Hi..

This is my first post. I used to own a mini about 4 years ago, and I have caught the bug again. Specifically looking at importing a Classic Vtec option from the states. See link below.

gomini
http://www.gomini.com/fs/vtec/vtec.htm

My question is, has anyone imported from these guys? Would I have problems complying this car for australian roads?

Any help is much appreciated..

thanks.

Well this might be a challenge, as for importing it should not be a problem as long as the original vehicle is pre 1989 and you can prove that to DOTAR, for rego well thats a whole different can of worms and will depend on what state you are in, first you will need to be bringing in a mini that is over 30 years of age to register it in LH drive if it isn't you are going to have to convert to RH drive and by the time you finish you may well of built it here in the first place and it will need certify the car with an engineering report either way to make sure the car is compliant for Australian registration.

Might be easier to have a look at the english companies doing the conversions as they will be RH drive already and thats halk the battle and ask them if they have any engineering reports on the subframe and brakes and other stuff that might help with the engineering here

Good Luck with it all

Jon

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Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

You could get it done for the same or even less by paying someone here to do it locally. Support the aussie fabricators like Mr. Enforcer.

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

Have to agree with that call and apart from probably getting a better stronger car locally at least if something does go wrong you have someone to fix it

Jon

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Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

Thanks for your help. The guys in the US do build for RH drive from scratch. However you mentioned pre 1989 - does this still count when the engine is brand new... The shell is pre 1989 but everything is built from scratch.

From their website:

Honda VTEC engines are available from a stunning 175 bhp upwards and can be fitted to both standard saloon and clubman shaped minis. Our extensive VTEC conversion includes engine installation in a custom built sub-frame. Utilizing Rover K-Series steering and brakes, both front and rear suspension is modified using progressive coil springs to replace the original mini rubber cone suspension. Adjustable dampers are fitted and rear wheel spacers are custom machined from billet alloy to allow the fitment of either 13" or 14" alloy wheels within standard Mini Sport Pack flares. The exhaust system is a combination of Honda standard down-pipes and Mini sport style muffler, producing a subdued yet purposeful tone.

I haven`t researched much of the local market because there doesn`t seem to be much available on the internet, especially with this sort of modded mini with the VTEC.

So in general it is often easier to import from the UK than from the US? As this company also has a factory in the UK.

Perhaps you could point me in the direction of some local websites (preferrable NSW) with some examples of this sort of work?

again thanks.

DOTAR will need to see rego papers of the car with a first rego before 1989 or proof of the chassis number being a pre 1989 build date as for the Honda engine and conversion it will be up to a loacl engineer and the state rego people to see if they think it is a legal conversion and meets the required ADRs and build quality

I don't know any of the shops that would undertake a Honda build but there are some places that have done Toyota and Suzuki conversions

Jon

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Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

Check out the track on the red beastie! That is blerry insane! Yellow one is much more attractive.

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"I'm sorry, but a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part!"

Oh my God, I want one of these. Except in a different colour, no roof decals and a Mk1 grille.

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"I'm sorry, but a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part!"

website says they do right and left and drive conversions

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Eddy

Judging from the responses in this thread you can see my excitment in the figures:

Performance from 1.6 litre engine in Mini Saloon:

175 bhp or 195 bhp Honda VTEC
0 - 60 in 5.0 seconds
135 mph

This shattering performance is attained without compromising the 'round town' drivability.
This is like no other tuned, customized Mini you have ever driven. Demonstration models are available.


Here is the vtec sitting in the engine bay:

Looks good but it seems to have the extended nose but it looks OK

Jon

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Roundies and Clubbies(except vans) are both ugly that is why I have Midas and a van
1293 Mini Midas Bronze,1275 Clubman van

Have a look on the site, it shows a picture of where they cut and extend the front guards to fit it all in!!!


Rohan

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1964 MORRIS 850 - POST ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE CAFE RACER INSPIRED.

https://spotify.link/D0P4KtIP2yb

1098 +0.40
266 Kent Cam
GR Flat top pistons
HS6
1.3:1 Roller tip rockers
Stupid high CR

Yes your right. Here are a couple of photos from another website Superfastminis.com that shows the front end off the car:

http://www.superfastminis.com/DCP01629.JPG

http://www.superfastminis.com/DCP01609.JPG

Other Gallery Photos:
http://www.superfastminis.com/Viewbuild.htm

Here is a short video clip of the car in action. Sounds very nice:
http://www.superfastminis.com/100_0314.MOV