Mini/AA 1098, anyone running one, building tips appreciated

[BritBits]

Back in 1992 when I bought my '63 Cooper 997 and realized that the engine was tired I started looking for possible replacements.   At that time the choices seemed to be a 998 or 1275.  Since the costs to machine and the parts prices are similar, the 1275 was the no-brainer replacement, when 1275s were reasonably priced.   Seems I missed that era by my usual 2 months... most people with any form of 1275 treat them like they're solid gold.

In my searches since I've had trouble finding 998s and 1275, but 1098s have followed me home like lost puppies.   One is even a factory replacement engine, no one I found could decode the tag completely.

It didn't make much sense 20 years ago to build one up, but it's looking more attractive now.    The last 1275 I found had a $2500 price tag, used and not guaranteed.    That's more than what the parts/machining for a street engine cost a few years ago.

Just wondered if anyone in the group has suggestions and pitfalls that Vizard neglected in TBASE.

Cheers,

Jim
McKinney
Too many projects, not enough cents.

[John Lieberman]

I can't help you with the 1098, Jim, because I have no experience with that motor.  However, I do know that build-up parts for it are not that common.

However, if you'd like to go with a 998, I've got an A+ one here that I'll GIVE you (or anybody else who might be interested) if you'll drive to Shreveport and pick it up.  It came with one of the parts cars that I've bought over the years.

The motor and head are intact -- and in dire need of rebuilding -- but most of the ancillary parts are missing.  There's no gearbox and no dizzy, flywheel housing, dipstick tube, or spin-on oil filter assembly.  However, I believe I've got a flywheel housing, Verto clutch assembly, and oil filter assembly that I'll be glad to toss in with the take-away deal.

Again, it's free for the taking if anybody wants to come and get it.

JL
 

[BritBits]

John,

Let me discuss the idea of a road trip to the family.   Any a/x events coming up in your neck of the woods?

The 1098 is a stroked 998, same bore.   Yeah, thing like piston height/dish need to factored in.   I've been told there are people who've stretched them into the low 1200cc range with some creative parts swaps.  They were used in Minis in the late 70s.According to one source:

1098cc  64.58 X  83.72mm   

45bhp @ 5250rpm   56lb ft @ 2700rpm    1975-80: Mini Clubman
48bhp @ 5100rpm    60lb ft @ 2500rpm   1979-80: Mini 1100 Special

Then again, even Vizard lists the 12A185 cylinder head as the "original" S head.   I've got 2 of them, they are definitely small bore, and 9 stud.


Cheers,

Jim, Diana and Mini Me
almost Oklahoma

[John Lieberman]

Next AutoX here is 4/22.

I checked the tag on the motor -- 99H997P  169938 -- which tells me it's an A+ 998 that was made after '85 with flat top pistons, a center tang in the main cap, and circlip-mounted wristpins.

The head on my car right now is an 11-stud 12G940 that I got in a whole pile of parts when Graham was liquidating his shop in Austin.  I'm not really sure he knew exactly what he was selling me for $600.  In addition to that 12G940, there were also a couple of 12G1316 smog heads, the motor that's in the car now, a pile of clutch discs, the fender flares, and Lord knows what else.  Filled half of my pickup truck bed.  The next weekend, I went back and got his trailer for $500!   

[BritBits]

Yeah, I wish I'd been in a position to grab more of Grahams bits and pieces when he closed his shop.   He is a true gentleman in the LBC business.

In 1995 he met me at TWS with the Cooper S axle shaft I needed to get the car on track, and we spent the drivers meeting time installing the axle.  Later in the weekend he met me in pit row to check tire temps, he questioned what I was using on my street spec A008Gs in 13" rims.   Some racers look down on Autocross, but you do learn how to read tires and set pressures.   Good enough that I got a Healey 3000 driver to wave me by. 

Cheers,

Jim
Almost Oklahoma, for now