Got it, I'll reply and we can talk about what you have, what you want and how best to get there. Steve (CTR)

Steve, I sent you an email inquiry about your engine work via your aol account.  Hope that was the correct address.  Thanks. 
 

just now seeing this. Glad OP is getting sorted. For reference:

//www.minimania.com/cars4sale/12180/New_Old_Stock_998_pre_A_engine_Mini

Good talking with you on the phone. Glad I can help you out. Strange how these threads work. I now have 5 cyl heads in the machine shop and two at the guy who does my porting work. 

There is no reason a 998 can't be used with good result. You won't blow by anyone on the highway but can run 65/70 all day long. 

The current plan is to rebuild his power unit. 295 cyl head O/S valves and hard exhaust seats, surfaced .100 with flat top pistons and piston to deck adjusted for 10.2 to 1 C/R. Rebore to .040 with a new 997 cam and lifters. Alloy intake with 38 HIF and small Cooper type header. Tranny freshened and 3.1 CWP. Steve (CTR)

Steve if you would please send me a price to rebuild my block and install the new head. This would be with us pulling the motor and delivering it to you and we would pick it up when completed.

The car is in Raleigh because i am stationed at Fort Bragg and i am in Raleigh on the weekends.  I have a better workshop in Raleigh.  Thanks for the help.

After getting your email I dropped by the shop and stripped a early 998 casting glass beaded and cracked tested it before dropping it off at machine shop with new guides. They will run it though the cleaning tank, drive the guides out install new. Hardened exhaust seats will be installed as well as new lead free slightly O/S valves with springs caps keepers and seals. 

I understand the car and you are not in the same place. It's about half way between the two of us. If need be I can hook up the trailer and pick the car up and bring it in for repairs. Then you could drive it home or I could deliver. I have had a little run on 850/998 heads recently. While I did not see it coming I have been collecting 998 core units for trannys and engine parts. The small bore heads have not changed much. The 206 and 295 are the ones for performance if you have the money to skim them enough. The 2 A 629 has no place for a temp sender amd the balance all look about the same. I don't mind having an extra ready but do let me know. Steve (CTR)

+1 what Jem said!!

I'd like to know where you can get a "rebuilt" engine for $1000!!  Also, you realize that prices in the UK are in a different currency, so seem lower, but sit down for the cost of shipping a cast iron head!  Then you'll have to pay import duty....  yes, just get one from Steve!

Thanks for the help, I sent you an email

It seems you are new here and have no info in your profile. If you want to email me direct I could give you some pointers. I have three 998 cyl heads in the machine shop right now. I can provide you with a freshly redone head with new guides, valves, hard exhaust seats and surfaced. I'm located mid Atlantic coast. Steve (CTR)

PS I believe I have the matching casting number head to your cracked one.

I have a 1975 mini with the 998 engine. I blew the head gasket, and unfortunately the car sat for a few months.  After taking the engine apart, we managed to get the pistons to move and the engine cycle.  However there was a lot of rust and debris on top of the pistons and in the water jacket.  I took the head to a local shop and it turns out it has a crack in it and I am going to have to replace it.  This is my first time really working on the car other than changing the oil and routine maintenance and I am looking for some advice.  While shopping around I have noticed that a complete head is around a thousand dollars. Also, a rebuilt engine is about the same price.  Is it worth it to go ahead and replace the entire engine/transmission or just the head.  The engine ran perfectly prior to blowing the head gasket.  I also have a new water pump, fan, and all new hoses for the car.  

I have looked into buying one from the UK, since it seems the prices are a little better, but I am worried about shipping and the cost.  Any help would be great. Thanks