Rover Mini Sprite 1994 - 1293cc - recent engine rebuild by ML Motorsport

1994 Rover Mini Sprite - 1293cc

This is a customised Mini that has had a professional engine rebuild within the last year.

I have owned this Mini for the last four years. and in that time have spent several thousand pounds raising it to the spec that it is today.   Following a recent engine rebuild by renowned Mini specialists ML Motorsport (only 2500 miles ago). it now pulls like a train and never misses a beat.   AC Dodd claims that an engine's life is further shortened not by infrequent servicing. but by a poor engine build. so beware of engine builds that haven't been carried out by a professional.   Unlike many of the modified engines that are out there. this one has been built to last: it is not only quick. but is also driveable as an everyday car.   The only reason that I am selling it is because I need a much bigger vehicle for my work.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of work and modifications that have been carried out. most of which I have receipts for:


Engine and gearbox
March 2012 - complete engine re-build by Andy and AC Dodd at ML Motorsport in Kent.   This included:Stripped and chemically cleanedRe-bored to 1293ccAC Dodd high torque cam shaft - this is the equivalent of the Cooper 1300 cam.   It gives great acceleration. without compromising on driveability or shortening the life of the engineCam bearingsCam followersAC Dodd reground crank shaftReconditioned gearbox - including high ratio final gear and speedo setAC Dodd rebuilt HIF44 carbTiming chainOil pump
Following the engine rebuild. the car did not exceed 3000rpm or 50mph for the first 1000 miles.   It should have only been 500 miles. but ML Motorsport's gas analyser was out of action at the time.   However. the longer the 'running-in' period. the longer the life of the engine will ultimately be. May 2012 - AC Dodd Power Tune - this included a hand-profiled carb needleSeptember 2009 - this car used to be an automatic. but following the death of the auto box in 2009. I decided to replace the engine and gearbox with one from a 1275 manual.   This conversion from auto to manual included replacing the following parts:Gear linkage and shifterAuto to manual conversion engine mounts (auto sub frame is slightly wider than the manual. so conversion mounts are necessary)Clutch master cylinderClutch slave cylinderMinispares uprated radiatorManiflow Stage II Medium Bore LCB exhaust manifoldManiflow 1 7/8" twin box. side exit exhaust pipeOil pumpWater pumpAP racing clutch
Steering. wheels. suspension and brakes
June 2012 - Group 6 wheel arches fitted to frontJune 2012 - 6x12". polished silver. deep dish. Superlight wheels on front
September 2011 - Group 6 wheel arches fitted to rear
September 2011 - 6x12". polished silver. deep dish. Superlight wheels on rearSeptember 2011 - Yokohama A539 tyres on rear - lots of tread left
September 2011 - rear drivers' side radius arm replaced with a reconditioned unit
June 2011 - front discs and pads replaced
May 2011 - rear brake shoes. cylinders and pipes replacedNovember 2010 - Yokohama A539 tyres on front - lots of tread left
April 2010 - Minispares heavy duty adjustable tie rodsMay 2009 - Poly bushes all round
May 2009 - P&L Mini Fast road springs on front and rear - these are a direct replacement for the more traditional rubber 'donuts'.   They are stiff enough to feel secure through the corners. without compromising on comfortMay 2009 - Hi-Lo adjustable ride hight trumpets on front and rear
May 2009 - KYB Gas-a-just shock absorbers on front and rear
Electrics
March 2012 - new distributor cap. rotor arm. and spark plugs
January 2011 - full rewire of car carried out by ML Motorsport - this included a brand new wiring harness from Auto Sparks; a new fusebox; and the installation of a dashboard clock and a cigarette lighter socket
January 2011 - Wipac Quadoptic headlamps
July 2010 - Varta Peugeot 306 Diesel. heavy duty batteryMarch 2010 - Lumitron 8mm blue silicon HT leads
Exterior
June 2012 - front wings professionally modified to accommodate 12x6" wheelsJune 2012 - Group 6 wheel arches fitted to frontSeptember 2011 - Group 6wheel arches fitted to rear
September 2011 - white wing mirrors fittedJune 2009 - professional replacement of bonnet and grill.   Grill now fitted with quick-release grill buttons. for easy roadside removal of grillSome time before I owned this car (pre-November 2008). the previous owner had had the Mini professionally re-sprayed in its original Electric Blue with a white roof.   Also. at some point this car has been undersealed. although this could probably do with a fresh treatment.
Interior
January 2010 - Custom Consoles. blue and white dashboardJanuary 2010 - Custom Consoles. blue and white centre console - including directional heater vents. and cigarette lighter socketJanuary 2010 - Custom Consoles. under dashboard. 6" speaker podsJanuary 2010 - Custom Consoles. boot-lining kit
In-car entertainment
The car is fitted with an Alpine IDA-X100 head unit. which powers a pair of Vibe 350 watt 6" speakers in the front. and a pair of Pioneer 6x9" speakers under the rear seat.   This setup is perfect for anyone with an i-Pod or i-Phone. as the head unit features a TFT full colour screen. which will display the album art from your Apple device.   The unit will also play music straight from a memory stick.   Minis can be noisy cars to drive. but this stereo is loud enough to cancel out the engine and road sounds.
All of the work that has been done to this Mini will ensure that it will stay on the road for many years to come.   I will be extremely sad to see this car go.   It has been a lot of fun to drive. and has taught me lots about engines and mechanics.

This car is being sold with three-and-a-half months' MOT remaining. and with five-and-a-half months' tax left.   Viewings are welcome.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

Want to buy this car?