343 MG Tech | ULTIMATE MINI RAT ROD: Complete A-Series Engine Tune Up

In this video, John Twist features and tunes the A-series engine on FrankenMini, the ultimate Mini Cooper Rat Rod! John Twist walks through the (almost) complete process of tuning the engine (with the exception of timing), mentioning similarities to the MG Midget and B-Series engines along the way. Thanks for watching and remember to subscribe! Safety Fast!
Check out this FrankenMini animation put together by Max Purwin (featuring the Mini featured in this video!): vimeo.com/4312...
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[@TornadoCAN99]

Thanks for this mini tuning video. My '88 mini with 1275cc A+ engine has a single HS4 carb, so should be easier to tune than the dual setup. For the head stud torquing, I've heard that it is best not to use any lube on the threads as this will change the torque (spec's assume dry threads) required to achieve proper fastener tension. Do you take this into account when setting the torque? Do you ever use the Gunson Colortune for setting mixtures?

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Thanks John. Also, this shows why I prefer Midgets, Sprites , MGAs, and Bs over Minis.

[@paulhotson5820]

The gauge should slide left to right. Looks like an MG Metro 1275 engine with them tappets and depending on year/engine number valve clearances are all different. From 13thou inlet and 15 exhaust or straight 12s. Adjust air screw on each carb to highest revs then adjust idle screw job done.

[@davidchandler8881]

Fantastic video. We'll explained and some useful tips. Many thanks.

[@redbarchetta8782]

Remember, 'Lucas' oil products is not related to 'Lucas' electrical.

[@chrisevans8308]

Always a good day when John post a vid!!

[@miex1324]

These rockers are the later sintered metal ones, they are not the ones to use if you go racing, I have seen them brake more than once. the early pressed steel or forged Cooper are bulletproof.

[@mgbrv8]

It’s so wonderful to see you back at it

[@aeronjb23]

Is there a video for doing this job on a B series engine? My mgb could do with this doing

[@MikeDPerkins]

Pretty much the same.

[@frasercocks]

I'm restoring a 1974 TR6. I am wondering if I can remove the smog lines and canister to simplify the engine setup? What are your thoughts on doing that?

[@honthai3599]

Hi John, what cause the engine to stall when I try to Synchronize Tool? Thank you for all the good info., I must have watch you tune videos six to seven time each, Thank again

[@randynelson5608]

A lean mixture!

[@MH-wg6bz]

I'm so glad my A series is in a Midget. The carb access on that Mini is crazy.

[@chrisval78]

Those rocker arms are FACTORY rockers from a later model......and they WILL break if used in a race motor. They're called sintered rockers and in my humble opinion, low quality and poor geometry, putting side loads on the valve stems. An engine that rocks THAT badly, needs attention to the stabiliser bushings.

[@chrisval78]

Oh my God ! Don't use 90W oil in the dashpots. When i worked at the SU Service Dept, England, we only used 20W. The 90W will restrict the piston lift, causing super rich mixtures on acceleration and actually cause the piston to hang up when coming down to idle and possible stalling in traffic. 20W !!!

[@can-cruiser]

Great ,comprehensive video. Thanks for posting. A friendly suggestion: as much as we like to see John working on classics, I think the camera operator should focus more often on the engine/task being worked on rather than on his person. Also try to keep the camera as steady as possible, perhaps with a Tripod, to avoid unnecessary shaking. Cheers..

[@bebobism]

I love the look of that mini , It's just made to drive and have fun in and not having to worry about scratches or dings. I'm so done with all the 'perfection' on everything around me , as I get older it all seems like a wast of time to persue this while you could just be having fun. 😏

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation

[@joetricomi]

Ithe 1961 he had the heater motor on the inside A lot easier t

[@wadeeb]

Intersting, Canadian Minis had the blower fan under the bonnet their whole life until they stopped selling them in 1980 but the hose runs inside the wing into the inside