1844 replies to this topic

[Junior Mini]

Hi, great project and amazing attention to detail.

 

Just a quick thing, and it might be worth checking with the experts on here.

I thought the MOT tested the emissions on the age of the engine, so a 1960's car with say a ford Zetec would need to meet 2014 emmsions regulations.

So if you use the original multi point engine with webers how will that effect the MOT?

 

I probably have that upside down and back to front as usual, but would hate to see your efforts wasted.

 

Keep inspiring us meer mortals.

 

Paul.

[Ben_O]

Hi, great project and amazing attention to detail.

 

Just a quick thing, and it might be worth checking with the experts on here.

I thought the MOT tested the emissions on the age of the engine, so a 1960's car with say a ford Zetec would need to meet 2014 emmsions regulations.

So if you use the original multi point engine with webers how will that effect the MOT?

 

I probably have that upside down and back to front as usual, but would hate to see your efforts wasted.

 

Keep inspiring us meer mortals.

 

Paul.

I believe he is building wither a 998 screamer or a 1275 so won't be using the MPI lump.

But good point raised. how will a 1997 cooper fare in the emission test with a carb'd engine? I'm sure Pete has thought this through though

 

Ben

[Doo]

Awesome build!

[Artstu]

 

Just a quick thing, and it might be worth checking with the experts on here.

I thought the MOT tested the emissions on the age of the engine, so a 1960's car with say a ford Zetec would need to meet 2014 emmsions regulations.

So if you use the original multi point engine with webers how will that effect the MOT?

 

Paul.

 

Test to whichever is oldest http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_730.htm

[Petrol]

Thanks for the kind words. I have decided to go with a 998 for a number of reasons but I guess reliability is the main factor.

There will be little used of what was originally  bought, most of the shell is new and the roof, bulkhead and dashboard rails are from much earlier cars. All of the suspension has been scrapped, I will be replacing all of the braking system with new / uprated parts. The interior, wheels and sunroof have been sold.  Engine, gearbox & wiring loom will all be replaced, so will the steering rack to increase the lock. It looks like I might have to buy another car to get enough parts build it!

As already pointed out, old engine is no problemo, thanks for the linky Artstu.

 

New inner wing welded in - new camera and all, pics are a bit sharper

 

 

 

It's over 30 years since I last modded a Mini. I used Vizards book back then and thought it would be a good Idea to buy another copy

 

 

It's no longer in print, got this one off ebay.

 

There are a few people helping me out on this build, I just want to say a huge thanks  - without your help and support I would be really struggling.

 

Thanks for looking

Pete

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Artstu]

Are you not tempted by something like this ? http://www.theminifo...a-engined-mini/

 

[Petrol]

I did think of sticking a different engine in but decided not to bother – Here’s why

Our Blue S14a was Dyno’d at 286 hp and 286 Torques. I got an extra 86 by turning up the boost a bit. At 1250 kg it picks it’s feet up a bit to say the least. The red S13 is about 200 hp and weighs the same so it’s no slouch either. The S2000 is a 250 hp NA lump and has 150 torques but the vtec is addictive, as is the 9K revs and ultra close ratio box. Again it weighs in at about 1250 kg. With that lot on the drive, I’m looking for something a bit different - a refined go-cart.

To be honest, I don’t care if the Mini ends up with 50 hp or 90… it’s all about the driving experience. With such a low powered car you can use all of it and I’m sure with the suspension and brake mods, it will make up for it on the twisties. On this build, a 9K revs A series screamer will fit the bill

I’m fortunate enough to drive a lot of cars but these days but they just have too much performance and not enough raw driving experience.  M3 V8 & Z 4M for example, how fast do you want to go? Just dial it in with your right foot. Then there’s the modded stuff - MK 2 stripped out Astra with a 400 HP Redtop turbo, well it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Fast yes, insanely fast but overall, the car wasn’t well balanced as the performance outweighed its handling capability.

I’m hoping to build a balanced Mini that’s fun to drive, at the end of the day, if it puts a smile on my face, I’ll be happy.

Pete
 

 

[Jared Mk3]

I’m hoping to build a balanced Mini that’s fun to drive, at the end of the day, if it puts a smile on my face, I’ll be happy.

 

Well said 

[Artstu]

 I’m looking for something a bit different - a refined go-cart.

 On this build, a 9K revs A series screamer will fit the bill

I’m hoping to build a balanced Mini that’s fun to drive, at the end of the day, if it puts a smile on my face, I’ll be happy.
 

