I've always wanted to do an engine conversion, but I was hesitant to do one in a mini - it's FWD so problems with drive shafts, and then there's the whole space issue - a lot of engine in a small space is difficult. Lucky for me I've picked up a 4EFTE engine with one of Tricky's subframes. On ya Tricky, that's a whole lot of work you've done for me
I'm still very much in the planning stage at the moment, but the bottom line here is that I want to keep it looking as stock as possible. Some people love the look of a wide body kit and skirts, but I like the original look of the mini - why fix it if it isn't broke?
The mini in question has been my daily ride for the last 6 years - a 1978 Leyland with a 998. The car is pretty much stock, except for hilos and front discs. It didn't have much rust when I first got it, but it's stating to show now, and I was preparing for a full strip-down and respray soon - but that will now come after any mods required for the conversion, and once it runs.
I've read through Tricky's conversion, which is a great read and gives me some indication of the work required. But as I said - I'm still planning at the moment, so I have a few questions for those who have done this before. Off the top of my head I'm hoping you can help with the following:
- Engineer: I haven't called any engineers yet - any recommendations in Tasmania? Transport have a list of engineers here, but I thought I'd see if anybody has any specific recommendations. Any mini experience is good I suppose.
- Drive shafts: Where have people had these made - any recommendations? I don't have the toyota drive shafts, as the previous owner forgot to take them out of the front cut before scrapping it. I will need to talk to an engineer to see what they think is appropriate here. I have seen a few cut-and-weld jobs, but depending on price and if the engineer allows them, getting them fabricated might be worth my time, especially since I need to get the starlet shafts as well. I'm not in a hurry just yet - it will be a long way off before I need them.
- ECU/Wiring: I have the wiring loom from the front cut starlet GT and the ECU. Does everybody use the standard ECU? People who modify starlets seem to go for a piggy-back ECU, but where space is a premium this might not be a good idea. If I can get away with the stock one that should be fine - I don't intend to do any turbo upgrade just yet, so I'm keeping this bit simple. I've seen there are a few good stickies on starlet wiring - that will be a God-send.
- Body mods: I know there are some required, but is there any 'template' or guide on where to cut? Or will it be matter of fitting everything up, and seeing where it hits. I know the wheel arch will need cutting, and I will need to do some at the front too. I noticed on Tricky's build, near the very start the front lower panel had been cut and pushed forward - I'm considering doing something similar, as I really want to keep the front-mount intercooler inside the car. A good intercooler is an invisible intercooler, but I know that might not be possible. I'll need to wait and see.
That's all for now, I'm still researching what I can and what I want to do. But any advice would be appreciated.
The process was really quite easy, and they didn't impose any restrictions on what I was doing - apart from the fact that I only have 12 months to do it! 
