11 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

Thinking about buying a Hillman Imp as a second car, as some one I know is looking to sell his and will do it for a very good price. The only problem I have with buying it is insuring it. It has twin carburettors, a race cam and it's been bored out to 998c. Of course, this adds a lot to the cost of insurance. I'm thinking that I will need to find a standard 875cc block, standard carb and cam to get a sensible quote. Is there anywhere that you can still buy these engines from? Alternatively, are there any insurance companies that will not hugely increase your insurance premium because of performance modifications?

Edited by Black Civic, 09 August 2009 - 11:13 PM.

[arnie]

i love the imps, suerly insurance not gunna be that much. don't tell them about the cam, they can't see that, best to tell about other mods tho, just incase. as for parts im sure you can still get them.

simon.

[Mini_Magic]

Insurance for me is very cheap, if it wasn't for the cam, block and twin carbs.

Edited by Black Civic, 09 August 2009 - 11:19 PM.

[mini_mad69]

Insurance for me is very cheap, if it wasn't for the cam, block and twin carbs.

Someone in my school had one, it had a standard 998 engine, are you sure it's bored out?


Could you just not fit a standard one in and sell the tuned one?



Ben

[analogue_radio]

Imps are so sick, one of the next automobiles on my endless list of want.

[analogue_radio]

The 1965 Hillman Imp of Roger Hurt climbs the kerbs on the exit of Abbey - Top Hat Masters Historic Saloon Car race, Silverstone Classic 2008


Roger Springett - Greetham 850 Hillman Imp - Silverstone 1974

Just some pictures

[Mini_Magic]

Someone in my school had one, it had a standard 998 engine, are you sure it's bored out?

I thought they only came with 875cc engines, the owner tells me it's been bored out.

Could you just not fit a standard one in and sell the tuned one?

Of course, but where on earth can you still buy one of these engines from?

There really doesn't seem to be much of a following for these cars. You can pick up a really good one for bargin money, you could barely get a Mini with an MOT for the same price.

[Guess-Works.com]

My first car

Ex hillclimb imp, sounds simlar spec but as above, make sure it's not just a stilleto engine which were 998 and came as standard with uprated cam and twin strombergs, also the exhaust was a twin pipe down into the box.

As for availability of parts, having been out of the imp scene for the best part of 25 years can't help, but I think you're looking for specialist breakers or get in touch with the clan or imp owners clubs.

[Angelic_Fruitcake]

Great cars, good choice

As for engines and spares, this might help if you do decide to swap it out for an 875cc

Linky

Hope it helps!

Edited by Angelic_Fruitcake, 10 August 2009 - 07:35 AM.

[sprintmini]

Try the Imp club.
I have had Imps in the past as you say the 998 is the hot engine for the Imp.
Im sure someone still has an Imp engine still knocking around.
If your struggling to find one give me a shout I still have friends involved in the Imp club.

[Teapot]

Hmm ... what can be my excuse for posting this pic? Er, well, there are still Imps around on the race scene
as evidenced by this one at Castle Combe in, um, 2006 (bit old but hey, who isn't?).

I borrowed an 850 for a week in about 1970 and with a sack of cement in the boot (front) it was great fun
in the lanes of Cornwall. Slick gearchange, I recall.

[Mini_Magic]

make sure it's not just a stilleto engine which were 998 and came as standard with uprated cam and twin strombergs, also the exhaust was a twin pipe down into the box.

The engine came from a Imp specialist and was fitted with twin Webbers, not twin Strombergs, so I don't believe it is a Stilleto engine. I could be wrong though.

Thanks for the advice and links everyone.