So the story begins

[FatKev]

I recently aquired a restored shell, which came with an Austin 1300GT engine (no not the 1275GT, this one isn't from a mini, and produces about 70hp). I also bought various fibreglass parts, like door skins, flipfront and boot panel, thinking I was going to make a hot A series powered Mini (still trying to source a decent roll cage for reasonable money).

After having read about the AMT VTEC subframe being near completion, I decided to ditch the A series engine idea, as it might costs just as much in the end, but with a lot less power. At the moment its still just a dream, but once the AMT frame is out and I've bought one, there wont be any turning back!

Guess I should start looking for a decent donor car... accident damage auctions might be a start!

Wish me luck guys.... :shock:

[FatKev]

By the way, anyone have the AMT email address?

Cheers!

[mikeb]

good luck with the build but dont expect it to be a cheap option ,ive spent literally thousands but am nowhere near completing my car

[BassAddict]

Good luck with it ! I've spent a ton already too - and the engine's not even in the car yet !!!!!
Rich

Yeah don't worry, I know it's not going to be cheap, but when you look at how much a 100hp+ A sereis engine kit costs (no gearbox, no carbs, has to be built then set up and so on). Fair enough I have a decent A sereis gearbox and some nice carbs laying in the garage...

I think for the same money I could buy a subframe kit and source a realtivley cheap donor car, perhaps an early 90's CRX (they produce about 150hp dont they?).

Also to keep costs even lower, I think I'll be using as much of the donor car as possible - dials, ecu, wiring loom and so on. I just want to build a Mini that will shock most guys in their over weight sports cars.

I will also accept the fact that this project will take a lot longer than my orignal hot A series idea, but the extra power is well worth it!

Cheers guys

[FatKev]

bah that was me above... yeah yeah I forgot to log in...

[BassAddict]

150bhp should certainly shock most !!! A cheap donor is a very good idea - wish I'd gone that route !