Parts are around and as you know I can't throw anything away. I've been driving an 850 in Seattle for 25 years. Not great on the highway but I can generally keep up with traffic on the hills.

Kelley

whee, if you're in a hilly or mountain area, the 850 even if you're alone will spend lots of time in lower gears.  Meanwhile 850's were usually given
away when engine swaps were done.  Now with $5/ gall gas, they might become more dear.  I"ve got a bunch of 850 stuff surplus to my needs right now. I'll need to dig it out. I'm in NY

Like this? Both 1967 850 Mokes

Three-four years ago I found STD 850 pistons rings were hard to get; finally scored two sets from ebay.

I have done a few 850 s in the recent past. I bought a couple of sets of NOS O/S pistons when I located them also a set of 997 NOS pistons. I recall the main bearings are different and required a little looking. Not having three cam bearing is something I'm not crazy about. I like to increase performance in every build. A cam and some valve springs would benefit form more cam bearings. My first 850 ( driven though three years of college ) had .060 Powermax pistons, line bored for all cam bearings, zero decked, 510 Cooper S cam, 295 cyl. head with alloy retainers, Isky springs and .125 shaved off head. A little work on water pump and pulley were required to clear but other wise it was a great little engine. Twin 1 1/4 SU s, a Cooper S header shortened and S dizzy. 

Early wet crank 850s present there own problems. I change the crank and go to later flywheel as light as I can get and balance the assembly with a Cooper 2 pc. damper. Steve (CTR)

PS I have not found anyone giving 850 s away for some time. 

I have never had an issue getting 850 parts.  Been working on them for over 35 years.  Most of the time you have to call and ask, as they are slow moving parts, but they are usually sitting on someone's shelf.  Engines are still given away.  I have a spare Moke 850 sitting around waiting for the day it may be needed.  What makes a Moke 850 different from any other?  The FA stamped on the engine ID plate that indicates it is set up for low grade fuel. 

Hi whee, I suppose it depends on whether you want a trailer queen or a fun toy (or a real car)....

I have a 1071 that's survived pretty much box stock (shipped to Oz 8 days after it was built - cars don't rust in Oz

Quandary.... enjoy or park???  Lots of bits that once used (up) can't be replaced.  

Solution?  Pack the 1071 power train away, fit a Mk II S power train (almost  identical) and enjoy.  30 years later its been raced, commuted in, gone on long road trips and generally enjoyed.

And it can still be put back to stock should anyone be stupid enough to offer enough money......

My advice??  Find an 1100 and pack the 850 away... No one will notice ...buy a fake engine plate if you're that squeamish..
Having run an 850 for several years as a college student - including several 3500 mile trips .... well to quote one of my Yankee mates .. its real and its fun.... but maybe not real fun..

If it *really* matters one day, its only a couple of days work to drop the 850 back in....

Cheers, Ian

I think I've got some NOS pistons somewhere in a box in Ohio.

Any concerns I should have around 850 engine parts availability?

Looking at a car I'd want to keep original, so swapping a new engine in would not be an option.

Thanks in advance!