ITS ALIVE!!!

[sean]

today we finally started the beast it went first time but we only ran it for roughly 20 seconds because we had no cooling system hooked up. VERY HAPPY!!! :twisted: :twisted: :D

[GTiMini]

8)
Isn't it great to hit a milestone! Keep up the good work and post some pics for us.

[BassAddict]

Excellent !! Have a few beers to celebreate matey !!!
Congratulations !
Rich

[sean]

some pictures posted

[GTi_Clubby]

congrats mate!

its a shame i cant get mine started :cry: everythings hooked up, radiator even is, hehe.. all its doing is turning over, not even a hint that it wants to fire..

are you using all the suzuki wiring? im using the whole loom, and ive disconected the idle control i think it is? the 2 vacume operated switch things which are bolted to the back of the inlet manifold? ive only got like 4 vacume hoses now.. but the plugs are just siting there at the moment..

hmm why wont u start.. :(

[sean]

I think its about time someone changed that thing under my name to "driving 16v mini" :D finally on the road.
GTi clubby make sure there is no air getting into the inlet manifold after the throttle body because i no in the mini when it had the a-series (pile of shite!) and we first got it it wouldnt start because there was a gap between the head and the inlet manifold.

[GTiMini]

Sean, In case no has said it before... Welcome to the Club!!!

[sean]

hey thanks con, but still one little problem our dash lights wont work, we have worked out power is somehow getting through both wires of the circuit board that connect the bulbs thus they arn't earthing proparly, any advice.
thanks

[GTiMini]

Look for an earth you've missed. There are 3 (IIRC) for the dash. One each side and one centre. And I think there is another for the ECU.

[miniswift]

Well done to you Sean and Simon,

I wish I was anywhere near like you guys.
That teaches me not go near my wife :lol: .
My 2nd daughter is now 4.5 months old so may be time for me to get in the garage..... :D .

I got 4 Gti engines and I'm selling one of them to fellow New Zealander, soon.
I shall deal with this engine first than anything else. :lol: .
Let me know if you are using std mini raiator or not and if it is ok.

Cheers
Atchi

[sean]

have posted some pics in my gallery

[GTiMini]

Looking good. Everything looks like it is where it's supposed to be.

Nice sleeper.

[sean]

Thanks Con,

We are slowly getting things soughted. The problem with the dash lights is intermitent which is something we discovered when we drove the car at night. I suspect the dimmer switch.

I am in the process of trying to source an air filter. The K&N New Zealand importer only brings in a limited number of variations and can't supply anything to fit. Any suggestions on other good brands?

The brakes are OK but not ideal. They work better that the mini setup but the back lock up under very heavy braking. I have a Lockheed remote booster out of a Hillman Hunter that I will fit. Should it be piped in between the master cylinder and proportioning valve on the front circut only? I will try and squeeze it in in front of the washer bottle.

We have also soughted the fuel gauge. I made up a hybrid sender out the mini and Suzuki units. I haven't tested it fully yet but it would seem that it will read full for about the first quarter and then read correctly down to empty.

What sould the ignition timming bet set at, at idle on the MK 1 engine?

Any help greatly appriciated.

Simon

[miniswift]

Hi Sean,

I'm hoping to buy mk1 gti manaual.
If I get it, I will tell you what it is.
Keep up the good work, mate.

Cheers
Atchi

[GTiMini]

If you have reasonable fuel set the timing at 12deg at idle with the vacume advance removed from the distributor. If you hear any pinging pulling the timing back a bit. The GTi engine can usually handle a lot of advance due to its design without problem if it is in good condition. Don't forget to reconnect the vac advance after you set it.

I only boost the front brakes. Seems to work well. You will have to change the rear slave cylinders to Clubman LS ones. Off the top of my head I can't remember the sizes but there are 2, one size for the drum brake models and one for the disc brake minis. You need rear cylinders for the disc brake mini.

[Glenno]

Hey just been catching up Sean.....good sh*t...sounds like you're on top!!

My bro is travelling 2 hours to come see the big initial ignition with a big bottle of shampers'............when I get to that stage.............mmmmmmmmmmmm....driving the new toy or get sloshed on shampers'....tuff choice NOT!......rubber to be laid!!!!!

Have dug out a Hilman Hunter booster too.....got a VH44, but have heard horror stories about restoring them.......price for a kit and overhaul is only a few dollars less than the new article and a friend has just bought two of the remaining three items left in the country for his Yank Tank..
But where you exactly plumb this in to the system is a mystery to me...........

Anyway good luck......you SHOULD think about the nationals at Labour Wknd..........we could have a Hybrid mini stand!!!!

Glenno

[sean]

Restoration of the Hillman Hunter servo was a piece of cake. I got the two kits required, one for the servo and cylinder and the other for the reaction valve from B&T for $141 trade. I was told you couldn't buy the complete new item anymore.

Read my last post in the general forum under my booster question on where I put it.