Engine sizes

[morrismanson]

Hi There
Can anyone help with this problem. I recently bought a traveller that had started it's life on Jersey in 1970 ( I think) and then imported back into UK around 1985 when it was given UK plates. No problem so far. However on all the documents even the original Jersey logbook which I have, it is rated as a 998cc. Is this correct ? I have tried to get a service kit and obviously have a problem as no one at Bul Motif knows of a 998cc model. Could it be that the Jersey Boys had a Mini engine in them ? I was given a whole folder full of bills and nowhere was there evidence that another engine had been put in and it was certainly registered on its current documents as a 998cc. Is there a way of finding out the engine size and if it is wrong ( from day one in Jersey) and if so presumably I will have to inform DVLA. Any help or information gratefully received.
Morris Manson

[nr16020]

Is there an oblong (aluminium) plate riveted to the top of the block by the front cylinder?

There should be a back stamped number on it - that will tell you what the engine is.

[morrismanson]

Many thanks - I'll have a look. I am beginning to think that they just made a mistake in Jersey as the engine rating is written on the logbook in a different style to the rest of the details but thanks again
Morris

[chrisryder]

Most likely a mistake. It'd be either 948 or 1098. 998 is a bit of an amalgamation of the two!

If you look down to the exhaust side of the engine, at the block itself. There should either be an aluminium plate with 1100 stamped on, or 950 in raised digits on the block casting itself. Both will be digits that are about 3/4 inch tall.

It's highly unlikely that someone has fitted a 998 mini engine in, yet entirely possible someone has converted a 948 minor engine to 998cc capacity. Having done that though, it's unlikely the perpetrator would have informed the DVLA of the capacity change.

[mike.perry]

A 1970 Minor should have a 1098 engine, 998 was a transverse Mini engine , they are not a straight swap

[PSL184]

Not much difference between a service kit for a Minor 948 / 1098 or a Mini 998 engine anyway so you shouldn't have any problems getting parts either way. Most likely it's an error and it should have a 1098 engine as said. The engine number should start 10V and if you look down the front right side of the engine you should see an ally plate with 1098 stamped on it.

[morrismanson]

Dear friends
This is my first post to the messageboard
So many thanks to you all
regards
Morris

[chrisd87]

The engine will be a 1098, as has been said. Don't worry about it being listed as a 998, the records are often wrong. My 1970 saloon is also down as a 998cc. I presume it's a DVLA cockup from when the records were computerised - probably based on the car being called the 'Minor 1000'.

[bmcecosse]

No word on that engine number yet? A 998 engine is an excellent idea - it's a 948 bored out +65thou and fitted with Mini flat top pistons and rods....... And with the right bits could give you 80/90 bhp!!

[morrismanson]

Thanks again
Although I haven't actually found a stamp saying 1098 I found the aluminium plate and it started with 10V so I guess it is a 1098cc
I will steam clean the engine come the good weather (hah!) and see if I can find the stamp on the block.
It appears the car was owned by a series of "dear" ladies so I am not convinced that they bored it out to give them a bit extra humph - but you never know
But thanks again guys

[mike.perry]

You should be looking for a plate with 1100 on it on the tappet chest side of the engine

[bmcecosse]

10 V is a 1098 - don't worry.

[morrismanson]

Thanks again all - problem sorted !