Building Journal : Mini -> VTEC conversion.

[EvilElmo]

Day 1 : 16/1/04

Hello I am not sure where this should go. So I will post it here anyway.

The mini arrived today, I am still unsure of what model and make it is hehehe. I will keep on lookin and/or post a pic once I get a digital camera. I have taken off the wheels and put the car on bricks, put paint thinner/remover on the roof of the car, taken out windows and cardboarded up the spots where the windows used to be. Will take off the paint remover once its done its job.

Now for the search of what engine/breaks to use. I am going to also have to change the driveline as well as everything else basically. I am thinking of using a H22A1 I think is the model for the engine, but that is apparently extremely heavy so I think I will keep on looking for another engine.

edit: Forgot about the interior, I will be removing the seats, putting in bucket seats with racing harness' and attempting to restore the orrgional dash, but putting in a new speedo. Possibly a new steering wheel.

[NRB]

This should be interesting. I've seen a B16A conversion... I don't think you'll get a 2.2L in there unless you lengthen the bonnet or somehow move the firewall rearward. It's hard enough getting the 1.3L A series I've got in mine. Keep us all updated!

[BHDave]

Just gotta say i think you are insane.

On the other hand I'd really like to see it work

[Guest RedLineGTR]

sounds nutz...good luck with it all...alot of hardwork will go into it but i will be fun.

[jlnewton]

It's hard enough getting the 1.3L A series I've got in mine. Keep us all updated!

I agree here, I went to change the water pump on mine the other day, took one look at the radiator and put into the "I will do that tomorrow basket". I have seen a couple with the suzuki 1.3 engine out of the GTi, even without a turbo it was good for flat 14s, high 13s. Or there is that twin cam 16 valve head form the UK by "KAD engineering??", that a pretty nice conversion if you have the $$$ and are happy with the A-series bottom end from the 50s!

Keep us updated, interested to see what combination you end up with and how you go about it, and the results of course!

[EvilElmo]

You'll see me at a dyno day when its done. Hahaha, I hope.

[DVNT32]

I have seen a yellow mini race car with the 2.2 prelude motor and 9 inch wide slicks on the front. It was eating wrx's up the hill climb.

Good luck with your build, I have seriously thought about the swift gti motor into my mini.