She's alive! Fired up instantly after setting the timing. Clutch bled and coolant added. Will see tomorrow if theres any leaks 🙈 had a little spare time too and got the sump gaurd on there. Onto the rear suspension next ☺
Headgasket and head are on! Only thing left is the carb. Had a problem with the inlet manifold not clearing the exhaust so it needs a little work. Learning some new skills today too. setting up points, rocker arm and spark plugs gaps should come in handy on the rally :)
Engine mounted and fully wired in, brand new polybush steadys and engine mounts, some nice braided and silicone hose replacements and new ground. Hubs, exhaust and gear linkages connect back up.. Just need the head on and she may be running in the next day or two 😁
Some new tools have arrived, finally can start removing the old engine and preparing the shell to accept the new one! #mongolrally #mini #classic #miniadventure
As per rally rules engines of 1200cc + are banned. Our old engine is a 1275, which to be honest didn't have a great deal of life in it. I've sourced a 998cc motor to replace it with which is perfectly inadequate for the journey ahead! Stick around as we swap this out and fix the rest of the car while we are at it!
Once mechanics are sorted the fun mods begin.
Our steed! A 1983 Austin Mini, currently resting in a garage in a none working state. With a little loving and a lot of elbow grease hopefully this cute little car will take us the big big distance to the finish line without too many hiccups.
Over 300 teams in farcically small and colourful vehicles begin the 11,000 + miles across the mountains, desert, and steppe of Europe and Asia, taking 45-50 days to complete and travelling through approximately 16 countries. There`s no back-up, no support, and no set route, just you, your fellow adventurists and a tiny car you bought from the scrapyard for £11.50.