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Hello guys. I am messaging you from Zimbabwe. We have a lot of these minis sitting in barns and I would like to start restoring them. My question is regarding the engine.

What engine could I put that pumps out power enough for a 500km or even that pumps out enough power that you don't feel like the car is straining? Should I swap out the original for a vtec engine?

What about the electricals for the lights and dash and etc?

Regards

Terry

Hi Terry,

Welcome. I have been to Zim a few times, I had rellies out there for a long time. Sadly due to the situation over the last years they are all either dead or got away.

Normally, a question about engine swaps on here would provoke a pretty bad reaction, but under the extreme situation in Zimbabwe, I hope folks resist the temptation. Getting spare engines or even parts for them is NOT easy out there.

The big problem that you have is that there are only very few engines that will physically fit. Personally, I would suggest one of the smaller engines from things like K11 Micra engines would be a good bet. Yes, V-Tec's & some Vauxhall engines do fit with a lot of work, but TBH I don't really know how much work this entails.

If I am being absolutely honest. With the price that decent MK1 shells command nowadays, if I was you, I'd be looking for ways to export the shells & put the cash towards getting something more practical. I know that the most practical answer is not the "best" one.

Regards,M

There is a good thread here about "practical engine swaps".

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=966744

Micra Engine

https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/t ... in-a-mini/

A mini with a 1300 A Series engine is a very decent little car. OK, it doesn't make huge power, but the car is only light & it will zip along.

OK, getting a 1275 A Series in Zim is probably impossible, but it may be no more impossible than finding something like a Micra engine.

If they are Mk1 or 2 minis in those barns, and if you can export them, you may be surprised as what profit you might make

They will almost all be. I have never seen a MK3 on in Zim. The BMC plant closed down due to sanctions put in place by harold Wilson in 1967.

https://www.aronline.co.uk/around-the-w ... -rhodesia/

Welcome to the forum...Maybe you could find a power unit from the 1100/1300
( ado16 ) range as they bolt right in...Just a thought.

Ok, the idea of getting these body shells and exporting interests me. What prices may I expect from buyers? I am in the timber business and as i am always in the rural areas, i find these golden goodies a lot. From Minis to even old series Land Rover defenders.

Do i post the pictures here? Or do you give me your emails and I send the pictures you? I could use the money made from exporting them to build my mini bit by bit.

Terry

Terry, I'll PM you.

Regards,

Mark

mk1 wrote: ↑Thu May 13, 2021 4:59 pm They will almost all be. I have never seen a MK3 on in Zim. The BMC plant closed down due to sanctions put in place by harold Wilson in 1967.

https://www.aronline.co.uk/around-the-w ... -rhodesia/

Good old Harold Wilson , another Yorkhire lad

Interesting thread Mark , I had relatives in Rhodesia , they came back to the uk ,the three daughters could not settle here and went to S, Africa and the parents followed , noboby has had any contact since

Zimbabwe simply doesn't have the infrastructure to deal with foreign trade - either import or export. Certainly in any legal or meaningful sense.

Quote from Dept of Trade and Industry letter recently.

There used to be a landcover exchange place North of JoBerg, but I am going back 20 years. Many of their spares came in from Zimb and they seemed to be able to rebuild anything. I had one of their vehicles for about 3 weeks in Capetown and it was quite a mish mash, hence I found out the story of their rebuilding. I've no idea how things are there now of course, so hope something comes out of it for you.