Of course it was a 283. In my advancing years numbers are leaving me. Old phone numbers are not a problem but last week I forgot my old scout troop number. Interestingly many years ago I set up a test for myself and that if I ever forgot Avogadro's number (6.025 × 10 to the 23rd) then it was time to start looking for a rest facility. I still have not passed that threshold but I am embarrassed that I got that wrong. And it was not a typo, it was, sadly, a mistake. I think I had 327 in my head that confused me but this definitely was a 283 Chevy small block.

Rich

PS-the first job I ever had (1968) was as the counter boy in the parts department of a Chevy Dealer (KORT Chevrolet in Queens) and I still can remember some parts numbers now that I think about it. Funny how the mind works. <G>

 

NO NO NO.

That was a typo my auto checker kicked in.

Avogadro's number = 6.0221415 × 10 to the 23.

Sorry.

///Me

PS-My kids are not putting me away yet!

 

Really depends on the class, doesn't it? When I took engine rebuilding back in 1977 at a community college, we were divided into teams of three, and one of us provided the engine. I provided an inline 3.0 from an MGC I was restoring. The instructor never once used a student's engine to show us something. He had a demo small block that he would show us on, and we were expected to use what we learned on our projects.

Because it was my engine, I watched the other two guys like a hawk, but they did as well as I did. That engine ultimately worked fine.

I would recommend buying the Bentley Book for the Mini, and just start reading through it, and familiarizing one's self with the car and it's systems.

 

Absolutely. I am not sure that a class where students supply engines is the norm as simple things will get in the way of progress on any given night. Any wrong part can stop a class cold. And if the engine needs to be machined in any way then there could be some attachments that the shop simply wouldn't have. Torque blocks for instance. Small and large block Chevy and Fords perhaps. A 3.0-Litre MGC? Not my shop. <G>

Absolutely. And a general auto class is always good too. It is funny how many people I see that don't know why a wrench is offset or how to properly torque a bolt. Or even what a quality screwdriver looks like.

No one, in my opinion, should pay for oil changes, brake jobs, or tune-ups these days particularly on a Mini. Engines? Or a clutch on a Mini, I think both are beyond most enthusiasts. Particularly if it's a car that needs to be used for transportation to or from work or anything else scheduled or important. But I never discourage someone with courage, money and time. And access to a flatbed if necessary.<G>

///Rich

 

Here you guys go...

I have gone back to my dealership and demanded that they at least try and get a little help from Mini USA. They just got back to me with a pretty generous offer. Total, it would cost $13000.00 to get a new engine (long block), clutch, and supercharger. Mini USA offered to cover HALF of the cost! So basically we're looking at $5500.00 out the door with a new installed engine, supercharger and clutch. I have given them the GO and should get my car back within a week.

Thanks to everyone for the support!!

 

Glad it worked out well for you