 

Refined and 9k A-series screamer don't sit comfortably do they ? Do you really want to spent about 4K to build an A-series that will rev to 9000 rpm, that is hardly going to be refined.

 

A Micra engine be it a 1.0L which will actually rev to 9000 rpm without internal mods or a 1.3L one are both going to be refined, not massively powerful and cheap as chips to buy. You'll end up with exactly the car you're looking for. I'm amazed you've not spotted it to be honest.

 

     

 

to make an A-series do the same you 

 

 

needhttp://www.swiftune....piston-set.aspx

 

Edited by Artstu, 22 March 2014 - 10:42 AM.

[Petrol]

Thanks for your comments Artstu.

I have had yet another think about it, if I were to fit a different engine I would go Honda VTEC.

That Micra engine is fitted to a LHD car. To fit this into a RHD drive car would be even more problematic due to brake master cylinder clearance issues. It also looks like he hasn't finished the project.

The Swiftune bottom end set is for a 1275 which is a longer stroke than a 998. It's harder to get a longer stroke engine to rev.

Whatever engine I fit, I want to rebuild it, Jap engines are mega bucks to rebuild. I rebuilt my CA in the 200SX a couple of years ago and it cost me a couple of grand.....

 

Pic of checking the main bearing crush with plastigauge

 

 

 

 

 

Short block built, block decked

 

 

Head

 

 

I'm sure an A series won't cost as much and I can't help thinking about a 998 I built in the early 80's. It was set up at GRV and made 55HP. It revved it's nuts off and wasn't exactly un-refined.

From memory..

 

Tuftrided crank

Leyland ST +20 forged pistons

12G295 head with bigger Rimflow valves

Twin 1 1/4 SU's

Fully balanced including volumetric balancing

Can't remember the cam

 

It was reliable as well, I did 60K miles in it without any problems so I still think an A series is the way to go on this build. As always, all comments welcome and thanks for looking.

 

Pete

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Artstu]

Hi Pete,

 

The Micra recommendation was also based on cost. There are people on here who have done the whole conversion for £500. With the right donor an engine rebuild wouldn't be required, retaining the standard fueling allows the standard master cylinder, and if you want a servo there are lots of options.

 

A 1.3 will give you about 80 hp a 5-speed gearbox, a lighter all up weight than an A-series. A VTEC would of course give you the car you're not looking for. Whole Micra's can be bought for £250 ish

 

I wonder if your perception of what you considered refined in the 80's would still be considered refined to you today ? we've been spoilt lately. That 1.3 gearbox in a Mini gives a nice close ratio 5-speed box too. To me it fits perfectly with your other vehicles, it'll still be a Mini, but better.

 

I enjoyed driving my Mini 1000 too back in the 80's but I can't help feeling I'd be a bit frustrated by the engine and gearbox these days.

 

Anyway I'll shut up about Micra engines now.

 

Stu

Edited by Artstu, 23 March 2014 - 09:48 AM.

[Midas Mk1]

I wouldn't knock the MPi engine, a lot more fun than people realise, and it'd have a 998 anyday. :)

[Brams96]

What about a Suzuki Swift engine? The G13B look like they fit pretty easy & at 1.3L would give 100bhp standard, weighs about 87Kg & is a 5-speed modern EFi. Plus they are only about £500 on ebay.

 

 

www.16vminiclub.com

[joezone2001]

I love the engine idea. I think if its a car that's not going to beused every day, does refinement actually matter that much? Dont get me wrong. Im not knocking anyones engine conversion. I love the idea of a micra conversion or a k conversion. Those engines are excellent. But isnt sticking to the a series retaining more of the minis character and charm?

Anyway. Judging by the quality and standard Petrol has gone to with the body work im sure he'll do a great job with the engine.

Not wanting to start an argument but I'd stick with an a series.

Keep up the good work mate, those inner wings look ace
Joe

[Jase]

I love the engine idea. I think if its a car that's not going to beused every day, does refinement actually matter that much? Dont get me wrong. Im not knocking anyones engine conversion. I love the idea of a micra conversion or a k conversion. Those engines are excellent. But isnt sticking to the a series retaining more of the minis character and charm?

Anyway. Judging by the quality and standard Petrol has gone to with the body work im sure he'll do a great job with the engine.

Not wanting to start an argument but I'd stick with an a series.

Keep up the good work mate, those inner wings look ace
Joe

 

Same opinion, each to their own and it's your car etc etc but isn't the essence of owning a Mini based upon the main interaction between the driver and the road, the engine? If you want a faster car buy a Porsche?

If you want a Mini then modify it the way it was meant to be modified.

 

Great project.