Ok, iv'e just started to save for a new complete engine! I have considered most of my options but I'm no mechanic. My first option was to upgrade to a 1275 GT reconditioned engine and gearbox and later on supercharge it. How much would this roughly cost me for a full engine/gearbox rebuild. Then I though why stick with the old when I can go with the new and get something like a Honda V-TEC conversion. But then I thought this might cost a bit much. What do all you mini experts think I should do? How much will a full V-TEC conversion cost me and would it be worth it?
Also what car does the Vtec engine come out of that fits into a mini? I know honda use these engines in most of their models and what are the specs of it?

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Mini Clubman, 1.3i, air con, 12" mags, pioneer sound system.

you would be best off with a b16a, heard that type R's but not the k series, still the b series are the new go but A LOT OF WORK.

even with the b16a its a lot of modifying AND RESEARCH.

b16a's come in imported CRX's 89-92/3 or new CRX's 93+ also civic's 89-95 but i think only the later of the civic VTiR's....don't know about the imported SiR's i think they came b16a also.

The type R engine your thinking of is the B16B. Gives about 15kw extra from memory.

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Margaret - 88 Rover

best bet is the suzuki swift GTI G13B motor - the least work with the best result, but total cost, unless you can do everything yourself, will be more than the rebuilt 1275.

Like anything, there are ways to save money, and a lot of hidden things that'll cost you money...

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Get back to me in 18 months.. i may have a Killer conversion that works . . .

J

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A bloke on my website indicated that the VTEC Frame (one of the many, this one from the USA) would be approximately $6500AUD delivered. Then you have the engine etc. Probably more than $10K all up... He did mention that he thought someone in Melb was about to start a short run of VTEC subframes?

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225hp atw on 14psi. 1/4 Mile no idea. Take one 1971 Mini Clubman, one Starlet GT Halfcut, Simmer over a warm MIG Welder, and Voila Minstar! www.mpdesign.id.au

Minstar, you NEED to find out more about these locally made V-Tec subframes...

Fits LHD or RHD cars...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50454&item=7972025734&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

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But he's thriving and striving and hugging the turns.

If you read the blurb, you do have to extend the front of car `a couple of inches'...!
I guess this means the front guards and bonnet...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Pretty cheap alternative to $6.5k tho

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But he's thriving and striving and hugging the turns.

talk to Besser about it, his roundnose vtec hasn't extended the front, but he's modifying the intake

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Hey, Minstar, thats me!
I got a quote from GoMini in the US. They actually sent me a email with prices with all the options you can buy...I have a link to their site here > http://www.gomini.com/fs/vtec/vtec.htm

I'll find the email and post bits of it here. I did a currency conversion after receiving the email and to get EVERYTHING (including extended front) was AU$6500, which I don't think is too bad. They said they have sent a few to NZ and sending them to Oz would be easy. BTW, this kit is available as LHD or RHD! They have some linking to a company in the Uk and also send their kits there as well (not sure why though).

A while ago I rang a Honda wrecker in Melb. and they told me they could get me a b16a for about $800 (this is just the motor, not a half cut). I did a rough working a while ago, and worked out that you could do the conversion for roughly $15k for a complete conversion, respray, interior fitout, etc. (that is if you got the car resprayed by a pro, and interior [not that there's much!] done by a pro too). This was only a rough price so I may be a bit out...

And about the conversion kits in Melb...I was speaking to a guy in Melb who works at Link Automotive in Mitcham (sorry, can't remember the guy's name). There website is here > http://www.linkautomotive.com.au/
We were only having a general chat but he was saying that a guy in Melb was developing a VTEC conversion kit so it was easier to register in Vic. and also make it heaps cheaper. I'm not entirely sure on this, but I think he may have said that the guy is a member of the VMCI (Vic. Mini Club Inc.)...but don't quote me on that one . I've also heard that there a few VTEC Mini running around in Melb. and I think they were a custom conversion. The VMCI link is here > http://www.mini.org.au/controller.php?page=Home.html

I've been looking into this alot so if anyone else can lead us in the right direction that would be good!

Hope this helps you a bit snowie
Russ

Found the email from GoMini. Here is part of it...

Cost of VTEC Conversion Kit


The VTEC Conversion is supplied as follows:

Basic Kit comes with the following:

· Custom MT-B Series Subframe
· One Piece Custom Half Shafts
· Necessary Mounts and Brackets
· Springs With Adjustable Front Ride Height

Basic Kit Cost US$2,500


Extras

4 Pot Caliper 9" Vented Disc Front Brakes Upgrade US$850

Heavy Duty Adjustable Lower Arms & Tie Rods US$395

One Piece Lengthened Fiberglass Front End US$495

Lift Front Hinges, Shocks and Hardware US$125

= US$4365

This equates to AU$5600.82 (using: http://www.iccfx.com/convert.php3 updated 06/05/05 at 8:05.00 GMT +0100). For the Basic Kit and all extras

I think I rounded my figure up to $6500 to include shipping...I don't have a clue how much shipping would be. Anyone have any ideas? (maybe I should ask a family friend of mine who works in customs, he's involved with some private imports... )

Edit: I forgot to mention, when I emailed the guy at GoMini I told him about my van and whether it would fit/work on Oz Mini's. He said that they would, and this particular kit does not require spacers on the rear as other kits do.

Sorry, my last post (I get excited about VTEC-talk)...

found this the other day >


Link https://www.plminishop.com/view_product.php?product=V-SUB

...and this...


Link https://www.plminishop.com/view_product.php?product=V-FCF


And some links to Honda/Hybrid Mini sites...

http://www.btinternet.com/~honda.mini/hybrids/

A good description of what its like in a VTEC Mini...http://europeancarweb.com/features/0503ec_mini/

Another good article (on the Articles & PR page). SAE Mini VTEC makes a conversion kit...http://www.saeminivtec.co.uk/mainframe.htm

...and so do Watson's Rally...http://www.watsonsrally.co.uk/

Thats enough for now...

Russ

Be careful with GoMini in US, they allegedly have left a trail of people who have paid $$ for VTEC kits and got nothing.
Go to www.minimania.com and do a search.

<edit> here's the thread. If you are not logged in there note the last post is on top.
http://www.minimania.com/web/threadid/6 ... thread.cfm

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.