1980 Mini Sprite - Corsa Sport - for Vauxhall and Opel Corsa B, Corsa C and Corsa D

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Marc

Member

Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline

1st Apr 06 at 12:46

Years ago my brother bought a Mini Sprite, the car was a pale yellow colour with 2 Black stripes down either side with Sprite writain on the rear quarters inbetween each stripe.

The car had an MG Metro Turbo block, but minus the turbo. Apparently the basic engine was better than the regular 1275GT engine, im not sure how true that is.

As most young drivers do he crashed it! This was the perfect operatunity to fully restore the car, as you can probably imagine a 1980 Mini wont be looking its best in 1997!

The car was given new wings, doors and bonnet and was fully resprayed. It gained 13" Revolution four spoke alloys with polished rims, black vinyl bucket seats a new headlining and steering wheel. The rest of the interior was never finished, it was due to get a vinl rear bench but they were rare. Bumpers were replaced for matt black items and mirrors changed for chrome bullits.

Suspension wise it gained Spax adjustables.

Now for the good stuff! The engine was bored to 1293cc, i think it was a new cylinder head too. A Kent fast road cam was added, along with lightened flywheel, and a K&N bolt on carb air filter. Exhaust wise was a 2" straight through stainless steel system! The engine was fully blue printed. I may have missed some of the spec out.

He eventually sold to his mate who attempted to fit twin carbs but could never get the set up. He then bought a big K&N carb, but it would need a hole in the bonnet to fit and was never used!

I believe the engine is now a 1380cc

Only the boot is rusting as its the original item.

My brother is now buying the car back for the not so large sum of £500!! Hes also getting 3 engines thrown in! The 1293cc and 1380cc have just been dropped round.

His plan is to fully restore again, but adding the stripes back and possibly a 1275cc again.

When he gets it back ill be sure to get some pictures.

Hopefully some of you may find this essay interesting!!!

CorsAsh

Member

Registered: 19th Apr 02
Location: Munich
User status: Offline

1st Apr 06 at 12:49

Sooooooooo need to see some pics.

Marc

Member

Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline

2nd Apr 06 at 11:23

Little teaser pic:

The 1293cc blueprinted engine minus the head.

c20let

Member

Registered: 25th Jun 05
Location: Aberdeenshire Drives: VXR Astravan,Evo 9GT,mr2 tbo
User status: Offline

2nd Apr 06 at 11:27

love old school mini's, favourite cars

7 omm

Member

Registered: 19th Nov 05
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
User status: Offline

2nd Apr 06 at 12:11

mini.always special to thier owners

Robin

Premium Member

Registered: 7th Jan 04
Location: Northants Drives: Clio 182 Cup
User status: Offline

2nd Apr 06 at 12:14

Metro turbo engine IS stronger, its got a better block, and a Cooper S style seamless crank

Marc

Member

Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline

2nd Apr 06 at 12:31

What ive found out:

- Slightly larger exhaust valve
- Stronger rods
- Stronger block
- Better flowing inlet manifold
- Larger s.u.

Robin

Premium Member

Registered: 7th Jan 04
Location: Northants Drives: Clio 182 Cup
User status: Offline

2nd Apr 06 at 12:31

better crank
better oil pump

Marc

Member

Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline

14th Apr 06 at 18:05

No real updates as yet. The Mini is back at my brother's house and is currently stored away in his garage, sporting a 1360cc i think. There's going to be no real progress till winter my Dad has told me.

He has his doubt's as to wether the engine in our garage is the one he rebuilt or not. He gas flowed the head and bored each cylinder and said the engine was in pristine condition. This engine looks a bit tatty and rusty. It could be that water has got in through the grill (home made drilled alloy) or through the wheel arched but he's not convinced!

Jules

Member

Registered: 26th Nov 04
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk Status: Happy
User status: Offline

14th Apr 06 at 18:12

My first car was a 84 mini sprite in red, then my mate went and bought a yellow sprite as his first car - was quite cool us two in our two sprites hooning about the place!

gianluigi

Member

Registered: 9th Mar 05
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
User status: Offline

8th May 06 at 08:18

That's excellent, look forward to seeing some progress, and pics

We can share ideas also

We were going to put twin carbs on, but they didnt come recommended, so we got an MG carb

Just aquired 3 branch manifold off ebay last night

Ant

Member

Registered: 12th May 02
Location: Hereford and Worcester
User status: Offline

8th May 06 at 13:00

quote:
Originally posted by Marc
Little teaser pic:

The 1293cc blueprinted engine minus the head.

I can see the head?? minus rocker cover maybe

Marc

Member

Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline

8th May 06 at 14:01

Yeah, your'e right

Marc

Member

Registered: 11th Aug 02
Location: York
User status: Offline

14th May 06 at 18:29

Went round to my brother's earlier and took a few pics with my phone, only one for time been as I dont have time! I also have loads of photographs of its original restoration waiting to be scanned.

Here she is!