. You seem like you know a LOT about whats going on and what things to look out for.

I'll keep those points in mind and read a lot more before moving any further forward. luckily Im currently buying a new house and selling my current one so I can't make any huge impulse buys.