1972Austin
My Mini is smaller than yours!
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« on: February 25, 2011, 10:00:14 AM » |
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So, I have reached a point where I have to make a decision. Sparks is soon to undergo her transformation and the dilemma I am having deals with the powerplant. What motor do I put in her? So I have narrowed it down to 2 options. Before I name them I have to preface it with the fact that I am updating the front subframe regardless of the motor I decide to use. It also will retain 10" wheels and RHD. So the options are:
1. Stick with the A+ and add a 16V DOHC head, fuel injection, electronic ignition with a power output north of 130HP
2. Do a VTEC swap with a 1.8L Type R engine, standard round nose length (no extended nose for me), and Honda reliability. Again, will retain 10" wheels and RHD. This will give me power around the 180HP+ arena.
The reason this is so hard is, is it really still a Mini with a Honda motor? While I plan on changing the subframes with some more modern components, they are designed and built with all R&D specifically for the Mini and is used in the Mini Miglia racing arena. Honda motors are built for Hondas and I don't know if I could live with a Civic in a Mini body.
So, thought?
Shawn
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BabyBMW
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« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2011, 10:57:57 AM » |
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I would go for option 1. Staying with 10" wheels and right (wrong side) drive is the ticket for me. With twin cams that would look so cool Shawn.  |
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Steve, Keep the Shiny side up  |
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SNEEEZY
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« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2011, 09:14:26 PM » |
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Definitely option 1...otherwise it would be like....well....like a Japanese car pretending to be a British car!
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 Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly.
Laugh uncontrollably...and never regret anything that made you smile. |
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maacodale
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« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2011, 09:46:15 PM » |
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I'd love to do a classic Mini. I just wish I had the time and motivation to do one.
Having said that, I'd consider 12" wheels but 13's just look too big. 10's, while very authentic, do look smallish, but more correct. Some of the 10" options do look good though.
I agree with keeping it all British. A twin cam, FI swap would be super cool. Besides, 180 hp would be no where near useable with 10's on the car. On top of that, I think the engineering hurdles would be a bit lower than the Jap motor swap.
Good luck. And I wanna help!
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Dale Blankenship
Poquoson, VA
09 Laser Blue Clubman S
Wife thinks it's hers!
07 Mellow Yellow Cooper S
Of course son thinks it's his!
Guess I need a third MINI!
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1972Austin
My Mini is smaller than yours!
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« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2011, 08:40:32 AM » |
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Thanks for the inputs guys. I am leaning towards sticking with the good ole A series (option 1). As far as wheels go, I am running 12s now, and while they do ok nothing handles like a set of 10s. The difference is amazing when set up properly. 13s on the other hand are for nothing but looks. They add bumpsteer and take away turning radius. It was just a band aid fix Rover used to increase highway driving speeds on the Sportspack models (high end Coopers) in the late 90s. There really aren't any engineering hurdles with the VTEC swap, these guys, www.superfastminis.com, did all the hard work. But again, like Erika said, it's not quite a Mini anymore. Shawn |
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BabyBMW
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« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2011, 09:34:47 AM » |
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Shawn, there a guy that works for Crown MINI/BMW in Richmond that has a green classic with 13" wheels that looked great, but like you said bumpsteer. I think the 12" are a good compromise for tires availabilities and highway driving. Let us know if you need help.
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Steve, Keep the Shiny side up |
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1972Austin
My Mini is smaller than yours!
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Doing what I do....whatever that is..
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« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2011, 12:05:59 PM » |
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Well, I am putting a cage in it, no more back seats. I heard that you build some good cages Steve, although I've only seen them in your Datsuns.
Shawn
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BIMMINI
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« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2011, 01:18:23 PM » |
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Before making your final decision I'd suggest you try and find a VTEC conversion to drive, if you've not already done so. I know quite a few VTEC Mini owners who wish they had done that before taking their plunge. In most cases it's a combination of too much power and lack of normal everyday drivablity is what I keep hearing. While there are none in this area that I am aware of, I could hook you up in one or two out of town if you'd like. Or go down to Minitec and test some of their cars.
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BabyBMW
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« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2011, 05:29:22 PM » |
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Well, I am putting a cage in it, no more back seats. I heard that you build some good cages Steve, although I've only seen them in your Datsuns.
Shawn
Thats my son. And he's done them in other cars too. |
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Steve, Keep the Shiny side up |
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1972Austin
My Mini is smaller than yours!
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« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2011, 06:22:26 PM » |
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Ya, the drivability thing was always a concern. I've driven a D16 swap before, and the steering geometry felt a bit off. The power wasn't a huge issue (was around 150ish HP) when you pointed it straight but it pushed bad in the corners. I've heard they fixed a lot of the steering geometry problems with the MTB2 kit but I just don't think I can live with a VTEC in a Mini.
Guess I am gonna have to save up a few more pennies then to import the engine parts (or full engine). Hopefully this will be built by the winter in order for a spring debut!
Shawn
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