Learning Curve

Gavin Bowern sourced a new engine for his first Mini but, feeling it was actually too good for the old car, he went in search of a new project for his first full-on rebuild with his dad. It has evolved into an homage to the Mk3 Cooper S.

- Jim Jupp

Gavin Bowern felt that his 1980s Mini could really do with a new engine, and, looking on the net, found himself what he’d hoped was a suitable starting point. But there was trouble ahead. “I did the classic thing of buying an engine off eBay and it was the biggest pile of s*** going.” Gavin’s dad, Tony, explains their frustration with the supposedly ‘reconditioned’ engine. “We couldn’t believe it. It looked like they’d gone round a workshop finding bits and put it all together. They painted it a lovely blue. I kept looking at it in disbelief. The rockers were covered in dirt but were not oily. In the end we just took it to bits. There were a lot of wrong and worn out parts. All we had was a good water pump. Everything else was knackered.” The next rebuild, performed by Ted Sparrow at East Anglian Mini Centre, became extensive with work required on the crank, a replacement camshaft, re-bore and suitable pistons. “The crank was usable but some work needed to be done to it.” The gearbox also needed a rebuild. The 1275cc A+ Metro block had to be bored to 1330cc, a capacity very much defined by the poor state of the bores.

The gearbox retains a standard single pin differential, which is an unusual choice for a tuned 1330cc engine. “I didn’t know any different!” admits Gavin. A lot of Mini owners would opt for a beefier option. “Looking back I would have done things a bit differently.”

With a completely rebuilt engine the project took a sharp change of direction. “This engine was going to go in my old Mini. As the engine was as good as new after rebuilding it, I ended up building up a new car to go with it. Started afresh,” Gavin laughs. A few parts were used from the 1980’s Mini, and the car found a new home via East Anglian Mini Centre.