After reading about Mini-Imp conversions, would a Classic Mini with a lightweight Reliant 850 engine actually be considered an improvement compared to the existing 850cc A-Series?
On the one hand the OHV Reliant 850 engine was said to be closely based on the pre-WW2 Austin 7 unit whereas the A-Series was designed / produced in the early-1950s, yet in the Reliant 850's favor was being Europe's first All-Alloy engine as well as apparently being capable of producing a reliable 60 hp with only a few mods.
Also in terms of weight, how light is the Reliant 850 unit compared to the heavy 850cc A-Series and lightweight 875cc Imp engines?
The "why" is partly curiosity as well as finding the idea of a pre-WW2 Austin 7 derived engine powering a post-WW2 Austin Seven (Mini) somewhat amusing.
On the one hand the OHV Reliant 850 engine was said to be closely based on the pre-WW2 Austin 7 unit whereas the A-Series was designed / produced in the early-1950s, yet in the Reliant 850's favor was being Europe's first All-Alloy engine as well as apparently being capable of producing a reliable 60 hp with only a few mods.
Also in terms of weight, how light is the Reliant 850 unit compared to the heavy 850cc A-Series and lightweight 875cc Imp engines?
The "why" is partly curiosity as well as finding the idea of a pre-WW2 Austin 7 derived engine powering a post-WW2 Austin Seven (Mini) somewhat amusing.
