11 replies to this topic

[alistairolsen]

First off, I hope this is in the right place!

 

I'm researching Honda conversions on minis, but there doesnt seem to be a simple how-to like there are for many other engine conversions in other vehicles and people seem to approach things differently.

 

I watched the Mighty Car Mods episodes where they did the conversion, and they used a Mini Tec subframe, which required the steering rack to be relocated, but managed to avoid cutting the upper bulhead by modifying the manifold.

 

Years ago, it seemed to be the case that the VTEC required a clubman or extended front.

 

Does anyone know which, if any, subframes allow the engine to fit under a standard nose and leave the bulkhead intact, or is it impossible? Allspeed seem to suggest that with a suitable inlet, it will go:

http://www.allspeede...-b16-b18-detail

 

 

Thanks

[Mike L]

Have you checked out this one?

 

http://www.superfast...s.com/MTB2.html

 

Installation manual:

 

http://www.superfast.../MTB2MANUAL.pdf

 

[R1mini]

Just out of interest does the MTB subframe kit increase the width of the front track at all?

 

David

[alistairolsen]

Have you checked out this one?

 

http://www.superfast...s.com/MTB2.html

 

Installation manual:

 

http://www.superfast.../MTB2MANUAL.pdf

 

Yeah, thats the Mini Tec kit which requires hacking the bulkhead apart to relocate the steering rack on RHD cars sadly:

 

http://www.superfast...ation Guide.pdf

[meetthespeakers]

Yes, all subframes have some sort of compromise. Most people know these issues whether positive or negative, and you need to decide what is most important to you. Some one else chime in if I missed something/got something wrong.

 

Watson frame - Will not fit stock roundnose length, alters wheel base.

 

Minitec - Non factory top and lower arms or suspension, won't fit RHD unless you modify floor, wheel base seems to be changed the last few years.

 

Allspeed - Custom Rose jointed arms (which you can work around), some modifications left to do (IE no radiator mounts)

 

Those are the negatives, there are lots of positives to all the kits that they solve differently. I would say ALLSPEED would be the best one to go with all around. I just started manufacturing my own kits for D16 SOHC engines, but I am located in the USA.

 

[alistairolsen]

This is the crux of what I've been trying to find out, but hadnt managed to find a summary anywhere.

 

The watson frame is out then if it needs an extended nose.

 

Minitec I'd prefer to avoid the big bulkhead recess it needs for RHD

 

If the Allspeed frame fits under standard nose without chopping the bulkhead, then it seems a good route. Bracketry for a radiator etc is no real issue in the grand scheme of this sort of conversion. What's the story with the suspension arms? Are the mounts different to the standard mini subframe? Any other issues with it?

 

Thanks

[meetthespeakers]

 

If the Allspeed frame fits under standard nose without chopping the bulkhead, then it seems a good route. Bracketry for a radiator etc is no real issue in the grand scheme of this sort of conversion. What's the story with the suspension arms? Are the mounts different to the standard mini subframe? Any other issues with it?

 

Thanks

 

You use stock upper and lower arms, just have to use two thick washers on the tops arms. The bottom arms are setup to use spherical arms and tie rods. I have worked around this. Other than that, the rest is pretty straight forward other than being very tight with the rack which you will have to grind down a bit. I shaved a bit off the rack, and the gearbox and have plenty of room. Nature of the beast on RHD cars, however its nothing that hasn't been done before. Certainly better than cutting out the floor and screwing up your bump steer like some other kits.

[splintercat]

go onto 16v mini club forum .......loads of really nice and very informative people there who know just about everthing there is to know bout conversions mate, Honda, rover, Toyota and suduku etc etc..................................nice chaps

[Spider]

A friend of mine recently did an 1800 V-Tec in to a Moke, using al Alspeed Subframe. The Moke has a similar amount of 'engine bay' to a Round Nose Mini. While he did have to cut a fair bit of the Inner Wings, and make a small mod to the steering rack, he didn't need to relocate the rack, nor cut the bulkhead. Cosy, but fitted.

 

You might still be able to see it here  http://www.ebay.com....cvip=true&rt=nc

 

and no, he didn't want to sell it - that's another story.

[alistairolsen]

Thanks for the info folks, yeah I'd prefer to keep the standard geometry if possible!

 

With the bottom arms on the Allspeed frame, whats the workaround?

[Spider]

Thanks for the info folks, yeah I'd prefer to keep the standard geometry if possible!

 

With the bottom arms on the Allspeed frame, whats the workaround?

 

I'm not 100% sure, but quite sure that my friend used the original lower arms, and they would have been rubber mounted. I say this because the Moke he built was unregistered (MOT) and to get it on the road, he had to have an engineering approval. Over here, they won't allow the use of rose joints on suspension arms for the road.

[alistairolsen]

Quite right too, some of the stuff seen over here is awful in terms of basic engineering principles.