193 replies to this topic

[Skortchio]

Slightly depressing update this time.

 

With the dash, the ICE, the geometry, the head, alternator, carb and filter installed it was time for a road test.

 

Backed off the drive way after the engine warming up quickly (nice to have a bypass back) onto the hard standing behind the garage. Slipped into "D" pulled forward and gave some gas... Only to be greeted by the engine spinning up with no motion!

 

It would seem the HG failing a couple of months back allowed water to ingress into the transmission and contaminate the clutch plates, breaking down the fibre on them and essentially screwing the box royally!

 

So after finishing the interior, the sounds, the geometry, the paint and the engine, the gearbox crapped out.

I'm now in the awkward situation of hunting for either a good (but cheap) 2nd hand box, getting a full rebuild on the transmission or taking this as opportunity to delve into 16v.

Arse!

 

Updates to come when something is figured out.

[Minidarren83]

I still say 16v and if you don't your s *******!!! Only joking mate whatever is easiest for you getting it back on the road fastest

[Skortchio]

I know man, I really want to!

 

I figure I might be able to do it myself once the bike is gone, if I can get a front bulkhead and mount it on the wall then build the frame up on it. I'd really like to not have to cut the car up if I can help it.

 

Getting the box rebuilt is going to hit me around £1200 and an engine refresh is probably about £400+ once you've paid machining costs and bought bits and pieces. At approaching £2k not going 16v seems foolish, apart from the plug and play advantage of the A series.

 

As it stands I'm thinking my best approach is to get a 2nd car, so I can mess about with your mini as well as have transport.

Then look at options for having the conversion done for me, I know Watsons will do a roll in / roll out for £4k all in. Ideally something less than that and local and I'd be considering having it done for me.

If not then maybe I should give it a go, I'm pretty handy with this stuff I guess.

 

Besides, someone's got to do a conversion to keep up with you!

[Tommyboy12]

Good to see my old dash getting some use after sitting in the shed for ages. I too found it quite annoying that it didn't sit centrally over the switches. It was one of the reasons I took it out. That and I wanted a rev counter!

[Skortchio]

Just to keep the sombre mood, after a good 10 days of hunting for a garage willing to take on the rebuilding of the auto box and able to assure it's ability to handle about 85bhp with a reasonable service life, I've come up with ... Bugger all!

Most aren't willing to touch and A series auto with a pole. Those that have, haven't got experience in modifying them and the one that has and has, doesn't have any data on how well they'll hold up.

 

Unless I can get some firmer answers about the transmissions capability to hold out for about 50k miles on 85bhp ish, then I'm thinking that it makes more sense to press on and fit an engine & transmission designed to handle the power they're using right from the factory.

Realistically, the auto box rebuild and engine freshen was going to be approaching the £2k mark. With some careful buying and doing the majority of the work myself, even buying a frame will come in not far above that figure for 16v.

 

Better reliability, economy, service life and length of service interval, quieter and massively more power. Hard to see the negative.

 

It does mean Ogy is once again back to permanent project status and I'll have to buy a 2nd car for transport in the meantime but I did say I wanted to go 16v!

 

Also means I have a £600+ Benross special cylinder head that's never been used. curse my life

 

Darren!!

[Minidarren83]

Umm I see where this is going I may be spending a fair few hours at yours then lol time to get a runabout car I think and an auto donor and start playing with thick box section!!

[Skortchio]

Haha, actually I was thinking of something different but it's a very sweet offer

 

Given Ogy won't be going anywhere for a while, once I have the alternate transport arranged I was going to say I'm all yours to help on your beast!

[Skortchio]

Last real update for a while I imagine, so figured I'd give you something eye candy like.

Centre section of the dashboard as it sits.

 

Off:

 

On:

 

TTFN.

[Minidarren83]

Haha, actually I was thinking of something different but it's a very sweet offer
 
Given Ogy won't be going anywhere for a while, once I have the alternate transport arranged I was going to say I'm all yours to help on your beast!

I like this idea lol plenty of filling and sanding to do oh and the building of the k series frame lol

[Skortchio]

Indeed and I could use a break from my own little bundle of joy while I figure out the new powerplant. If the K series fits easy (as easy as can be expected) then I'm thinking a 160 on a CVT might be a good shout. The Rover75 turbo has the same kind of power and CVT is fine on that.

[Minidarren83]

I think the major consideration will be what if any bulkhead modifications will be needed the pg1 box needs none and also cutting back inner wings ect without removing the outers will be a task unless its full on front end flipping 😜

[Skortchio]

Not unless you want to build another flip front?

 

Inner wings shouldn't be too hard to ditch, bulkhead I'm open to adjustment on. It's pretty hidden and now I'm not in a 'rush' to finish it's less of a worry if I chop a bit out here and there.

[Minidarren83]

Not unless you want to build another flip front?
 

Lol I could be persuaded

[Skortchio]

Haha, damn you! I was planning on something "simple" and this is going to be a Frankenstein... Isn't it!

[Minidarren83]

Haha, damn you! I was planning on something "simple" and this is going to be a Frankenstein... Isn't it!

No no you silly man it's going to be awesome