33 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

I have posted a thread before regarding a 7 port head. Actually the 7 port head from specialist components.

I currently have an spi (stage one) which got 72bhp on the rolling road at minisport in the summer.

I want more power from the car, so i looked into the engine transplant route (r1, vtec, etc) but was stopped in my tracks due to strict modifying and emissions rules here in Sweden. Especially because my mini is a 1996.

For an engine transplant, big brother here limits power to 20 bhp per 100kg, so about 130bhp for a road going mini. I contacted the authority here and explained and sent them links to the pro motive kit. The guy was happy and impressed with the kit! BUT couldn't guarantee me 100% that he would pass the car, as that was dependent on how well it was built etc. Also the car would need to be deregistered and registered as a modified car! To many buts and maybes for me!

So I started to look at a series power. Given the strict emission, this will also be a factor; as the car will still be tested as a 1996.

The 7 port at specialist components caught my eye, I like the elegance in it and the fact it retains the minis a series. (I also quite fancy, cutting the front of the bonnet to expose the ram pies/maybe shiny kn filters). The kit they have runs full ecu including lambda! And when speaking to John (i think) there, he didn't foresee any trouble as long as the ecu was mapped accordingly. http://www.specialis...oduct_info-null

Now I have swayed towards the twincam engine they have. http://www.specialis...hantPageDisplay

i want to know what you guys think regarding the two?

Oh and any other suggestions will be really aprecieated.

Budget is 5000 good english pounds, which i have already started to sneak from our joint bank account!!!

[mk1leg]

go for the KAD twin cam as it meet all the regs.......................

[mk1leg]

http://www.kad-uk.com/

[craig 1010cc]

I would go for the 7 port option as with all the machining work needed for the 16v conversion, plus the extra costs of SC box/drops ect I think you'd struggle to do it in the budget. Espec a KAD.

With your £5k budget, i recon you'd be able to build a full EFI 7 Port and have the money to do the box as well.

[Bungle]

is it possible to fit a older A series engine and have a less strict emissions test like we can do here in the UK

old metro engine with a carb ?

[minisilverbullet]

is it possible to fit a older A series engine and have a less strict emissions test like we can do here in the UK

old metro engine with a carb ?

Its the registration age of the car for emissions! Otherwise the car would need to be registered as a "on built vehicle" or Uk equivalent Q plate.

Thats why i was swinging towards the 7 port as i wouldn't need to have the car retested /re registered.

Edited by minisilverbullet, 31 December 2010 - 02:48 PM.

[mk1leg]

I would go for the 7 port option as with all the machining work needed for the 16v conversion, plus the extra costs of SC box/drops ect I think you'd struggle to do it in the budget. Espec a KAD.

With your £5k budget, i recon you'd be able to build a full EFI 7 Port and have the money to do the box as well.

Theres no extra machine work for the KAD con as its a straight fit replacement UNLIKE the BMW head wich needs £3000 worth of block oil and water ways to be blocked off and re drilled.....................

[R.S.P]

I would find another machine shop if they charge you £3000 for tapping and plugging a few holes.


£300-400 should cover all machine work and welding required for the bmw conversion then theres the kit and head

Edited by R.S.P, 31 December 2010 - 04:49 PM.

[mini-geek]

I have to admit this is a tough it's only about £500-600 more for a K-head over the 7 port...

[rosco454]

[Theres no extra machine work for the KAD con as its a straight fit replacement UNLIKE the BMW head wich needs £3000 worth of block oil and water ways to be blocked off and re drilled.....................

A kad road head is leaves £1090 from the 5k budget (probably a grand by the time you get the head over to Sweden & a lot less if you go for the race version) as well as the head you need carbs/itbs,inlet and exhaust manifolds,management etc etc.Not to mention that the op's short engine and gearbox will almost certainly need a rebuilt with lots of expensive upgraded parts.I can see not far off the cost of the head again there im afraid.

I would go for the seven port presonally as for your budget you can have a good spec for all the componants with your budget.Dont be put off by the amount quoted for the twink as its nowhere near 3k,it shouldnt even be near 1k.


Cheers Ross.

Edited by rosco454, 31 December 2010 - 05:03 PM.

[R.S.P]

You could also go for one of the other 7 port heads I got mine from here

http://cgi.ebay.com/...sQ5fAccessories


Bare head is about £800 if you mail him direct he will do a better deal, I got mine fully built including brand new 40 webbers and linkage kit for £1440 and that included my postage and import duty

[mini-geek]

but if you look at the two outer inlet ports there's a very sharp bend on that head, the SC 7-port was designed to eradicate that problem I think the extra cost of the SC is well worth it.

[R.S.P]

I Agree the specialist components is probably a better head but in real terms how much difference will it make if you are using it in a road car.

I went for this one for 2 reasons one I thought with it going in a mk1 it would look more period, and two it is about £1000 cheaper and when you are on a budget a £1000 can be spent elsewhere .

[mini93]

7 port for me

[danrock101]

I too think you'd struggle to do the twin cam on a 5k budget unless you can do everything yourself. Personally though, I wanted a 130bhp n/a engine and decided to go 5 port, could be an option for you, if I need more power I'll be able to bolt on a 7 port head. Another option is if you can get a second hand twin cam engine cheaper.