Awhile back I bought a '77 mini 1000 with an automatic transmission. I got a good deal and it runs great but the automatic isn't doing it for me. I met a man from england and fellow mini enthusiast who now lives near my home town and goes back home to England often. He has an engine for me (actually it's an engine, trans, and subframe) but i have no idea on what is involved in getting it here to the states. Any help is appreciated! Costs,horror stories or otherwise.... I have faith in this guy but I guess he has a few horror stories involving him getting his cars here and he doesn't want to be responsible for the shipping. cheers.
anybody looking for a mini 1000 automatic and a subframe? runs great and appears to be un-molested with 50,000 miles on the clock.

 

you can buy one here cheaper....and less aggro

 

I'm paying less than a $1,500 for a complete rebuilt engine. That includes a carb, manifolds, starter, CV shafts, subframe..... EVERYTHING needed for the conversion! The best deal i found so far in the states was a "rebuilt" engine for around $2,000 not including a subframe etc..... just an engine/trans and nothing else. most shops I've found charge a core fee ($700 is alot to eat being I currently don't have a 1275 engine to give back) plus I pay shipping both ways. For instance one shop wants around $1,000 for a used (tested for compression only) engine + $700 for the core+ shipping both ways= over $2,000 for a used engine that's most likely out of a junk yard. If you know of a place that can top this guys deal... do tell!

 

Finding shipping that's not gonna kill you (ie, end up being the same total price as buying here) is the problem. My best suggestion is to contact Emma or Terry Pittaway at Phoenix Cargo in the UK. They are freight consolidators and might be able to squeeze your motor in someone else's container/shipment. Or you may be able to ship on a pallet via Phoenix. They are excellent and know the best way.

http://www.phoenix-cargo.com/

 

that's the kinda help I was looking for.... that should get the ball rolling. thanks alot!