27 replies to this topic

[mini13]

how about grafting the fiat 500 arbarth head and turbo on to the mini bottom end ;)

[stoneface]

If you fancy a retro conversion and can get hold of a modified gearbox (or DIY), the ford x-flow or lotus twincam will fit without modifying the shell or sub-frame.

[Artful Dodger]

If you fancy a retro conversion and can get hold of a modified gearbox (or DIY), the ford x-flow or lotus twincam will fit without modifying the shell or sub-frame.

 

but will require some serious engineering, skill and tools!!

[stoneface]

Your not wrong, it does require a little engineering , but what engine conversion is a straight forward drop in.

[Artful Dodger]

Most do not needing inches or alloy welded to the gear case, a plate cast up and an adapter for the crankshaft!!! ;)

[stoneface]

Yes, but apart from that it's simple

[Tomm]

Where are you based? I'd be happy to take you out in my Micra'd cooper if you are local enough, may help you make up your mind. I have to say I am happy with mine in most aspects but have to say I am seriously considering my options and I don't think the micra engine will be in there for much longer.

 

I can appreciate your situation, I am in the exact same boat right now and there are just so many options. I think if I was to go for another 16v conversion I would probably go with some thing Honda based. This is probably because I have had Civics before dealt with B18/H22?K20's and have been very impressed by them. They are also a conversion which has been done numerous times, there are a lot of knowledgeable people out there who are willing to help you deal with the issues you may come across.

 

Despite the Honda conversions being popular I still find myself being impressed with what some people are doing with them and constantly seeing new things happening with them. This just goes to show as far as I am concerned that they are a good thing!

 

I have just convinced myself that I want a Honda conversion

[deanymini]

The Volvo turbo conversion that you were referring to is in this months MiniWorld. I can't see how a conversion like this could ever be considered "cheap" though!

[stretch tech]

what about an 8v or 16v punto 1.2 1.4 or even 1.8 ?

[Tomm]

Guys at work keep going on about the Renault Turbo 5 motors and my mini.

 

Could be worth a look? Or even the Punto GT3 motor?

[jmmini]

Or a bike engine ;)

[cradley-heathen]

Guys at work keep going on about the Renault Turbo 5 motors and my mini.

 

Could be worth a look? Or even the Punto GT3 motor?

 

i remember seeing a guy from the rattling tappets mini club (do they still exist?) who had a r5gtt engine in his mini van.

 

i always liked the idea of this, but the things that make it cool, are also the things that kinda make it a bit cack. i.e.....

 

the engine is an old school design which is very similar to the A series design, so its not exactly cutting edge. they also dont have a great reputation for reliability, but that is mainly due to the fact that so many people would buy a cheap r5 and pile the boost on and thrash the nuts off it.

 

i have had a couple of r5's and thought they were brilliant, great handling and 200 bhp is fairly easy to get, imagine a mini with the same and you have something pretty cool, in an old school kinda way.

[Sleepy Stu]

+1 for Honda Engine