159 replies to this topic

[drummerian]

Hey guys.

As promised here is my build thread.

I am currently around 2 weeks into my micra engined mini build. here is the progress so far. Hopefully from these pictures you can gather how far through i am.

Next bits to do:
Measure and make driveshafts
Custom alternator bracket
Make exhaust up
Wire up

[drummerian]

[bigchief3679]

hey ian..................congrats on ur new thread!

a few things:
both ur left gearbox mount and rear engine mounts require alot more beefing up. the GB mount is going to twist as that metal isn't thick enough.
it is likely that the rear mount is going to rotate about the point where its bolted up, you need to add a spar from this mount to the engine near to the oil filter to spread the weight more evenly.
also the rear of the subframe is missing alot of material, this needs to be plated as the 1 inch wide remaining 'joint' will break when you first drive hard and ur camber will be shot. i encourage you to look at other parts of your frame that need additional gussets and further reinforcement as well, its the little things in the final stages that makes/breaks the whole job...............

congrats again ian, it wont be long now

[drummerian]

hi big chief,

all the mounts are made from 3mm or 4mm steel plate so i think they should be solid enough. I will be welding a bar between the bottom 2 sumframe mounts to inscrease strength back to the area you said about

Thanks

[drummerian]

engine in.

As suggested by big chief there is now a bar across the back to regain the strength there, and also a long bar welded from the rear engine mount to the bolt hole below the oil filter, this will stop it twisting.

All my engine mounts are made from 3mm plate steel, but the plate for the right hand gear box and the whole of the rear mount is 4mm steel for added strength.

Tomorow i will be trying to work out an alternator position, radiator position and measure and send off my driveshafts for cutting.

With a bit of luck i am going to make this work in a std front end

[nathansminis]

Ian,

This thread is long over due!!

Builds looking excellent. I take it you found someone to sort your driveshafts?

Rocker cover looks good too. I'll show my sis so she knows her little micras being put to good use.

Keep up the good (and speedy!) work.

[drummerian]

driveshafts are being sorted by a guy from the 16vminiforum will make them up for £30 so just have to post them to him.

Checked the radiator, the mini one fits in its originalish position

The alternator will be the next tricky bit....

[Tomf]

Looks good mate, but i would defonatley add some more strength to the rear section between the towers.

[drummerian]

Looks good mate, but i would defonatley add some more strength to the rear section between the towers.

already done, between the towers is good and strong becuase of the bar

I have put a bar lower down too since the photos this adds the strength back from where it was lost when cutting out for the diff

[bigchief3679]

nice...........pm sent.

[evansisgreat]

Loving the subframe mate, can't wait to see some pictures of the engine in, which is also looking tasty. Amazing what a little paint can do, eh? Keep up the good work!

[drummerian]

cheers for the kind comments guys, they have all been taken on board.

i am currently trying to source a small pully wheel (approx 1.5" diameter) in order to deflect the alternator belt. Does anyone have any ideas where i can find such a thing? It will neeed to have decent bearing to handle the tension and speed of the belt.

whilst i shall be using this to make up and exhaust:
http://www.gencat.co... Price List.pdf

[cambiker71]

cheers for the kind comments guys, they have all been taken on board.

i am currently trying to source a small pully wheel (approx 1.5" diameter) in order to deflect the alternator belt. Does anyone have any ideas where i can find such a thing? It will neeed to have decent bearing to handle the tension and speed of the belt.

whilst i shall be using this to make up and exhaust:
http://www.gencat.co... Price List.pdf

Try a renault, citroen or peugeot dealer they have small steel roller bearing pulley roughly this size specifically for this purpose, fitted to the 1.9d engines cost around £20, something like this really...
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item3cadfe98b0

[drummerian]

thanks cambiker, i think i may have worked out a way to do this without having to use a idler pulley but shall see how this goes!

[drummerian]

today i managed to sort the clutch out, will post more pictures for you guys tomorow when i will hopefully have the gearstick modified.

Friday will be spent trying alternator mountings...wish me luck!