15 replies to this topic

[Calman]

Hi guys, just out of curiosity, would an Austin 1100 engine fit in a Mini? The engine is out of a 68/69 car and is avaliable to me thanks to my Brother. (Thats if it isnt ruined after he banger races the thing )

Exscuse my dimness but I dont even know if they're transerse for starters as i've never worked/seen one. Im presuming its has similar characteristics to the Mini's as he didnt mention anything that would be a problem.

So basically a Yay or Nay and some tips and pointers to how hard this would be.

Thanks

[Ethel]

It'd be better to save the car too, but yes it's the same. Should be a remote shift box though.

[Calman]

Perfect! just what i wanted to hear!

What would need to be done to the Gearbox then? Or is the linkage the problem?

How are the engines then, ie: Reliability, power etc, compared to the Mini lumps?

And finally is it a straight swap then or do i need diferent mounts?

Thanks

[Sherlock]

You will need to fit the engine mounting/lower radiator bracket from the Mini, as the 1100 has an extended front plate with 2 mountings like an MG Midget or similar. The front plate doesn't matter, it won't be in the way of anything. The mounting at the clutch end fits exactly the same, but the 1100 one is thicker so will need to be changed. The remote gearchange is not identical to the Mini, but it will fit, it has a flexible metalastic 'sandwich' mount between remote & diff casing, so doesn't act as well as an engine stabiliser as the Mini remote. If you use 10" wheels you will probably need to change the final drive ratio, it's likely to be 4.1:1 which will give you incredible initial acceleration, but you'll have no top speed & fuel economy will suffer. A 3.4:1 is probably the best all-round diff with 10" wheels.

Edited by Sherlock, 10 December 2009 - 08:54 PM.

[Calman]

Cheers for that.

So i take it i would just use the standad early type mounts?

How do you go about changing the final drive? And most important, how costly does it work out? Was one of the appeals was the fact its a freebie

Thnaks

[Sherlock]

Yes, standard normal Mini engine mounts are correct, it's not difficult to change a differential when the engine & gearbox are out anyway, I know some people change it without taking the engine off the gearbox, but if your Mini has 12" or 13" wheels, it won't really be necessary. There are loads of standard Mini crownwheels & pinions around, I think I paid a tenner for the last one I bought. I'm sure there are a few TMF members with such things they would sell.

[Ethel]

I'd forgotten about the end plate engine stabilizer.

What's the score with the car you're thinking of fitting it to? Might make most sense to keep the Mini's gearbox. Shame it's not a 1300S, that had a Cooper S engine on the same short diff = warp speed on 10 inch wheels

[Calman]

Cheers for the replys guys

Its a *maybe* for my Mk2 in my sig. Im planning to use 10's aswell, so what actaully is it i change for the final drive. (A big question mark for me are those gears and S%*$!)

Could i get away with whipping the diff off my 998 and and using that?

Thnaks

[Cooperman]

The diff, that's crownwheel & pinion as a mathed pair, would be exactly right and your speedo will still then read correctly. Alternatively, make your life easy and use the 998 gearbox. The 1100 engine is almost identical to a 998 exept that it has a longer stroke. The bore is the same and everything is of the same design.

[Calman]

Ok, when you say use the 998 gearbox, could i bolt the 'sump' bit on to the 1100 but still use the 1100 clutch, flywheel assembly etc? Because that was the problem with the current 998 i have. No clutch flywhel etc and no moneys to get the bits

Then entalied by the 998 diff?

Thanks

[Cooperman]

Flywheel and clutch assembly will be the same. It would be worth fitting a new cluth centre plate though.
If the 998 gearbox is OK, you just bolt the 1100 engine onto it using new seals and gaskets. The interface is absolutley identical.

[Calman]

Thanks dude your a star!

I take it i still need to change the diff though? (Last one, promise... )

[Sherlock]

Your 998 gearbox will have the correct diff already fitted in it, so no need to touch it.

[Calman]

Ah ok cheers.

Either way i should get it, even if my brother dosnt buy it, i might, whip the engine ut and flog the shell. Watch my thread!

Thanks again guys

[bmcecosse]

Yes - get the engine. It's a useful step up in power over a 998 - has a better head and cam fitted. just stick it on your 998 box.