Alex, what's your 998 specs? 998's are a bit easier to come by out here sometimes as I have been passing them by. Wish I hadnt now. Spoke to someone recently that was entirely satisfied with their 998's - started a thread on this

We used to drive annually from Seattle to Portland Oregon in an unmodified 1973 Mini with a 998 at 75mph. It really ate fuel at that speed so we usually tried to keep it down to about 65mph but it was hard to keep it at the lower speed.

Kelley

Cobblers.

I haven't yet had a 998 that wouldn't cruise at 75mph or faster if modified.
My current 998 is happier and quieter at 80+ than at 70.

Al and Mart! - was that the black one with the lic. plate "SQUEEZIN" ?  Loved that car.

Still have a picture somewhere of it....adjusta suspension right?

Next on my bucket list is a Mini Estate.  Clubman or roudnnose - I like'm both.

Saving my dosh right now to buy the wife a "winter beater" for next year as her current one is falling apart.  Likely end up with a 04-06 Subaru Outback Wagon (autobox).

Wish I would be able to afford the ex-Tim Bosse CE, but alas, I am out of money....sigh !

BIG AL

my italian mayfair had a 998, 12" wheels and 2.9 diff and i would do 135 km/h at 4800 rpm on the highway (flat, not uphill) all day long.

There were some 998's produced (80's basic Mini City's come to mind) that were fitted with a 2.9 FD gear and they would cruise at 75mph all day long.

I see the yellow Mini in the for sale section "cruises smoothly at 75mph" with a 998 engine? Maybe 75KMH, not MPH. Most 998's would be happy to even reach 75mph, let alone cruise happily at that speed. Maybe a special 998 engine?

BIG. AL

How much did they sell for?

Kelley

Image Gallery

Found this Clubbie Wagon in North Hills, CA. It's been sitting there for years. I took the pictures today while visiting my upholster. I believe the shop owner in the complex is selling it. Never asked.

George

BIG AL

I think the definition of a rebuilt motor is variable to some people.  I agree with you that everything must be done on your list.  I have a friend that restores cars as a sideline, and his definition is replace the rings if the compression is low and clean everything.  He also puts the old brakes back in even if they were soaked in brake fluid.  I always tell people ask for receipts and look at the dates on the receipts.  

Jerry

I was contacted by a fellow I knew in the 70s. Back then he had a 1275 Sprite. Seems he still has it and wants the engine rebuilt. He contacted me because I had a mini and a Sprite back then. I have learned to address the budget right up front. His plan was strip, clean, hone, install rings, valve stem seals, gaskets and put back together. While I'm sure this has and can be done I'm not up for such a job. I'm more inclined to go over board.

Bore , clean, hone block

install cam bearings and brass freeze plugs

surface cyl block ( pre assemble and check piston to deck clearance ) 

polish or grind and polish crank ( as required )

recon connecting rods, check alignment

balance assembly

press pistons off and on rods

valve job head

install valve guides

mildly port head

install hard exhaust seats

new valves and springs to match camshaft

cc head and surface to adjust C/R

rebush or replace rockers and shaft

rebuild carbs with shaft bushings and master SU kit

rebush dizzy index and recurve for cam and C/R

assemble and degree camshaft. 

run in on test stand to break in cam, lifters, rings

surface flywheel, replace ring gear

install new pilot bushing 

Parts:

pistons

rod, main, cam bearings

cam and lifters ( no more regrinds the new pressure oiling cams are nice )

oil pump 

guides

valves

seats

springs 

timing chain or kit

SU kit 

gaskets, seals

plugs 

oil and filter

water pump

by pass hose

thermostat, water outlet housing

Cooper S two part balancer 

It's hard to do all this on a shoe string. Point is a $5000. mini power unit is not a big ticket item. Steve (CTR)

I can see that yellow Minis are in vogue these days. Many of those on the ' for sale' section are. Was that ever an original factory color? I think mine was originally painted beige

Good catch Alex,
There is a lot of details on that one that just look worse the more you look at them. The engine room looks great at first glance, then......

And not least:

• 1300 Metro turbo Rods (aka standard A+ rods)
• Metro Turbo Crank balanced (if a CAM 6581, an excellent choice, but if a CAM 6232, it's just an another A+ crank)
• Camshaft is Metro Turbo (aka standard A+ camshaft)
• 12G940 Metro Turbo Head (aka the most restrictive 1275 A+ head from the factory)
• Metro Turbo Intake Manifold (akin to infamous DCOE swan-neck in terms of flow)
• Heavy Duty Turbo Metro Rod Change Gear set (aka standard A+ gears, albeit likely more worn than a standard A+ gearset)

I'll give the seller of the MPi points for honesty about the age of the car, and then remove them for stupidity regarding the age of the car...

I don't like the expensive Clubmanectomy.
The $5k engine isn't all that.
If it does have all the turbo bits advertised, then it will run worse than a basic 1275 out of a bottom end Metro or a Sprite - a turbo cam is particularly mild, and the inlet is designed for boost not a NA application...

There is also a lot of overspray in the engine compartment and something funky on the sills.

Oh I agree with you Al. For that much money it damn well better be just about perfect. Rust should not even enter the conversation. Winter is hanging on like crazy in my part of Ontario Al. Enjoy Florida.

Hey Al....I believe they retired the Famous "Death Offers", when you hung up the spanners. Not sure my old ticker could have coped with one of those. Enjoy your stay in Florida.....got to be better than shoveling snow? Jim