my new project, i think its the first! :-)

[bigfattank]

I was planning to do a honda vtec conversion but i have now decided to go in a different direction,
I know someone has put a Fiat 1.2 16v head on a mini engine but i'm using the whole engine and SIX speed box out of a punto sporting.
Probably going to go with emerald ecu seeing as the electrics aren't exactly Fiats forte, lol
Should be looking at a reliable 90ish BHP with really good fuel economy and 6 gears so good for cruising aswell!
I've fabricated most of the frame built around a mini subframe just need to add engine mounts and strengthening braces
when its up and running i'll build a hot 1.4 16v engine as it is exactly the same engine externally, maybe even a t-jet 1.4 16v turbo :)
And looking at the attached picture i reckon it will fit under a standard roundnose aswel, STEALTH :)
Shame i already cut the front off and fitted a fibreglass clubby :(

Does any1 know of another one?

[fatlad]

looking good! what are the finished plans?

[bodgeit]

nice little project you got going on there. potnetial for some more power in the future too, which is always nice :)

[Alan D.]

Hi,

I'm very interested in your project, I've PM you.

Regards Alan D.

[bigfattank]

here are some more pics of ma project
like my stance?? ;)

[bigfattank]

And a few more
I really need to get those engine mounts done, too cold in cumbria lol

[charlie_t]

did you ever get this done matey?

[bigfattank]

nah life has been getting in the way, been doing a bit recently though and "plan" to have it finished before i go to canada in feb. lol we'll see

[woody78]

Whats the news with this then? Any nearer to getting it finished? I'm doing the same conversion but into a round nose!

[bigfattank]

not much unfortunatly no :-(
just moved house back to my dads after a split with the missus so will hopefully get some work done on it now that works cooled off after new year.

would be great to see any pics you've got to give me some inspiration/motivation! :-)
what are you planning to use for the engine management?

[mhamps]

very interesting build.

[bigfattank]

ok some progress at long last! :)

I've finally managed to get some space to work on the engine/subframe after clearing out a room under my dads garage has hasn't been touched in over 20 years!

The rear engine mount is now finished and i'll make a similar one to support the gearbox end but i'm a bit unsure of the best way to sort the mount on the front of the engine,

I want to use the old mounting holes for the power steering pump which is above the oil filter in the photos,

but as you can see the front of the subframe is only just in front of it so i'm having trouble visualising how to do it,

any ideas welcome! :)

[bigfattank]

more piccies

[bigfattank]

Engine mounts finished, may decide to put another one on the back of the diff if there's room.

I decided to make a notch in the top tower brace because the gear selector only had about a half inch clearance when selecting 5th and 6th. :-)

Now I just gotta look over all the welds to make sure they are good then start welding in lots of braces then look at bulkhead attachments

Split my finger with a hammer aswell.. happy days lol

[bigfattank]

Piccie boom :-)

[bigfattank]

Ok so i've started cleaning the frame up and redoing some of the bad welds.
Also Strengthened the rear engine mount and started incorporating braces into all the angles to beef it up a bit. :-)

[bigfattank]

I also got my new gear stick unit off fleabay, it's from a fiat doplo where it comes out halfway ip the dashboard, Civic type R stylee :-)

[bigfattank]

quick update, next up engine back in and stitch some driveshafts together. :-)

[bigfattank]

more pics

[bigfattank]

few more

[bigfattank]

Started rebuilding the engine now :-)
All the bearing journals were within tolerances thankfully so replaced the big end bearings and main cap bearings with standard size replacements
also fitted new piston rings and core plugs in the block after cleaning and painting it all up.
I wanted to replace the oil pump just to be on the safe side but it's the wrong side of £200 so I'll just use the old one as it was fine as far as I know.
Plans are to do a bit of porting and polishing on the head and maybe get hold of some double valve springs if I can find some, dunno where to look tho as tuning parts for these engines seem non-existent in the UK.
Would like performance cams for it but cant afford at the moment :-(

[bigfattank]

more piccies

[bigfattank]

more piccies

[bigfattank]

and more

[bigfattank]

more pics

[bigfattank]

and finally more pics

[dig-mini]

Its looking good but I have one question, how you going to get the mini in and out of that room?

[bigfattank]

lol the mini is outside looking sorry for itself in the rain!
Its just the engine and subframe down in that room and they will be leaving via the ceiling which is the floor of the garage above :-) (removable planks for the pit)