36 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

Remembering the OP asked specifically about VTEC conversions, but just to add into the pot my small block Vauxhall conversion still felt exactly like a Mini in the twisties. It just outperformed a lot of cars in the straights too.

I think engine conversions just need a LOT of research before you commit to them. There are pros and cons with all of them. That goes for lots of other Mini mods too.

[tommy boy]

I have a D15 V-tec in mine, and it handles just the same as any mini I have driven/owned before. No cornering issues or torque steer. But the linear delivery of power is just awesome. Also the high speed cruising on motorways is so comfortable. Don`t think I could go back to an A series now.

Just my opinion though. 

[Harrison541]

I asked the question about 6 months ago, because on forums people seem to just regurgitate other peoples opinions with no experience themselves. I wanted to know if it was the fact that people were using Metro suspension, Metro steering and Metro wheels or if it was the weight of the engine that was the cause. Anyway, I think I'm going down the Rover K series route now

[Broomer]

After having owned a metro and driven multiple others inc a vvc tro the suspension / steering setup is all that let's them down really.
So if you convert a mini subframe to retain these elements but hold a k series it's win win really.

[Artstu]

After having owned a metro and driven multiple others inc a vvc tro the suspension / steering setup is all that let's them down really.
So if you convert a mini subframe to retain these elements but hold a k series it's win win really.

 

and yet there are those that praise the K-series suspension in a Mini, granted that they tend to ditch the hydrogas.

[3ltrmini]

Its all about...what....why...how...We build different because we can, its nice to have a car that is a one off and nobody else has got,and even better when it all works as it should do,my mini is as quick as hell round Lydden Race Circuit and handles really well not only on the straights but the corners as well,and before you say ( what about the weight ) it weighs 870kgs,and it goes exactly where you point it,maybe more luck than judgement in the build,BUT just maybe a lot of thought went into it whilst building it,on corner weighting it it was both front 510 and the rear was both 500 so you cant get much better than that and No you dont add the weights together for a total weight of the car..!.As for ruining a valubable car ? when i got mine it was a rusty shell sitting on a trailer waiting to go to the scrapyard ! so in my mind i actually saved a tax exempt mini to see it live another day allbeit a little different now from standard.. 

[Artstu]

it weighs 870kgs

 

on corner weighting it it was both front 510 and the rear was both 500 so you cant get much better than that and No you dont add the weights together for a total weight of the car..!

 

 

 

huh ? 2020 lbs divided by 2.2 =  918 kg's 

Edited by Artstu, 17 March 2014 - 05:34 PM.