1446 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

Next engine now collected!

[The Matt]

Hmmm, OK then.

So, now I've made a choice about the FReaK again! Yes, I've changed my mind!

Anybody want to buy a C18XE engine and an F18 gearbox?

I'm now going to be using a C16XE (small block) engine and an F15W or F13W gearbox. My main aim is to have the car look standard from the outside, and for it to look a little tatty. Having a standard length roundnose front isn't going to be too easy with a large block, but it will be with the smaller block option.

I'm going to carry on with the frame I've started, but buy a pair of shafts from Allspeed engineering. I need them to centre the engine and box in the frame (unless someone's got some I can measure up, or can give me a dimension for the location of the engine/box in an Allspeed small block frame???).

So, the new spec:

rebuilt C16XE engine, running a lightweight billet flywheel and a pair of Kent 'supersport' cams
R1 carbs for now (as I've got them) on a custom alloy manifold
Megajolt ignition
4 branch exhaust manifold, bodged modified to suit the Scorpion single box system that's on the car already
10" rims
Acewell digital dashboard
Steel flip/removable front
custom alloy rad.

The standard engines (injection, with cat) put out 109bhp I think. On the standard engine, the cams are worth a few extra donkeys, the R1 carbs might balance that out. So anything around 120bhp should be possible I think.

to be honest though, a mini with a 5-speed gearbox, reasonable MPG and around 120bhp will be a dream come true.

I just think it's a far better option than a compromised big block build. Hopefully, I'll get some money back on the C18XE and all the parts. I only paid a small amount for it, and it came with everything (manifolds, ECU, loom, radiator, fan, driveshafts etc.).

As for the C16XE, it cost me £28 for the lot! It looks like it's in good nick externally, but I'll be doing a strip down over the net week or two and getting the bottom end sorted.

[kcchan]

Maybe ask Allspeed what lengths their driveshafts are? Dunno if you've tried.

Sounds like a good plan though, with the hint of street sleeper in there aswell. And I was under the impression(most probably wrong though) that the c16 and c18 block were interchangable. I may have just made that up though.

Also following the pattern I bet you've considered the 1.4 aswell

[Deathrow]

Interesting move Matt!

It's odd to hear that the 1.6 puts out 109bhp as standard, I was expecting lower. Once again your project sucks me in!

Just wish I could get to the garage to work on mine .

[NudgerSS]

Welcome to the club. I'm somewhere in the middle of doing a X16XE conversion on my mini. I've gone for Megasquirt and Jenvey throttle bodies so the 120-130bhp should be similar to yours.

Assuming you don't change your mind of course!

Cheers - John

[The Matt]

Assuming you don't change your mind of course!

One should NEVER assume that!

I've been looking at SBD stuff too. Could make a right tasty little motor out of this if I had the moolar!

Anyway, I have a mate that worked at Jenvey! good products!

As for the output, pah, I'd be happy with 100bhp to be honest.

[NudgerSS]

Well seeing as mine has been off the road since Dec 03 i would be happy with any!

Not that i've been working on it since then you understand. Started it in March last year and really want it up n running this summer. Yeah right!

I looked at SBD stuff myself but 2K is a bit steep for me. Got the Megasquirt and throttle bodies for £1100 from m-tech. Just waiting on delivery of throttle bodies to trial fir them to see if i need to move master cylinders inside

John

[Prawn]

Assuming you don't change your mind of course!

One should NEVER assume that!

I've been looking at SBD stuff too. Could make a right tasty little motor out of this if I had the moolar!

Anyway, I have a mate that worked at Jenvey! good products!

As for the output, pah, I'd be happy with 100bhp to be honest.

What bhp was your old 1380 putting out Matt? when are you hoping to have the XE conversion finished by?

[The Matt]

Assuming you don't change your mind of course!

One should NEVER assume that!

I've been looking at SBD stuff too. Could make a right tasty little motor out of this if I had the moolar!

Anyway, I have a mate that worked at Jenvey! good products!

As for the output, pah, I'd be happy with 100bhp to be honest.

What bhp was your old 1380 putting out Matt? when are you hoping to have the XE conversion finished by?

Never had it dynod or RR'd. I'd guess near to the ton mark though. It was certainly pretty quick off the mark!

Hoping to get the conversion finished by March/April ideally.

[The Matt]

Well, Rob at Allspeed seems like a nice bloke! Spoke to him on the phone today and placed an order with him!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEE! WOP WOP!

[alexcrosse]

nicely, rob is a nice guy, shame he doesnt sell a kit to replicate what he has in his mini, 270bhp red top front engine RWD, lol.

where did you get an xe for £28?

[The Matt]

Off t'inernet.

I bought it off ebay, but it's having a strip down and rebuild before it gets used in the car. At least now that I have it, I can finish off making the frame and mounts for it, the engine rebuild won't take long at all, but it'll depend on whether I decide to upgrade the bottom end at all.

[Dom]

Nice progress Matt

nicely, rob is a nice guy, shame he doesnt sell a kit to replicate what he has in his mini, 270bhp red top front engine RWD, lol.

Are there any pictures of this? And what are the performance figures like?

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

just read the entire thread looks good although u should get it on the road again ud have been easier fitting a 2.0 zetec out of a mondeo then u would have 136bhp standard with 150bhp with r1 and then 190bhp easy did the convo on my old fiesta was wild

[The Matt]

But then it would have had a Ford engine!