277 replies to this topic

[GW]

Cant wait to see this finnished now,your estimated cost is less than a subframe for any other conversion, plus the amou nt people will save o things like drive shafts etc it will make it very well priced in comparison,

would like to see the difference in performance between a swift box and engine against the mini box and swift engine once it is done, and see how well the gear ratios work out.....

[Pandora]

I think the money you will spend, will have to go in the mini g/b if you plan on more power than standard. I think the mini g/b will come out on top.

[ed4ran]

Im not sure that performance wise you could really compare them because of the different number of gears.
Well the swift box isnt bad in a mini, but finding parts if it ever goes wrong (or even a replacement) can be hard and even expensive.
Also there isnt much you can change with the gear ratios so the mini box should be nicer (more customizable).

[miniboo]

plus isnt the idea behind this to make it able to fit into a standard mini subframe which is where the cost and time normally is??

[ed4ran]

Yeah, as well as the custom driveshafts, and modifying the clutch to take the clutch cable or modifying the clutch arm to be operated by the mini slave cylinder.
Another thing is that it should also fit with no body mods, and could even be done like a normal mini engine change (like in one weekend assuming all the parts are to hand).

[ed4ran]

No progress with the crank adapter at the mo,
but as i was upgrading my cooling and so needed to remove most of the stuff from my "engine" bay
I thought it was a good time to test the engine and box to check a few things.

So for those who want a better idea of the fit here are some piccies!!!!

Some things to note are i dont think the standard inlet will work (might do with mods)
But the standard alternator mounts should along with the stock belt.
There is 2 options for the radiator, a mini should fit in its normal place with new mounts but would require an electric fan on constant
or maybe a custom one mounted at the front (or even a bike rad with a mini rad?).











mmm room for a turbo!!!

Edited by ed4ran, 22 June 2007 - 06:56 PM.

[minivanman]

Brilliant Ed! Can't believe how well it fits in! I think this could be the future.....

I'm guessing throttle bodies would fit under the front end ok? Does the bonnet fit ok or will it need a bulge for the cam covers like the A series 16v heads?

[ed4ran]

My bonnet fits ok, but its quite close, I think it will really show when there is one in a standard front.
Yes throttle bodies would fit easily, Ill probably look at modifying the stock inlet to fit first so there is the option of stock ecu etc.

[minivanman]

If you cut a chunk out of the inner wing on that side on a normal roundnose I reckon you'd have more room to fettle a bigger rad in there. Who's going to be the guinea pig for this?

[ed4ran]

Well the first one (the one in the pics) might not make it into a car at least to start with, probably used as a display one for shows etc,
the second will probably go in my brothers car as i have access to it and he already has the bits in place.
3rd who knows

I dont think there will be a problem with a front rad, may even modify the stock swift one.

[Ethel]

Always amazes me how ingenious mini fanatics are - just like the car, I suppose it's part of the attraction.

There's a similar conversion in the Vizard Mini book using a Ford Anglia engine.
The crank adapter looks identical to yours Ed! (but suppose it would)

If Minispares can flog a complete new crank for £300 I'm sure the adapter can be made for less given enough demand.

If you're having difficulty getting your head round this just think of the gearbox tranny gears and clutch assembled. Ed's mounting the engine to that not the other way round - as long as the centre line of the crank and clutch match without the big ends going through the layshaft job's a good 'n

Why would you care about having 5 gears anyway?

A 600 - 700kg mini with 100hp will shift through the gears quicker than your average 900kg 5 speeder.

What matters is having the right ratios.

The Micra looks like it has a nice 16 valver too.

[minivanman]

Just read through it all again and it really appeals to me. Would an MPi fuel tank be ok for it or do you need the swift pump? I only ask because I've got an MPi tank handy... I can hear my blue mini crying out for me to put one of these in it!

[ed4ran]

An MPI tank should work but it wouldnt be hard to swap a stronger pump into it.

[mini-majic]

oh yes i can see my bank account having money drawn out for this conversion when its ready. will get it in on a decent box and then look at doing some "power developments" to it you can put me down for one for sure ed!!

[ed4ran]

a simple power upgrade would be to bolt a turbo on
and with all that room behind and above the engine that wouldnt be hard!!

Maybe i should start a list of interested parties
or even start a poll for how many would be interested.