Choose an engine

Hi all

I am busy rebuilding my mini. I am in the process of moving the radiator to the boot and adding widened rear panels to accomodate air ducts into the boot. the reason for this is that here in South Africa the Minis are prone to overheating and I am hoping by doing this and adding two electric fans on a larger radiator might solve the problem. Any opinions?

Secondly, I also want to know your thoughts on engine choice. I have a

1275 lump with 40 o-size pistons. I was thinking of using this engine with a turbocharger. My next option would be to use a 1800 16v Volkswagen Golf engine & box(which I can get at the same price as the turbo alone) and fitting this in the car. I know space is limited but it's doable. I've seen a few similar conversions in the past.

This car is to be used strictly for fun, so practicality is not an issue.

Any thoughts welcome.

Thanks Maverick

Reply to
Maverick
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I am running an MG Metro in my Moke here in SoCal. Last week temps were in

110 degree range and no overheating.

Basically saying if engine is running with proper timing and correct radiator with water wetter then no drastic change needs to be made.

Reply to
OsiTech.Net

Whats water wetter?

rm

Reply to
Rob

Whats the funny thing in the middle -

- bit out of place don't you think :)

Reply to
Rob

It is a bottled substance that claims to make your coolant work better. I have never needed to use it but others say that it is good in a hot engine.

The Muff>

Reply to
The Muffin Man

Well, I'm sure my timing is correct, and I have a brand new 4core radiator in it. I am not familiar with water wetter, but i am using "anti-freeze".

I don't know how high temps get here, but between my mini, my dad's and my sister's I can asure you that it is definitely a problem here.

P.S: just before everybody starts asking questions: Thermostat and waterpump fine, engine flushed. Cyclinder head is not cracked. Everything's in working order,basically.

Reply to
Maverick

The mini spares 2 core "super" rad cools very well, probably the best, with a oil cooler you should be ok,

Steve.

Reply to
Steve68s

Reply to
OsiTech.Net

Hi, A thermostatically controlled fan fitted to your existing radiator should give you all the coolong you need. Keith

Reply to
k

Reply to
OsiTech.Net

Its a product that claims to make the engine run cooler, most good antifreeze mixed with water will make the engine run cooler anyway, the pink VAG stuff seems even better than the cheaper blue antifreeze, & remember they have corrosion inhibitor in them to so its a must for all year round protection, plain water will corrode things too like the aluminium heater valve,

Steve.

Reply to
Steve68s

A 2 core ST "super rad" from mini spares is cheaper than a kenlow fan & thermostat kit! you could fit both though,

Steve.

Reply to
Steve68s

The Golf engine is good but a little wide for mini subframe so you may be needing to limit steering lock a bit once it is all in, I have seen the Golf conversion done the easy way and it looked like someone just lopped all the Golf components off and Welded them onto the mini front end so they had all the VW struts and proper brakes etc, I think the front got lengthened a bit so it all fitted in but it did look like it worked well, you would then get a reliable 130+bhp with a powertrain that could take it! I wouldn't bother with the Turbo personally if you are having overheating problems with a standard engine as they do create a lot of underbonnet heat and you still wouldn't be able to get a reliable power output anywhere near the VW engine without throwing money at it, not forgetting that BL decided the turbo 'box could only just take 110lb/ft torque reliably and so limited the boost at the lower rev ranges to reduce warranty problems, I am not saying that you can't make them a bit more reliable but you do need to spend lot of money on them to get them anywhere near proper German engineering:-) before anyone calls me unimaginable things, yes I do own a mini and a mk1 Golf gti and I like driving them both, although the mini is quicker!

miniman

Reply to
miniman

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