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1977 Leyland Mini
I've had my mini since July 2001, I have replaced nearly every moving part, a few
non-moving parts and added some shiny bits.
I've also broken
down many times, in many places.
EXTERIOR
Group 2 race arches, works type lamp bar with 2 Lucas spots and 2 Lucas
foglamps, sump guard,
halogen headlamps (1 cracked), mk1 grille, mk2 rear lights, Lucas reversing light, Morris
bonnet badge
ENGINE
1293cc engine, stage 2 head, Swiftune SW5 camshaft, 1.75" SU carb, RC40 exhaust, electronic ignition
TRANSMISSION
Standard clutch and rebuilt gearbox
SUSPENSION
Up-rated dampers with Hi-lo's all round
BRAKES
Servo assisted, drilled and grooved 8.4" discs, EBC greenstuff pads
WHEELS & TYRES
10" alloy wheels, Falken FK-07E 165/70/10 tyres
INTERIOR
Corbeau GT4 40th anniversary bucket seats, LUKE 3 point harnesses, 3 leg
rear rollcage, MOMO leather steering wheel with Raid snap-off kit, walnut dash,
magnolia gauges, re-trimmed rear seat, chrome door bits
So far my mini has had 5 engines. The first got a bit old, so it was forcibly removed by myself and James. Unfortunately the replacement engine only lasted 2 weeks before it passed away on a cold winter's night. Once back home in Kent a suitable replacement engine was found.
The third engine came attached to an MG Metro and lasted pretty well (for £50).
Unfortunately it came to a premature end and was removed to make way for the fourth.
It has been suggested that the reason I've gone through 3 engines could have something to do with my driving! I maintain that I've simply been unlucky.
I ordered a rebuilt engine, gearbox and stage 2 cylinder head from Morspeed who told me that it would be delivered in about 2 weeks. The engine and gearbox finally arrived without the promised flywheel after 5 weeks and many phone calls. They did however send the 'balanced' flywheel after another couple of calls. Unfortunately it was without any clutch parts! 'How can you balance the flywheel without the clutch?' I hear you ask. Either by being bloody good or f***ing stupid! A clutch has been purchased attached to the flywheel and rebalanced.
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8 1/2
weeks on and the cylinder head arrived! The engine was finally put into the engine bay
and it worked! I completed the initial running in period and changed the oil
twice before having it tuned at a rolling road session. All was going a little
too well and about 30 miles later whilst on a dual carriageway the gearbox died,
the wheels locked up and the VERY large lorry behind me was very nearly in my
boot. £90 later it was back home, the engine was removed and sent back to Morspeed where the gearbox was fixed the engine was checked over and deemed to
be fine.
The engine was refitted in time for London to Brighton only to find that it's burning oil. A further call to Morspeed has resulted in a 5th engine being built.
I fitted new wheels along with some wider arches, a sump guard, new seats are, a groovy 60's style 3 leg rollcage and some harnesses.
The roof was in desperate need of a re-spray
because it was under a car cover for a while which ate into the paintwork. I was
just preparing to give it a go myself but leaving it for a few hours in Camden
resulted in someone walking over the top to give me a nice rippled effect.
Finally, after a further 5 months the new engine arrived and amazingly seems to be working fine! Although shortly after I'd put it in a bouncing brick removed part of the numberplate and footwell.
Every Mini has a natural balance. You may think that it is possible to have a fully functioning Mini in which everything works as it should, but frankly you'd be wrong. If you upset the natural balance by fixing something then inevitably another thing will go wrong. To maintain a successful relationship with your Mini you must accept this balance and realise that your efforts to create a perfect car will ultimately be in vain. Only with this acceptance can truly fulfilling Mini ownership be attained.
Thanks to everyone who's helped along the way, particularly Shaun and Andy at Sevenoaks Minis, James and Ryan for their help with transplanting engines, Marsha for re-trimming the back seat and my mum and dad for many other things including their continued patience and the use of their garage.
