by rocketron » Sun Jun 13, 2010 9:22 pm
Over the past few months I've banged on about Suzuki 1300 tc engines as a good conversion, for those that really want to convert, that is. But I have to agree with Dave Manifold, a well built A series takes some beating. I did 170k on a s/h 1071s. It was reasonably tuned and really good on fuel. I changed the oil regularly: in my opinion this is vital to longevity. If you got an A series and it just wanted a refresh, it would be a shame not to. You don't need to spend an awful lot to rebuild it. Unless you want huge power, then it costs, of course.
For me, anything approaching 100bhp at the wheels in a mini is real hard work if you really need to press on in the rain and in winter. My other car, a Fabia diesel, is not as quick nor as rewarding to drive. I do a frequent journey from North to South Wales and back in one go with a small break in the middle, always after work and late evenings. I've had it, physically, after one way in the mini, but both ways in the Fabia, usually about 2 1/2 hrs each way and never less than 47mpg.( and I've still got my hearing after!)
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE hot Midas/ minis. In my opinion, it would be a great shame to put a hairy engine in your Midas and it becoming tiresome if used as an everyday car.
I've done it.
Regards, Ron