27 replies to this topic

[Down&Out]

i need to know what reliability mods there are. because my mini will be a daily driver, reliability would be nice
lets start a list...

1. electronic ignition

[mr_apples]

i have used mini's as daily drivers, i would say that they are mechanically very reliable driven sensebly

its the electrics that cause most problems i find, dodgy contacts etc. waterproof connectors would be nice

[Kinjo]

Jerry can of fuel in the boot

[Asphalt]

- Don't buy cheap/bad spare parts
- Handle it with care
- no electronic ignition

With breakers and points you'll see instantly where the problem is.
Kondenser, breaker - dead cheap and mega easy to change.
But with a little fault in an elektronic brain... -> pain (just my opinion)

The best way to improve reliability is... Keep to the effing maintainance plan

It's 50's technologie - even though it's build in 1986.
If you maintain it like 50's cars need it - you'll have almost now worries for thousands of miles.

Cheers,
Jan

[Down&Out]

i have used mini's as daily drivers, i would say that they are mechanically very reliable driven sensebly

its the electrics that cause most problems i find, dodgy contacts etc. waterproof connectors would be nice

down worry ill me modding the loom, i.e what you said and installing some stuff

[Ethel]

electronic ignition - end of list

That's it really,

Just keep it well maintained, particularly the electrics and cooling system. Even if old motors can be less reliable, you at least stand some chance of coaxing them back in to life at the roadside. Carry a few spares.

Might just be worth fitting a filter king to give the carburettor an easier time of it.

[Dog]

Might just be worth fitting a filter king to give the carburettor an easier time of it.

Agreed!

As minis (older ones) never had any sort of filter before the carb, which has casued me lots of problems in the past with C**p in the carb.

I fitted a filter reg to the Van, and if I had kept it, I would fit it onto to Voodoo too!

As above really, generally, as fairly standard/mild-tuned enigne will be more reliable than a full blown A-Series. N/a Can be more reliable than turbo etc, but then, if looked after, and not raced everywhere, turbos can be just as reliable, with a bit more pep.

I half agree, and half disagree with the Dizzy ideas. Personally, electronic is good, don't get me wrong, but a manigold over the dizzy cap can be just as good and as Asphalt said, with points, if they are sticking, you'll soon know about it.

But as said already too, its the electronics on/in a Mini that fail more often, and its normally the acciralies that go duff, not the actul engine. Oh and the gearboxes.

Personally, I'd get the stongest diff you can afford (Minispares Xpin for example), with a 3.44 or longer diff to stop it revving its nuts off, causing more wear. a Nice single carb, with a fairly standard setup, and a bloody good rolling road, and keep up the maintance, and things should be be quick dandy

[Down&Out]

yeah im going for leccy ignition because iv seen the one for 6.50would one of those water heated manifolds inprove things?

[Dog]

yeah im going for leccy ignition because iv seen the one for 6.50would one of those water heated manifolds inprove things?

All heating inlets do, is regulate the tuning.

I'd say yes its worth it, but you do sarifice a small amount of power doing so.

[mr_apples]

i have used mini's as daily drivers, i would say that they are mechanically very reliable driven sensebly

its the electrics that cause most problems i find, dodgy contacts etc. waterproof connectors would be nice

down worry ill me modding the loom, i.e what you said and installing some stuff

thats my plan on the mini i'm rebuilding, bring the wiring upto a more modern standard. i'm thinking of moving the fuse's and relays inside the car and waterproof connectors.


a single hiff38 or 44 would be my choice

an electric fan, cause you can't really avoid traffic in daily drivers

[Asphalt]

Another addidion would be roller bearings and a fixed needle for the carb.
(I hate that SU HSx C**p...)

Or a HIF carb... They'r much better, imo.

Edited by Asphalt, 06 July 2008 - 12:28 PM.

[Dog]

Another addidion would be roller bearings and a fixed needle for the carb.
(I hate that SU HSx C**p...)

Like wise!!

Good HIF is what you want

HIF38 for a 998,
HIF44 for 1275+

[Ethel]

Use an electronic ignition conversion in the original dizzy and you can still carry spare points 'n a condenser. Electronic ignition produces a stronger spark which helps with starting and firing dirty plugs as well as been less prone to mechanical failure or burnt, pitted contacts. Fit a water heated manifold and you'll need a separate exhaust manifold as the factory cast iron manifolds are one casting. Won't do anything much for reliability but should improve economy and power.

[Down&Out]

yeah ill be having a seperate inlet andoutlet because the stadard exhaust stangles the car

[mr_apples]

not really a reliability mod

internal bonnet release and probably new barrels for the door locks, an alarm

improved security is some thing to think about on daily drivers


i would fit a stage one kit, improved mpg when driven normally