Cool, thanks to all.

Will report back on engineers feedback tomorrow.

Madmorrie

Its the other way around.

The 4EFTE is about 20kg lighter than the A-series (once you have taken off the A/C and PS pumps etc).

Next time its out, I will weigh mine and let you know.

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"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

When I had one in each hand the A series felt heavier...

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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

Engineer called to say he can't come today!!! Now coming tomorrow.

Madmorrie

Who are you using as an engineer, Madmorrie.

Does he do house calls, (like doctors used to)
I would like to get someone to look at GTI Moke for a check
before I start to finish the project

Yes he is doing a 'house call'. Much easier than my trying to bring the project to him!

There is a list here
http://www.supernerd.com.au/~poida/gemini/VASS.html

I'm going with Frank Fordham at this stage. I've spoken to him on the phone a few times and he seemed interested in what I was doing and happy to talk for half an hour about it both times.

He was the second one I rang from the list. I started with the closest one to me, who basically said "I'll engineer a V8 into a Torana, but anything more complex than that I wont touch."

I'll know more about the process tomorrow hopefully.

Madmorrie

Just went and weighed my spare 4efte engine and gearbox with alternator minus A/C, PS, and cooler 145Kg
So by the time you add radiator and cooler about the same weight as an A series

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4efte powered Clubman
supercharged 998 race car

Thanks for that 92.

Good to confirm that they are in the same ballpark.

Madmorrie

WARING - Long post, some areas may be less than relevant unless you're engineering a vehicle for rego in Victoria.

Well, met with the engineer this morning. He seems nice enough and, more to the point, he seemed quite happy with my subframe design. Basically he was happy with the overall direction so I'll dot point the areas I need to address.

- Happy with the engine weights so thanks to all again.

- Gusset's on the frame. I knew I had to do this but it was good for him to see the frame and suggest thicknesses and designs. Mainly triangles. And some areas that may not need them. He also suggested an under brace to link the two castor rod mounts. He also suggested that I get someone else to weld it, which I can understand.

- Brake wise he was happy for me to use the Tarox kit (same as Josh) and at this stage he was happy for me to run without a booster. Mazda 323 master cylinder for dual circuit with remote reservoirs was given the OK.

- Recommended the use of a Toyota Coaster Bus rear heater unit as a fan heater (1100 has no fan standard).

- Said I needed to run the factory airbox if I had a modified intercooler?? Also suggested that he didn't know what the factory airbox looked like and neither would most police! I was gonna run some kind of airbox anyway so this is no drama. I'll just get a big one.

- Didn't like my steering shaft arrangement. I had cut and welded the bottom of the 1100 column to the starlet uni joint. Steering components that are welded need to be x-rayed., and I'm tipping my stick welded effort wouldn't pass. Anyone know of a car that has the same spline as the mini that also has a uni joint?

- Recommended the use of a impact switch to cut off fuel supply in a shunt. Not a big issue but also easy safety so why not.

- Lastly he wasn't sure that the cooling capacity of my 1100 radiator (rebuilt at great expense - Doh!) was gonna be up to the task. Especially if behind an intercooler. What can I supply to convince him it will be OK?

Think that's most of it. Probably bit's I've missed but overall a good result.
Now I just have to move house and then get cracking!!

Madmorrie

Evidence it don't overheat in 'normal' driving conditions.

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

just put a thermo fan on it and see what he sais

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Good stuff, why does it matter if the cooling wouldn't be up to the task? sounds like more of a suggestion to me? It's surely your problem if it overheats and you can't drive it so suffice to say you'd get something that actually cools?

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

His logic was that the engine is putting out three times the original power, thus its probably got to get rid of 3 times the heat. He did say that the aluminium radiators are a lot better at getting rid of heat so worst case scenario I'll get this one put back to standard and flog it off, then get an alloy one made to fit in its place.

I showed him that its front mounted and will have a ecu controlled thermo fan. He just said it was an area for concern. Might just mean I fit the water to air setup and leave the rad uncovered.

Madmorrie

Yes MM, but the engine is 3 x as thermally efficient!!!!

If this is all the comments the engineer gave you, I would say that you have very little to worry about - good luck mate!

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"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

Yeah good point there about thermal efficiency, I'll have to swing him around cause I'm not gonna chuck it out yet. I only just fabbed the mounts for the bloody thing!

Overall quite happy with his thoughts. At least I can proceed now with some degree of certainty.

Cheers

Madmorrie