Hey all,

Been out of the scene for quite some time. Just got a shell I'm planning to build into a nice, quick road car. Maybe even use on the track occasionally.

What I want to know is what are the really extreme mods that can be done these days? All I know for sure is that it needs to be a mini engine and gearbox, as I don't want to go down the conversion path. Apart from that, it's open slather.

I want injection, and hopefully some sort of cross flow head. What's around these days without needing Liberia's debt in my skyrocket to purchase?

Are the BMW twinky conversions good? Or is one of the imported 7 port head better? And why 7 port? Why not 8?? Confusion.

Am even considering forced induction if anyone has any ideas for me.

Lastly, this probably should be in another section, but what gearbox upgrades are good? Looking for bulk power and torque, so want something tough and reliable. Are the 5 speed internals conversions any good? Or just best off with a straight cut gearset LSD?

I'm not in a huge hurry, and will just build up the parts collection as things come up. Looking for best bang for buck.

Discuss!

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Bob Slattery
Duffman Says A Lot of Things - OH YEAH!!

Hey Bob!
I'm looking forward to following this thread, I've got your plans exactly - but maybe a year or two away. Good Luck! And I've always wondered. Why not 8 port??

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1998 Rover Mk VII
2001 Honda CBR 929RR (street)
2014 BMW S1000RR (track)

7 port heads use standard mini exhaust.
8 port head needs a custom extractors with 4 down pipes instead of three.

Mainly a cost saving thing.

There is a bit of talk about 7 & 8 port in this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=81737
I'm lead to believe that the 5 speed boxes don't handle the power and torque from the big engines also, so that kills that idea sorry. Good luck with the build, very keen to watch its progress.

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

Also 2 & 3 fire at different times so they can share the same exhaust port without affecting the flow. An 8 port could in theory flow better but it won't be noticable.

There are a few options for 5 speed gearboxs.
-Road boxes tend to have a "weak" 5th gear and it's not recommended to put big power through it.
-Race (straight cut) boxes are stronger in 5th but it's not like an overdrive so it's not worth it for a road car, plus sc gears are noisy again not ideal for a road car.

The way I see head conversions, 7 port heads are a great "standard" swap. They will bolt straight on and give great flow rate improvments, I've heard 40% power increase. However some aren't as good as other brands and most of them can benfit (some a lot) from a port and polish before use. Also EFI may not be an easy install depending on the brand of head.

The BMW heads are more work to install and probably cost more overall but BMW spent a LOT of money and research getting them to flow great so they don't need porting (but can also be improved if you really really want that bit extra). Out of the box they will make more power than a 7 port, the power will be a smoother curve and they have better cams that can be adjusted instead of the mini cam which is pick one and live with it. The come std with EFI and IMO they are eaiser to swap and modify inlet manifold designs weather you want a single TB or quads.

Both are alloy so are lighter than a 5 port head, both can struggle with space for carbies/TB and air filters. They both have pros and cons and ones weak spot is the other strong spot (depending on what you want).

If you want to really go EXTREAM A SERIES I'd say go 1360 too 1400, turbo, EFI (maybe even water/methanol injection aswell), ECU controlled timing, BMW 16 valve head, 4 speed "std" box, LSD.

Or you could go for a 7 port with a huge turbo with huge boost levels and see if it will survive. Depends on what you class as EXTREME.

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

Good advice. On the little I already knew, plus what my learned colleagues here have told me, I'm thinking the BMW option.

If nothing else, I'm assuming I can source the parts locally.

The space isn't a real issue, and in fact is why I'm working this out now. I have a fibreglass bonnet, which I'm already looking to restyle a little. If I can at least start collecting some bits and do some dummy fits, I can make sure it will all fit, or make it fit!

So, my definition of extreme? Well, I want something different. I want something powerful and fun, but I also want reliable. So the huge turbo 7port sounds a bit hand grenadey for my liking.

I love the idea of the BMW twin cam, with four throttle bodies sticking out the front. I reckon that'd be enough for me, and probably wouldn't need a turbo or blower. Could probably add later anyway?

Anywho, thanks for the ideas. Definitely starting to get some picture of what I want to do now.

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Bob Slattery
Duffman Says A Lot of Things - OH YEAH!!

If going naturally aspirated with a bimmer head I would consider upping and compression ratio a lot for beat performance and economy by using E85.

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Too many cars, and too little time.

The more I look at them, the more they look like they belong. They look like something the factory should have done.

KAD 16v heads are the ultimate but way too pricey. Did Graham Russell finish developing his 7 porter? Don't discount a good BV 5 port head, if it's done right by someone like GR, MED, Swiftune and the like they can work well on a road car. Are inclined valve heads still around?

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Slide
1965 Mini Van (1360)
1970 Mk2 Cooper S (1310)
1978 Rover SD1 V8 (4.6)
1996 Land Rover Discovery V8 (4.0)

ill watch where this goes, contemplating head choices (had another thread) for my 1360 when i get around to it. though my budget will be rather tight I am too leaning towards the BMW head.

Leroy.

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1967 Mini Deluxe bucket of rust and mismatched parts powered by a 1360cc and a destroyed gearbox missing second gear

Every time you want to buy a part, list the price of it on a pad and put the money in the bank. Keep building the ultimate engine G/Box list then add the brake upgrade and interior and body work. Once your list is absolutely done, take the money out of the bank and buy one already done, you'll have change!

I must admit the BMW head rocks

With 3D printing coming on strong the options for the A-series will get broader and cheaper.