mk1-forum.net

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!