Elf: Keep Standard or Not?

[tedmcedd]

Hello all!

I have picked up a mk3 Elf...

Its white, black interior and Automatic.

Supposedly rare in this combination, but I like the fact Elf's/Hornets are a bit posh, and have two tone etc...

Also, I'm not an Auto person, so was thinking of converting it... I have a spare 295 head and some twin SUs, so was thinking of a cooper 998 idea...?

Question is, would I spoil it if I changed it to manual and did it two tone? My plan is to restore it and use for a while, then sell it on, so would it be better as an original car?

What would you do!!?



Ed

[mini63]

If you keep it an Elf then all should be good.
Put the auto engine aside for the future and build a manual eng/gearbox to your liking.
Any mods you do try and keep in mind to keep them reversible for any future owners.

[irlmin]

Put in a 1275 auto , will make a huge difference in performance and still retain the auto rarity .
G

[rich@minispares.com]

as with any mini, its yours to do with as you like......


I think I would keep it as an auto and see how it copes, then, at worse case, swop it later

[mk1]

I agree with Rich. You may grow to like the auto box, after all it's a bit different.

If you don't then put a manual in at a later date.

M

[surfblue63]

On the two-tone paint, Hornets that were painted Toga White came with a Trafalgar Blue (grey interior) or Damask red (red interior) roof if you want a correct(ish) colour scheme.

Personally I would convert it to manual and store the old engine and box away. I'd also put on 7.5" discs, 295 head, twin carbs, SW05 cam, etc etc.

[tedmcedd]

Hmmm... Still undecided!

It's got a full black interior... It's snowberry white all over. Might look good with a red or black roof...

I think I'll leave it auto, as you've pointed out, it's easy enough to change later, plus, I don't have any spare remote boxes!!

I'll keep you all posted!

Ed

[Tupers]

I quite enjoyed my old automatic SPI it definitely made for a more driving which would probably suit an Elf.

The only thing I'd be wary of is the condition of the gearbox as they can be very expensive to rebuild properly.

[Supersonic]

The Mk3 Riley Elf is now a very rare child and snowberry white is lovely. I would keep it the original colour and run the automatic until it starts to give trouble. In the interim get yourself a manual MG / Wolseley / Riley / Vanden Plas 1100 engine and have it ready for installation. These 1098 cc engines look 100% the same as the 998 cc engine with better performance.

Keep us updated

Alan

[tedmcedd]

I have an 1100 block that I was thinking of using with the 295 head I have. I Aldo have some hillman imp Pistons....

We shall see!

Pick it up next week!