Is that marguerite'a old Innocenti? Does that $500 one have a trans to go with? avoid all the hassle, go get that $1200 long block from GTA. If you are going to do it, might as we'll start with new bones. I'll drive to la and back if you get me that $500 engine.....

My 2 cents.

Do you like the car? and plan on keeping it and using it long term...?

Do you want 2 engine lumps with possible issues sitting around?

 Then it is much more prudent to proceed with either the Gold Seal - 1200$ engine listed earlier - - or a full rebuild on your own. Both ways there you would be removing the most risk to another ening failure- or problem.   Rull rebuild will cost a bit more but builder will be able fix the most.

500$ engines are 500$ engines for a reason - Tired - worn out - and likely in need of a rebuild (just the same as your current plant)   WHy go thru the hastle when the cheapo engine dies or does the same and remove twice when once and be done.

Keep the powerplant orignal to the way that innocenti was built. 

I have an update! Finally did the oil change over the weekend and found this:  

 

Driving it around (to warm up the oil before the oil/filter change) there were no unusual noises coming from the engine. There was a slight rattling under load, but it was pointed out that the pitch stop bushings were worn and the engine moves quite a bit while reving (I'm ordering new bushings). During start up there was quite a bit of blue smoke (more than I remember) but after it warmed up there was no smoke at all. There is a cheap ($500) engine and trans local to me and while that may be the cheapest way to get the Mini back on the road (without much worry), I'm wondering if that would be a short term solution. Thoughts/Opinions?

Or...build an overbored 998 ala Graham Russell, get quiet stock Cooper S power (+ 70 hp).

Quote:

Originally Posted by skilit80

Hello Everyone, Thank you for the replies and info! We are still looking at options for our car. @gtamini - Thank you for posting the short block you have for sale. We may consider doing a build and will let you know if we want to pick that up from you (if it is available). @blubox - Thanks! I think that is the direction we are leaning, but still looking to price everything out. @MacEwen - from preliminary estimates it would cost the same to rebuild the 998 vs. getting a 1275 installed...I feel like this shouldn't be as big of a debate as I'm making it...haha @Kermit Wold - I know! I feel like the 1275 would be awesome but I guess I want to keep it simple...we aren't planning to sell the car (and hopefully never "have to") @CupCake - The 1275 would already be a rebuilt engine from MM or Seven...if we do a used engine it would most likely be a 998 @Alex - Good point, although it would be nice to have the engine rev less on the highway @Nicholasupton - Thank you for the offer. If we decide to go that route, I will let you know! Out of curiosity, would you also be able to assist with installation?

Install a 2.95 differential like they did from the factory in the late model Mini City's, with some head exhaust carb work and a mild cam it will pull fine and cruise even better.

Thank you for the replies and info! We are still looking at options for our car.

@gtamini - Thank you for posting the short block you have for sale. We may consider doing a build and will let you know if we want to pick that up from you (if it is available).

@blubox - Thanks! I think that is the direction we are leaning, but still looking to price everything out.

@MacEwen - from preliminary estimates it would cost the same to rebuild the 998 vs. getting a 1275 installed...I feel like this shouldn't be as big of a debate as I'm making it...haha

@Kermit Wold - I know! I feel like the 1275 would be awesome but I guess I want to keep it simple...we aren't planning to sell the car (and hopefully never "have to")

@CupCake - The 1275 would already be a rebuilt engine from MM or Seven...if we do a used engine it would most likely be a 998

@Alex - Good point, although it would be nice to have the engine rev less on the highway

@Nicholasupton - Thank you for the offer. If we decide to go that route, I will let you know! Out of curiosity, would you also be able to assist with installation?

That is a total steal for $1200. 

Thick flange 998 block, maybe a 206 head, dampner, etc.

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I have a brand new 998 short block that my friend is selling. $1200. Its in Los Angeles. His ad is on Craisglist in Los Angeles section. 

George

I would rebuild your 998. Save some money and put in a few goodies,it will be a smoother motor.

Nothing wrong with rebuilding the 998... they are very easy to tune, and you get to keep the engine you like!  Doesn't take too much to get a 998 to produce similar power to a stock 1275...  IMO....

1275, you will make up any additional cost + if you decide to sell the car plus the extra zoom may be worth the price of the ticket.

You might be able to buy a 1275 for the same price as rebuilding the 998 but you would then  have to rebuild the 1275. You could take a chance but rebuilding the 1275 would be the prudent thing to do.

A 998 with a short fd is much more fun though.

I can confirm that rebuilding a 998 is just as expensive as buying a new 1275. If you truely want to keep a 998 in the car send me an email as I know of a replacement that may be aviable. 

A local shop diagnosed what sounds like rod knock in our 998cc engine (1974 Leyland Innocenti 1001). Now we're looking to see what options we have. For some reason, we're really sentimental on the 998cc and was wondering if there are any leads on purchasing a used, but working 998cc near San Francisco? Should we even consider this option, or just go rebuilt/'new'? It seems that rebuilding will cost about the same as 'new' 1275. Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated!