RWD Conversion

[ed4ran]

Hello,
I have been wanting to do a Swift conversion for along time, but only recently started to look to see if it was possible for me to do it,
so after i got a good insurance quote, i am now looking more into what will need to be done.

Ive tried searching but i cant find a list as such that notes what things are needed, im looking for such a list as i have a habit of simlifying tasks and forgeting the smaller details.

So could anyone note what needs doing after the subframe is suitibly modified, or point me to somewhere where i can get this information.

I have a spare subframe sat in the garden, and have steel tubing.
Ive seen other ppls modified subframes so have a good idea of what to do.

So what i have thought of so far:-

Subframe modify to fit engine,
then fit suspension and brakes (are coilovers required?)
Gear linkage,
Fuel tank (would mini injection tank work?)
Wiring
Exhaust

I would probably get driveshafts made.

I already have megasquirt (i know its not required), and a flip front.

So is there anything i have missed? :roll:

Thanks,

Ed

[miniswift]

Hi,

Try to get hold of complete car if you can.
If you log on to UKswift.co.uk, there is one mk1 Gti for sale below £400.

If you have complete car, you can take off what you need and sell off the othwers as spare and get money back!
I think, mk1 set up is better if you can get hold of one in my opinion.

Cheers
Atchi

[ed4ran]

Well ive started my conversion,
Decided in the end to stick the engine in the rear!!
I have an on going project page on TMF (http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9130) with the conversion starting on page 17.

I have been working on it for just over 2 weeks now (thats when my metal tubing was delivered, and i hadnt done that much before that).
Just cant wait for it to be in and running!!

Hope theres not too many pics :roll:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/01.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/02.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/03.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/04.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/05.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/06.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/07.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/08.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/12.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/13.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/14.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/15.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/16.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/17.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/18.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/19.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/20.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/21.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/22.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/23.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/24.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/25.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/26.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/27.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/28.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/29.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/30.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/31.JPG

[ed4ran]

Today i got the engine sitting in the correct place, and have been able to work out where the engine mounts are going.
So as long as i have the metal I should be able to get them done by the end of the weekend. :)

[ed4ran]

I did manage to get the mounts done, and now have progressed further.

No going back now (or at least it will be as much work as it would to finish it)

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/33.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/34.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/35.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/36.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/37.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/38.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/39.JPG

Still some finishing on the frame, but for now im gonna get it welded to the cage then pull it out and finish all the welding.

[crazyrussian]

looks very nice!! Keep up the good work!

[ed4ran]

Thanks, :)

Ive removed more of the unwanted metal from the rear to make way for the suspension,
and now have the rear diagonals tacked in,
so next its to get on with the top suspension mounts.
Then its frame out to finish the welding,
clean it up,
bolt suspension and bits back on,
get it on wheels,
bolt it in the car,
and then sort out the controls and bits. :roll:
simple really :shock:

[ed4ran]

Pulled the frame from the car today,
and have started on the suspension top mounts,
tomorrow ill be welding the frame up,
and adding some little bits.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/44.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/45.JPG

[ed4ran]

Not done a huge amount, but have got the engine in the frame,
as there wasnt much i could have done tonight.
:?:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/46.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/47.JPG

[buljac]

Nice work.

Witch gear box are you using. I see it has wire remot operation. the only suzuki gearbox that I know is working this way is the 4WD box and the one from 1.6 engine I belive.

Cant wait for the end result.

[ed4ran]

Thanks,

Yeah its the 4WD box from the Subaru Justy :D (low mileage as well)
the rear part can be disabled by moving the selector,
but i will be removing it completely later on and blanking it off.

[crazyrussian]

looks VERY nice indeed!! would love to see more pics of the process, i am very interested in doings something similar...

also, question, why not have the 4wd system?? why not just have the regular tranny in there? or is there something that i dont know about.... (most likely. lol) thanks!!!

[ed4ran]

Thanks,

Im using the AWD box for several reasons,
1. Bigger cogs so stronger (good for turbo :D )
2. Cable operated, much easier to adapt for the gearlinkage.

It would be possible to use the standard box though, just harder to get the linkage to work.

Ive given the frame a lick of paint and have bolted it back into the car,
then i rebuild the brakes with the rear back plates on and bolted them and the suspension on,
now the car is sat on its own wheels but i need to make some lower coilover brackets as they are just sat on top of the lowre arms at the mo.

Once ive done a few small things (like rear brake pipes) ill be installing the engine and gearbox :D

Dont know what else you'd need pics of, but most of the processes where similar and have been shown :?

[ed4ran]

Small update:-

Back on wheels, and have run the brake pipes (dont worry P Clips on order),
engine is out of the front (rather high at the mo, but got some HiLos),
engine is in the back but head and manifolds arent attached yet (just on for looks),
With the engine in and the suspension compressed the roof was at bellybutton height!! :D
Have since adjusted the suspension so theres a few inch of clearence at the wheel arches.
Oh and have done the alternator mounts. :proud:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/49.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/50.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/51.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/52.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/53.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/54.JPG

[crazyrussian]

wow, freakin beautiful!!! if only i could buy a mini to start off with, wow, wish money wasnt the biggest problem right now!! wow, all i can say is wow!! and cant wait to see the final product!!!

[markrally73]

Amazing conversion, Have you tried raising the suspension on the coil overs to give you a little ground clearance at the rear?
Also how have you fixed the hubs so the rear wheels point in a straight line as there is no steering rack at the rear i assume???? :roll: but i may be proved wrong and youve made it 4 wheel steer aswell!!!! :lol:

[ed4ran]

Yeah i have since raised the rear so now i have about 4-5cm clearance from the top of the rear wheels.
The hubs will be fixed with some arms like on a steering rack, only bolted to the subframe and fixed (still using track rod ends so its adjustable).
The thought of 4 wheel steer had occured to me, but didnt really think of doing it. :roll:

[markrally73]

Yeah i have since raised the rear so now i have about 4-5cm clearance from the top of the rear wheels.
The hubs will be fixed with some arms like on a steering rack, only bolted to the subframe and fixed (still using track rod ends so its adjustable).
The thought of 4 wheel steer had occured to me, but didnt really think of doing it. :roll:

Just be careful when you are making your fixed arms to the subframe as if you dont get the length of the arms and the mounting/ pivot points spot on you will give yourself bumpsteer on the back end which would be frightening!! :shock: :shock:
Something to think about if you havnt already???


Cheers Mark

[ed4ran]

Well i thought it was about time i did an update, although it isnt much :(

Ive got the fuel tank mounted and plumbed just not bolted down yet as im waiting to run the coolant lines (waiting for 90 degree bends and clips)
Also got the front sitting at a better height, just need to pull the hilos off again to make some spacers so they're locked off (i know they have nuts but the nuts are too thick so im making spacers).
Have decided to move the gear stick back as when i put a seat in the car it was a little too far forwards.
Got the accelerator cable ready to fit as well as a few other bits.
Ive pulled the brackets for the various parts off to clean them up and paint them which is why a few things are just sat there in the pic.
Back end is up as ive pulled the bottom coilover brackets for cleaning + trimming, and i decided to fit new brake pipes.
Wont be long till i start the engine (fuel pipes at engine end and fuel in the tank.
Wideband lambda is also fitted ready to start tuning :D

Anyone else got heavy duty lower suspension kit on back order from MiniSpares? (MSSK3008)

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/55.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/56.JPG

[ed4ran]

got a bit more done, and have been able to start the engine.
vid (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift_running.avi)
Still not tuned yet. :oops:

[Swiftmini]

Good work!

Have you tuned it or driven it at all yet?
Have you fixed the rear steering arms yet?

Any ideas how to tune without using a road or a rolling road, my best ideas so far iare kwiksave carpark or one of my dads fields.

[ed4ran]

Nah still not tuned, have been away for a week in germany,
got back 2 days ago, and have been finishing a few bits till i got a new grinder, now i can finish some more brackets and paint them.

I havent quite decided on how im locking the rear, ive got a steering rack that i can lock off and attach to the back, or i can get some arms made that bolt to the frame.

Im going to do some tuning with the car stationary, then ill get it on the road and try the autotune to get it better. Will eventually get it on a rolling road, but if i can get most of it done first then it should cost alot less.

The other thing i need to do is find somewhere that can set the suspension up!! :(

Not driven it as i need to make some driveshafts and a few other bits, but i can do that now as i have a grinder.

[Swiftmini]

If you could get the car to derby i may be able to use the equipment in the workshop. We have all the tracking and camber setting gear aswell as corner weight scales. We have a rolling road aswell but i'm not sure if its up and running yet.

Failing that you could set the camber to 0 by using a spirit level and use a long length of wood to set your tracking. Atleast it would be driveable.

Good luck locking off the rear. Maybe a good idea to put up a post in the general 16v questions. Someone will have done this before.

[ed4ran]

As im in Lincoln, Derby aint that far, so it could be possible!!
Is it your workshop, or one you work for? Whats it likely to cost?

My aim is to be driving it by the end of the week!! :D
Well at least up and down the road!! :lol:
New rear springs should be here for thursday.

Just have to order some more metal to build the radiator support at the front.

[Swiftmini]

Its the university workshops. I'm studying motorsport technology at derby and we got taught how to use the gear last year.

It would be free because we have a 4hr session on fridays (that they call motorsport club :roll: ) We use these 4hrs for our own projects.

I will be back there on the 10th or the 17th depending on halls accomodation, money and getting a lift back up. I would be happy to help because it'll give me more practice using the equipment, i'll let you know when i'm back up there.

I take it its a private road you will be driving up and down. :lol:

[ed4ran]

Cool, That would be great!!

Of course its private :lol: :oops:
But once its driveable ill probably get road tax anyway.

[ed4ran]

I have been working on it but nothing particularly picture worthy, really just alot of little bits.

Got some new suspension items, 2 sets of heavy duty adjustable bottom arms, Protech shocks all round (although i need to change springs).

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/new_bits/11.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/new_bits/12.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/58.JPG

Ive also made the driveshafts! Dont know how long they will last, but ill replace them in the future with some better ones.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/57.JPG

Should have them installed either tonight or tomorrow,
and ive started on the front bracketry for the radiator/brace bars,
which should be finished tomorrow i hope.
Not long now till i can drive it up and down the road :D

[ed4ran]

Ive got the driveshafts installed, the handbrake working, the gear shift working, and have mostly done the front radiator mount/brace bar
(old brace bars got in the way of the coilovers, so i made the frame that also holds the radiator). Just need to weld it all up and paint it, will be chopping the excess off the bottom when i take it all off for welding.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/59.JPG

[BassAddict]

Are your protech coilovers from huddersfield spares. with "400lb" springs ? Just curious as mine are, and my semi-guestimated maths came out as needing 384lb springs so I thought the 400's would be fine - but I can get full suspension travel just by standing on the the subframe (without the engine in!!! :shock: )
For info - semi-guesstimated meant using other people's weight distribution figures, combined with my suspension measurements (top arm length, fulcrum etc)
Rich

[ed4ran]

The fronts are from a Zcars kit, and the rears i bought the shocks straight from protech, and had some springs on order from Gaz.
The rear springs where squashed 2" to get them on so they dont exactly move much with the car and engine sat on them.

[BassAddict]

No worries - cheers for the speedy reply !! :)
Your project is looking pretty smart by the way - wish mine was going so well !!! :)
Rich

[ed4ran]

Thanks,
Its only going well as i dont really do much else :D

[Swiftmini]

I'm eager to hear how your mini handles :wink:

[ed4ran]

Only 2 things left to make (and a few small things like filling up the radiator) before i can test drive it for the first time, :D
So as soon as the last peice arrives in the post i can get a vid.
Although i might be doing a temp job next week so might not get to finish it till some time next week :(

[ed4ran]

Well now ive finished the front cage, and its back on the car, with rad mounts installed. I have also been doing up some bolts and other bits.

Now im just waiting on a part for the rear, and i need to fill the car with fluids and i can take it for a drive. :o :P
Although i think i may have to modify the clutch arm so its abit shorter, but we will see.

Ive put the front seat in and it feels like a nice seating position with the gear stick slightly further back, the column dropped, and the seat further back, theres a bit more leg room :D
Just need to get the right tilt on the seat (needs to be higher at the back, but carpet should sort this). However i might wait till i get some new seats.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/60.JPG

[Swiftmini]

How does it go my son, you must be there by now :P

[ed4ran]

Slow, ive been working the last 2 weeks and im waiting on bits.
Which "should" be posted out on friday. :(
but with the money ive got from working i might buy my interior. :D
or at least some of it,
just depends how much i need to spend on insurance, tax, and setting up + more springs. :roll:

Also some HT bolts i ordered arrived on friday so i got to fitting them.
bolts bolts bolts!

Had a play with tuning at the weekend and didnt get anywhere as the exhaust had a leak giving false readings on the WBL,
so off with the exhaust and out with the gasket sealer,
then back on with the exhaust,
luckly with such a small exhaust it doesnt take long.

Then i come to find the battery flat, and so it takes all of sunday to charge so in the end i didnt get any further. :( but at least i can do more after friday (not working anymore till i get a full time job).

[BigAndy]

Looking nice mate - very jealous of the speed you've been managing to work at.

Where did you get your fuel tank from? And what pump/fuel system layout are you using?

[ed4ran]

I bought the tank off of someone with a Z cars kit that changed their front subframe for the tubular one, and changed the tank for a different one,
and so i also got the front coilovers as well.
If you've seen the minifilms, its the first homemade one, red with white front, boot and roof.

I got the fuel pump and filter (external) cheap off ebay, its from a V12 Jag :D

[ed4ran]

Well after a problem with one or possibly 2 cylinders not firing (believed to be one half of the coil pack being iffy, gonna get another to check)
i did a compression check and #2 seemed funny so i decided to remove the head for a look, and with the head off i also decided to strip it and reseat the valves.
Got to clean all the valves and put new valve stem seals in and finish cleaning the head
then stick it back together all in time for the new coil pack.

Also i might stick the standard ecu and stuff on just to get it running for now, and play with megasquirt later.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/61.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/62.gif

[ed4ran]

Well shes running again!! :D
(problem with megasquirt and injectors)

Problem now is i have an air lock ive got to get rid of.
So i made a little tank (bit of 22mm copper pipe) with a valve on top so i could bleed the air out.

On the other side of things ive got to wire in the instrument cluster which is the only thing i can think of that will be required to be road legal.
Have got to mount them in the dash first.

Also got to get some supplies to prep and paint the boot lid,
as well as the pins to hold it on.

Had some more ideas for some bits i might change in the future,
but I wont say anything till ive got to the point of doing them.

So as soon a i sort the airlock i should be able to test drive.
Then sort a few other bits and should be road legal.

[pengy666]

I found it to be nifty being an MOT tester! thats a shortcut to legality's lol

[ed4ran]

LOL, im not that lucky so i have to sort them out :(

Mangaged to sort the air lock, apart from needing a new thermostat (88 degrees C one!!! that seems hot to me???),
and a bit of pipe to feed the highest part of the engine coolant pipes back to the header tank at the front.

Also I managed to fix the broken fan that came with my radiator so now ive just got to run 2 wires to the dash. Gonna have it on the thermo switch and a manual switch.

I think tomorrow, once the fan is hooked up, if its nice enough i might go for a test drive!! :D

Then i think ill get on with preping the boot lid (needs a small amount of filler) for paint and drilling the holes for the light and number plate.

Once that is done ill start mounting the dials in the dash, and maybe even start wiring that :D .

[ed4ran]

Dash is now made and covered,
Fan runs off either the switch on the panel, or a temperature switch on the engine.

Really ive just got to paint the boot lid and fix the plate and light to it,
ordered a new seal for it,
and some locking bonnet pins for the corners rather than the orignial middle one
(thought it might give less stress across the lid and they dont stick out).

Made:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/in/14.JPG

Covered:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/in/15.JPG

[ed4ran]

As always the test drive didnt happen as i had too many oil leaks so i wasnt allowed onto the drive, so i had to pull the sump, thats job in itself. only got that back on today. :( refilled with oil, and ill have to see if theres any more leaks.

On another note i have prepped and primed the boot lid, and today my order from minispares turned up,
New arches, locking pins for the boot lid, and a new boot seal.
So now ive got to fit the pins to the bootlid, and get the brakets made for the opening (strips of metal slightly bent).
So while im at it i thought i could paint the arches, but they kind of look ok with the white roof????
I can always remove them again as they will only be bolted on. So i could just give the edges a sand to get the smooth.

Let me know what you think!!!

and yes i know the whole car needs lowering, but that means replacing all the springs!! :'(

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/body/24.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/body/25.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/body/26.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/body/27.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/body/28.JPG

[DarrenW]

Love the wheels, wellers are the best 8) I think the arches look nice 8)

Whats the dash you have?

[ed4ran]

I made it out of wood!! :D
(im assuming thats not what your on about ;) )

[DarrenW]

Very nice indeed, can it be made out of any old wood or a special sort :wink: :lol: :lol:

[ed4ran]

MDF is what i used, 12mm i think.

[DarrenW]

Nice :lol: :lol:

Any ideas on the electronic dash you are using, looks nice 8)

[ed4ran]

What electronic dash?? http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/ninja.gif

[DarrenW]

Are you saying its a hole in the dash :shock: :lol:

[ed4ran]

Thats for the CD player :lol:

[DarrenW]

:lol: :lol: This is getting funny :lol: :lol:

No no in the half moon shape :wink:

[ed4ran]

:shock: Didnt see that :o
Must be some kind of shadow... yes shadow http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/ninja.gif

[DarrenW]

You need one of these to feel up that space

http://www.air-and-space.com/Moon/20040808%20Moon%20waning%20half%20m.jpg

:blowup: :lol:

[ed4ran]

Just ordered one to fill the space 8)

[MattG]

you guys are funny ! LOL

[DarrenW]

Be able to work out your speed, in relation to the movement of the stars then.

Cool stuff 8) :lol: :lol:

Not to sure how it will give you the fuel tank reading :?

[MattG]

on the subject of talking pap ... i wound not put a axle stand under a fibre glass wheel arch to keep the car up ..not very safe :lol:

Matt

[ed4ran]

Mock up of moon,

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/tmf/15moon.JPG

What do you think???

Yeah the axle stand wasnt too safe, so ive replaced it with selo tape!! :D

[ed4ran]

Doesnt matter about the fuel level as i dont have a sender in the tank!! :oops:

[ed4ran]

Well over the last few days ive been working on the arches and bootlid,
Ive got the arches bolted on, but they still need some sanding to get them looking and fitting better,
although they fit to the body pretty good they are slightly different side to side so they need adjusting
(as in one has a slightly bigger lip) http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/dozing.gif

Also got the locking pins in my bootlid so it just needs a bit of sanding and i should be able to paint it.
The white rings around them are metal plates to stop someone digging out the lock,
they are shiney (the white is protective plastic on top)
But i dont know if i should keep them shiney or paint them? http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/ermm.gif

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/body/29.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/body/30.JPG

[XEValver]

is that a fibreglass or metal boot lid?

If its metal then if i were you i'd ditch the big circle.

I've bought the exact same locking pins as you for use on my front end. i intend to make some much smaller 'circley bits' and then flush them into the fibre glass.

if ur leaving them as is then dont bother painting them...may look a bit weird.



nice looking car tho! love it! 8)

[ed4ran]

Double skin fibreglass bootlid,
I would prefer not having them, but i think it would be too easy to break the locks out.
I might even put 4 bolts through the plates to stop them being bent out.

[XEValver]

i'm going to look into just mounting the 'behind panel' metal circles without the outer ones, for a cleaner look and still some security. but if i have to use the outer ones then i'll just flush them in.

[ed4ran]

I think the skin is too think to take any out for the plate, unless you add more to the rear, could bond the rear plate into it as well?
Think ill just see how i go, and possibly do the 4 bolts through the rings :?

[ed4ran]

Ive decided im going to try bonding the back plate on,
and if they want to try and break in then they will still have to dig around the back plate
whether or not the front one is on,
and if i think the front one needs to go on then its just bolts on under the lock.

On another note: >>>>http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/ninja.gif<<<< (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/vid/test_run.avi)

[ed4ran]

If you cant figure it out :
Just click here for the video (DivX required) (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/vid/test_run.avi)

Did i forget to mention with the car idling at 750-850 i can engage the clutch and the car sets off??? :lol:

[DarrenW]

It it meant to be sound and video, as I can only get sounds 8)

Never heard a moon sound like that, cool stuff :D

[Swiftmini]

Congrats el capitan :D . Why the miss fire? any ideas? My car miss fired during my first test runs but stopped gradually. I think it stopped when my tappets had charged up.

If i get on the road at chrimbo i may have to come and look.

cheers mate.

[ed4ran]

It is video as well!!!
I think the missfires are from no acceleration enrichments
and its running rich still.

[ed4ran]

shouldnt be too long till mines on the road either!! :D

[DarrenW]

Cheers, Downloaded the divx stuff.

It drives 8) , cant wait to hear the next updates. Best of luck

[BassAddict]

Nice one fella ! Your neighbours looked a little curious at the start :) !!!!
Congratulations :) :beer:

[pengy666]

cough splutter, hope that cold gone now???


:lol: :lol: :lol:


fair play mate well done

[ed4ran]

Well i got the brakes bled (and bloomin stiff) and the bootlid on (needs a bit more fiddling but i just had to get it on)

But i have some good news and some bad news :cry:

[DarrenW]

Is the good news, that the electronic moon dash looks great in the dark!!!

So what is the bad news?

[ed4ran]

Bad news is I got a ticket!! :cry: :oops:

[DarrenW]

I assume not in the mini :shock:

What a bummer :cry:

[ed4ran]

Good news is that it was from the MOT man :D :D :D :lol: :lol: :twisted: :wink: :wink:

SHES ON THE ROAD!!! :wink:

[DarrenW]

what a result :megasquirt:

[Swiftmini]

Nice one!!

How does it handle then and does it go well?

Cheers

[ed4ran]

Well i think i definitely needs the suspension setup before i start judging the handling but as it has new balljoints etc at the front it makes steering really weird, its stiff from the balljoints, but light to steer :?

Also the engine needs a tune up but i did give it a little poke when i was coming off the round about (one a 30 and a 40 zone between me and the garage) and it was mental!!!!! :D So i can only imagine what its like with a tune up!!

It was really funny driving to the garage as it was the first time i had it above 2000rpm for any length of time and under load over 1000rpm,
but on deceleration it was banging and popping, just made me laugh soo much!! :lol:

MOT man said it was the coolest thing he had seen at the garage,
and they remembered me from last year when it was standard and i had drums all round (which where cr@p) but now the brakes are solid!!
As in you can press the pedal a few inches down before the brakes are on and the pedal wont go much further down!!

[Marcus Nordblom]

Impressive work! :beer:

Are you on std gti ratio? How does the ratio feel?


Marcus

[ed4ran]

Not quite standard, Im not using the GTI box.

40mph in 5th is just under 2500 rpm
70mph in 5th is just over 4000 rpm

I dont know how that compares with most cars? Isnt it something like 70 in 5th is about 3000-3500 rpm?

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/tmf/justygears.JPG

[Marcus Nordblom]

Is your final drive 4.24 ? are yo sure about that?'

http://teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?t=17634&highlight=final+drives


70mph in 5th is just over 4000 rpm, thats about my aim i guess

Mine is 4.105 std i will try a 3.523 in my spare box if i could find one…



Marcus

[ed4ran]

Definitely correct :D cos im not using the GTI gearbox or a GL box
Mines the AWD box. :lol:

[Marcus Nordblom]

Definitely correct cos im not using the GTI gearbox or a GL box
Mines the AWD box



Ok! I owe you a beer for that :lol:

Marcus

[ed4ran]

:D Nothing particularly special about it though, just bolts on.

[Swiftmini]

Any news on handling, performance etc.

are you back on the megasquirt?

Cheers
kev

[ed4ran]

Been having a small problem with the accelerator cable sticking a bit,
but otherwise its been alright, although ive done the sum total of 20.5 miles in it :oops: Ive been waiting for someone to get back to me about a RR setup, but they are looking over the megasquirt software so i guess ill have to wait.
I have been looking into getting the stock ecu and bits i need so i dont have to worry about the engine for now, but i would still like to run megasquirt.

Handling wise im getting used to it, the front end i lighter but seems to be ok, havent been faster than 50 odd as the engine isnt tuned and i havent been that fast around corners. So i think i still need to get the engine setup or at least the stock stuff on it to be able to drive faster and smoother.

Still some stuff to sort out though, throttle cable being one, but the main one is the alloy bulkhead that i have to sort some support bars then get the alloy sheet and cut to size.

[Swiftmini]

Cool man, it sounds like you have the general teething problems that you get with engine conversions, its cool you got an mot without to many problems. must be a very nice inspector or just too interested in the conversion. I don't think mine will pass first time as i'm not that lucky.

If you need i think i still have an ECU and also a couple of MAFs, alternatively if you are on msEXTRA code you could try my fuel and ignition maps. They don't appear to be to bad.

Anyways hope the little niggles sort out easily.

Cheers
Kev

[ed4ran]

The MOT guys are the ones we use on all our cars,
and they remembered me from last year,
they did seem rather interested in it :lol:

I was thinking of getting one of the 37pin megasquirt connectors and joining it to the ecu connectors that i cut from the original loom so i can just plug the stock ecu into the MS relay board!! :D
But i dont have the stock Distributor or coil so i need them as well :(

Im running MS2, but i would be interested in you maps and settings!!
The main one im worried about is the Ignition map as it doesnt seem to be something i can tune by myself.
Have you done any Accelerator enrichment stuff? :|
It annoying because i dont know if there is any problems with it or its just a case of needing alot of tuning,
also the engine is alot smother if the AFR is 14.7 (for obvious reasons, but it can always be that). Things like warm up enrichments are easy, but i dont seem to get anywhere with accelerator enrichments which makes it hard to accelerate and that combined with a sticky cable is annoying and scary :(
I think ill probably try and find a cable out sleave that has a nylon inner to help loosen the cable.

Ed.

[ed4ran]

Also i have found out though that i can set off with 1st then pretty much go into 5th and idle along at 18mph which is nice in traffic!
Seems that as long as the car is rolling then i can stay in 5th :shock:

[Swiftmini]

I haven't tuned anything at all. All i have done is loaded up some constants that i got from a link at teamswift (i'll dig the link out), apart from that i'm running on the theoretical map that was supplied.

I do know that my ignition starts at 8 degs and reaches 28 degs max. Thats all i can remember for the moment. I think i have a dizzy and coil but they at my house and i won't be back in the midlands till the middle of jan.

I'll look for the link i think there may have been a ms2 file that you can upload to the ms.

[ed4ran]

Cool that will be great,
I just find that no one else on Teamswift that has megasquirt is willing to reveal their settings, i know its likely to be different for each engine, but they must know its easier to start with something rather than nothing.
Ive tried looking on TeamSwift several times for MegaSquirt stuff but always end up with Caarlos webpage.

[Swiftmini]

Here go.

http://caaarlo.50megs.com/

if you go to the bottom of the page just above all the megatune screen shots, there is a link for this guys MSQ. Not sure how much this will help but my car seems ok up and down the driveway. Also i think this guy may have ran different cams, actually i do think my car is a little rich as it tends to hunt a little.

Anyway got a thousand words left to write on material testing, so i best crack on.

Good luck with this.
cheers
kev

[Swiftmini]

ooops sorry just read your last post. Your right no one helps at all. I think its aussies :D. I guess its down to trying to work out the accel enrich figures :?

I'll keep digging for anything that may help

[ed4ran]

D'OH!!!
Went to a little mini meet we have and upon setting off from a roundabout i some how managed to snap a driveshaft!! OOoops

Got to get it fixed by thursday so i can get to a garage to have the suspension geometry sorted (its going to be free!!!!)
Then ill also be getting it RR'd.

[Swiftmini]

Shizzle thats not good. How were they made? did you just weld the ends together or were they pressed into a sleeve and welded.

I'm still lookin forward to hearing about handling and some rolling road figures will be interesting.

cheers

[ed4ran]

Yeah i just welded the ends, and the welder i used seems to be wearing out.
So im using a new 170 amp one to re weld it so i can save for some billet ones.

[RabNo1]

Bit late now i suppose, but you should have cut an sleeved them like shown in the pic on http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7689,
also read somewere (cant rememebr were) that some people do that then dont even weld the sleeve they just use loctite bearing fit to hold it all together.

not done mine yet, but thats how ill be doing it, dont know if id go for the loctite tho :lol:

[ed4ran]

Thats how i originally planned on doing them, and even with a rod going through it as well, but dad said it would be fine just welded.
Oh well you learn as you go. Will sleeving them now and they should be fine until i get some made. :oops:

[ed4ran]

Driveshaft is fixed and back in.

Went and had the suspension setup today and its a huge improvement!!
No more bump steering (or at least there wasnt any on the way home) its still bouncey from the 10" wheels, but its alot smoother!!! :lol:

Might have some pics of it being setup to post, will have to see later.

[ed4ran]

Heres pics of it being setup,

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/sf/24.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/sf/25.JPG

Also on the way back i found out (heard) the water pump is on its way out. :(

[evolotion]

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/sf/25.JPG

*snigger* lay ****

[ed4ran]

I thought someone might comment on that :P :lol:

[Swiftmini]

What we want to know is how sidways you have had it and how it handles when sideways. :P

[ed4ran]

:lol: not really had it sideways yet, although on the way home there was a junction i went a little quick on and did spin the tires, but i didnt swing it round the corner so it stayed inline.
Have to say though that 1st gear is easy to spin in, especially with the damp weather. :lol:

[ed4ran]

Should be going for an RR on Sat 13th :D

[Swiftmini]

Rollers today isn't it. Let us know how well the megasquirted g13b goes.

Cheers
kev

[ed4ran]

:oops: Got there and had a bit of a setup, but found a problem with higer RPM it was spurting oil from the pan/block seal, so couldnt go too high as it was running low on oil so had to stop.
After some tuning (still not 100% yet) the max was about 4000rpm :( with about 70whp :D
So have to sort the oil leak and i think it was having the odd RPM spike!! :evil: Then it can go back and be finished off.
Also there was a problem with the tires (big ones to fit on the RR) they were slipping!!

BIG TIRES on 12" wheels
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/RR/01.JPG

Olive did a little weee!!! :|
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/RR/02.JPG

Here is a little video, this is only of the engine warming up, and doesnt really get above 2.5k RPM ----> YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97EK1Olb4VM)
Will get a better one when it goes back and see what its like at 7000rpm :D

[pengy666]

SWEET AS!


You can hear that spike in the rpm,

No offence intended here but you gotta change that exhaust note!

Unless you wanted it to sound like an "A series"

[ed4ran]

lol, no offense taken, the exhaust was more a temporary thing so i could get it all running, and once i decide if i'm staying n/a or turboing then ill change the exhaust to aid that. So probably 2" for N/A and 2.5" for turbo.
Ill do it out of stainless, and probably only have 1 back box (or maybe none for the turbo :shock: )

If i keep it N/A ill probably put bike throttle bodies on and a 4-1 manifold with the rest of the tuning stuff (cams etc but they will be on either way),
or turbo and keep the stock intake with single throttle body etc.

Decisions decisions!!!!

[pengy666]

COOL!

Just mind you dont upset your neighbours! lol

An mot point of view, If the exhaust is too loud it can fail,

I only usually use this on boy racers, but just thought i'd point it out. It usually upsets the corsa boys when i fail it!

I think they only actually introduced it cause of the corsa owners!

:lol:

[XEValver]

I think they only actually introduced it cause of the corsa owners!

:lol:


PMSL! :lol: :lol: 8)

[ed4ran]

lol, yeah, im only going to do it for performance, not trying to get it as loud as possible.

[Swiftmini]

Cool does it feel quicker on the road now, i bet even with 70 ponies its fun. Bit of a bugger having that oil leak, any idea of when your going back.

Also how long did you have to spend on the rollers to get where you got, the last a series i took to the rollers took about 6 hrs.

cheers
kev

[ed4ran]

Im not sure exactly when or how long it took to do the tuning, but it was basically get it warmed up then do a few runs to see what its current state of tune was like, fiddle with the tables, and see if that improves it etc, the guy there looked over the maps and made some suggestions/alterations.

It was alot smoother on the way back the problem was that i still had the oil leak that gets worst the more RPM you do, and from the garage to my house i dont need to go above 2500rpm max (40mph).

Im also still having the problem with the sticky accelerator cable so thats another thing i think ill have to replace, or redesign, as it makes setting off weird and annoying.
Anyone know where you can get nylon lined accel cable sheathing?

They have had a Swift there before that was a stock racing car and they tweaked it a little to get 94whp at 6500,
(Obviously i havent seen it on the RR but i dont see why he needs to lie about it).

Most of the time was getting everything setup etc like changing the wheels and hooking up the RR equipment.

Ill try and get it back there within the next 2 weeks. :(

[evolotion]

Anyone know where you can get nylon lined accel cable sheathing?


Halfords bike section ar anyo good bike shop :) do yourself a favour though and pay some moneys and get the best cable/sheath they have, makes a wonderfull difference to narrow throttle openings for pottering along in traffic.

[ed4ran]

Had read somewhere about bike brake cable outer.
The cable i have i got from www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk (http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.co.uk/VWPweb2000/mcycle-3/mcycle-3.html) supposedly for motor bikes.
Can you buy it Per meter? or do they only do short lengths? :|

[ed4ran]

I have sorted the oil leak, and have stopped the RPM spikes (went all the way to Bingley and back with no engine problems.
Although there was 2 electrical problems, with 2 grounds coming off,
one was for the electronic box that sends the signal to the speedo so my speedo stopped working, but was an easy fix,
the other was the ground for the dash which was also an easy fix but to get to it we had to remove the dashboard in the car park at bingley!! :(
luckly we had tools with us.

Yesterday James (my brother) gave Olive the first wash she has had since ive owned her :o :oops: :lol:
So took some pics as i dont think it will happen very often.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/clean/01.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/clean/02.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/clean/03.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/clean/04.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/clean/05.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/clean/06.JPG

[evolotion]

from memory the cable comes in 2 meter legnths .. and only jsut clicked why this my be an issue for yourself :lol: cant hurt to pop in and look tho, mayby even find a local bike shop and ask if they have it by the meter!?

[Swiftmini]

It looks real cool mate. So is it quick then....

cheers

[ed4ran]

I actually don't go out too much in it, mainly because i have been setting it up till fairly recently and spending most of my time working on my brothers car,
also with the engine in the rear its a lot louder and so even at 2500rpm its really loud and so i don't often take the rpm that high (keep thinking somethings going to break because of the noise), :oops:
does sound better with ear defenders on!!
but on the times i have it goes pretty darn well and still doesn't have the accel enrichments tuned, I got it to 6950rpm on our little street!!
it was in first gear though so i only got to about 25mph!! :lol:

It still farts a lot when you lift of the accelerator.
But before we went to bingley i did adjust the cable so now it doesn't stick at lower speeds which makes it alot better to drive. Still has a slight off idle stumble,
but after having the suspension setup its not twitchy anymore (motorway wasn't scary, it just vibrated :evil: ).

[ed4ran]

I have just rebooked the RR For the 17th!!

[XEValver]

it looks SOOO cool!

i love it!

cant wait to see the RR results 8)

[ed4ran]

Well ive just got back from the RR for the second time, and havent had any problems with leaks etc.

Did a bit of tuning around the 3200rpm - 3700rpm range, but other wise it was a few power runs.

Rpm went to a max of about 6500rpm and it made the sum total of 92whp

(a swift they had on the same rr, with all stock ECU but a slight tweak made 84whp)

YouTube Vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=242OVcQkyjU)

[ed4ran]

Vid actually works now

[Smurfy]

Edit: Now working :D

[Pandora]

At one point it did peak at 100 in 3rd lol made a hell of a noise, i was standing there watching it climb, nearly lost my hearing but it sounded great. Ed couldn't hear what i heard, he was busy doing the tuning in the car lol. Sorry about the shake of the camera but it was freezing.

[Swiftmini]

Thats quality. did you get figure for flywheel horse power. I think the swift loses about 18% power through transmission, that would be about 108hp. Not a bad result at all.

Cheers
Kev

turbo next

[ed4ran]

well if you take the std swift they had on there, and assuming it had 100hp at the flywheel then i guess you can say it has lost 16% through gearbox,
so that on mine will be 109.5 @ flywheel :D

The main thing i want to replace is the exhaust!!! but will have to wait till i sell some stuff or actually get a job.

[Swiftmini]

Do you just have a back box after the downpipe?

what do you want to change about it?

[Pandora]

At the moment ed has two boxes on, in a L shape. Its tiny lol.

[Swiftmini]

Oh ok. So a bit restrictive.

cheers

[ed4ran]

Yeah its still 1.75", and has 2 back boxes, well one is kind of a little box which would normally go not far after the manifold.

Ill probably change it for a 2" or 2.5" stainless system, and 1 back box (probably center exit), but i could (probably wont do it) have it exiting just in front of the passenger rear wheel!! :D So it would be basically a few inches of pipe (straight of the side of a turbo) and a back box :lol:

[Swiftmini]

Hi Ed, I have some questions for you, hope you don't mind.

Do you know wether the gearbox mounts are in the same place on your awd box as my mk2 1wd?

Also any ideas on the cost of a awd box?

Did your mot man have any problems with you not having a rear bulkhead covering the engine?

And last thing is do you have a contact or link for the megasquirt kits that you get, i need a few more but the only sources i have found are in the us and don't appear that cheap.

I'm asking about the gearbox for when i go turbo power and because i may copy you and go mid engined :P

Cheers mate.

[ed4ran]

The front mount on the gearbox is different, its still a triangle of bolts but in a different rotation. The rear one i think is totally different.

I think driveshafts are the same splines, but with the diff being bigger i think they might be narrower, or the middle shaft might account for the difference (not sure either way).

I got my gearbox, driveshafts, starter, gearstick and cables, brackets/mounts, clutch and flywheel from a Subaru breakers yard and sent to me for about £200. Just has to be the 1298cc version that was made from 96 onwards, and it looks the same as a normal swift.
Flywheel is alot thicker, and so F###ing heavy, one of the things i want to do is get one made out of Aluminium, would probably save a few kgs!! and improve acceleration a fair amount, although it doesnt seem to struggle.

MOT man said nothing about the bulk head, its not something they check for as it doesnt effect the road worthyness of the car. They were also too shocked to check much of the rest of it. :lol: but alot was new (e.g balljoints and bearings, and brake system).

I get all my megasquirt stuff from bill AT shurvinton DOT fsworld DOT co DOT uk, he is on the list of suppliers under Bills Bedroom (and is in the UK).

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/09.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/11.JPG

[Swiftmini]

Christ!! That is a fatty of a flywheel.

I think because i will need different flywheel, shafts, gearbox and mounts it will be better for me to go with a vauxhall box. It was my original plan anyway and i could then retain the lighter flywheel.

Just need to search for results on doing the gear linkage for rear engine.

Thanks alot for clearing up those few little things, i will be able to sleep tonite now :D.

Cheers
Kev

p.s I do still intend on being on the road soon, the mid engine idea is for the summer holidays.

[ed4ran]

Yeah it is thick (back is curved in though)!! but out of aluminium it will still be strong because its thick, but also light.

The vauxhall box maybe a good idea as it is probably easier to find a replacement, as well as good upgrades for it and other ratios.
Have seen GTI engines in Novas so it is possible anyway.

I still like it that the justy gearbox is a straight bolt on job though, and works well with the cable change, will just have to get an ATB diff from Quaife and some driveshafts made. :lol:

[Swiftmini]

I guess you will be getting a job soon to fund the flywheel and quaife bits :lol:

I have a couple links for people who do the conversion kits, but they tend to charge about £150+ for the adaptor plate :? I think thats pricey so i will do it myself. I quite often see boxes going with straight cuts and lsd on the rally websites.

[ed4ran]

Thought it was about time is posted an Update :D

The things ive been doing recently are:-

Cleaned and sprayed the bulkhead and Re-run the fuel pipes under the car

(This pic is courtesy of Bec!!)
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/64.JPG

Yes i know the subframe still needs sorting, It will get powder coated along with other bits in the future, for now its doing its job.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/65.JPG

Added some bars for the harnesses (other harness still to fit) and this is also where the bulkhead will attach to.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/69.JPG

Order some metal to make a bulkhead (and the next special project!!)
I was cut to approximate length by the supplier so i should just need to shape the edges.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/66.JPG

and 1000 rivets to attach it!!!
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/67.JPG

and i even put in the front carpet for the fayer. (and its already dusty!!!!)
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/68.JPG

Ive bought some suspension bits but will post a pic when they turn up!! (hopefully tomorrow!!!!) Its nothing drastically special but it should help handling.
Just waiting on a second floor member to be able to mount my seats when ive done my bulkhead!!! :D

[Swiftmini]

Looking awesome well tidy i envy your auto building skills.

Kev

[ed4ran]

:oops: 8)

I just cant wait to get another swift engine to start my next project
(obviously not as big as i dont have another mini, but still fun :D )

[Swiftmini]

Smaller than a mini you say.... Gotta be a kart or one of those buggy things. Maybe a shorty there smaller.

Hmmm

[ed4ran]

no wrong kinda thing :lol:
I dont have another vehicle to put the engine in. :cry:

[ed4ran]

and i dont really want to say too much about it until i get another engine to confirm if its gonna work :lol: then i may take some pics and post about it.

[Swiftmini]

Are you just going to use it as a test bed.

Have a bash at building one of them triflux engine :twisted:

[XEValver]

coffee table?
paper weight?
conversation peice?

I'm all outta ideas :oops: :lol:

[ed4ran]

lol, yeah pretty much, its to use it to make and test something else,
and no not a table etc. :lol: (not unless it fails!! :oops: )

[Swiftmini]

http://www.pfranc.com/projects/turbine/turbo.gif

Or Boost of another kind

[ed4ran]

nope, but i should be doing that to mine anyway in the future when i have other bits sorted and funds allow :lol:

[Swiftmini]

I'm gonna give up and wait now.

[ed4ran]

:lol: You give up too easily!! Just like my brother (you know you do James!!) :P

[Swiftmini]

Its only cose you have more topic replys than me and once again i'm jealous :lol:

Last go then

Flux capacitor

[ed4ran]

:lol: yes thats it, i am build a flux capacitor!!

[Swiftmini]

Just a quick question while i'm thinking of it did you ever look far into a windows mobile based megatune.

Random i know, its just i have recently got a MDA compact 3 (pda like thing) and i remember a post about it a while back.

Kev

[ed4ran]

Haven't had much time to look at it, but ive been looking for a serial connection for mine, and the only way so far is Bluetooth Serial adapter, but once i get one i will start playing and programming something for it. :D

[Swiftmini]

Cool i eagerly await.

[ed4ran]

Well the bits turned up today:-

Some expensive Rose Joints to convert the bushed suspension to solid http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/sf/26.JPG

Yes the lock nuts are wonky, and the guy is sending me some more.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/sf/27.JPG

[Swiftmini]

Ace, does it not handle to well at the moment though?

We still need to some videos of you giving the mini some beans!

Kev

[Pandora]

I could show you the beans! Just means that id have to change my trousers after, when eds finished his driving :P

[ed4ran]

No its not bad now, the only thing really is that the rear steering arms had bushes in them, so if the engine miss fired then the rear would steer :oops:
So the main thing was to get that solid and i decided it would probably benefit from the rest of the suspension being rose jointed. :lol:

and now the rear is all fitted with rose joints so i just have to do the front which should be easier and less work. :wink:

[Swiftmini]

Ideal, did you ever get any bump steer issues when you first built it other than the engine miss fire one. Did those rear steering arms come out good, i think i remember you saying that you had to modify them.

Kev

[ed4ran]

To be honest they where ok,
it only went twitchy at the rear when the engine missfires under heavy acceleration (need to play with accel enrich)
but i think it should be a nice improvement and more firm (which will mean im more confident).
Just trying to get happy with the feel before i go for any more power :twisted:

There are a few other bits i'd like to tweak,
especially the gearing and clutch as its a little annoying having to change gear before you get to 10mph :oops: May just try setting off in 2nd :lol:

[Swiftmini]

I can see what your saying about getting used to it, my mr2 was completly hammered and i wasn't confident in it at all. It had well stiff springs odd size wheels front to rear and all the anti roll bar mounts had rotted away.

I can't even imagine what an 800kg 92rwhp mid-engine mini must be like, especially with such quick gearing. 2nd gear starts sound good, i think i will have to also.

Kev

[ed4ran]

Jims gearing seems alot better than mine, although his isnt soo noisy inside which may make some difference!! :lol:
But with his 13" wheels and lower gearing it does seem better.

[Swiftmini]

I was concerned with the gearing but after driving i don't think its to bad, time will tell when i'm using it more often.

I was just thinking about mid engine minis and just had the thought that having the same roll centre height :) and geometry at each end of the car may not help with the handling.

I wouldn't worry though unless you want to start playing with suspension geometry :?

Kev

[ed4ran]

Front is now rose jointed. :D

Got a few things turning up in the next week or so, and will be bidding on an exhaust if it doesnt go for too much before hand.
Have to fill in a job application first and get it sent off 11 dam pages!! :cry:

[Swiftmini]

Cool is the job any thing exciting, bet you hope it is for 11 pages.

I bet you can't wait to ty out the mini with rose jointed everything :twisted:

[ed4ran]

Nothing that exciting, its for a Systems AdMINIstrator.

May go for a drive this afternoon to test it as its sunny at the mo, and will be raining over the rest of the weekend. :(

[ed4ran]

At the moment I feel quite tempted to drink the 1ltr of IPA i have :cry:

[Swiftmini]

How is it going now?

Or

How was the IPA?

[ed4ran]

Went for a quick drive around the back roads, and you can feel more through the whole car, I definitely feel more confident, just need to do some more tuning on accel etc. 8)

Luckly didn't drink the IPA :shock:

[Swiftmini]

I bet it feels sweeeet.

I reckon you need a vid of you and your bro nailing those back roads.

Kev

[ed4ran]

May do one when Jim's has been for a setup (June 16th), and ive played with mine a bit.

[Swiftmini]

i have seen your post about steering arms, this probably won't be any use to you. I think the pics are off of ebay.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/swiftmini/frames%20suspension%20etc/d544_1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/swiftmini/frames%20suspension%20etc/d310_1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/swiftmini/frames%20suspension%20etc/d094_1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/swiftmini/frames%20suspension%20etc/d7a0_1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c83/swiftmini/frames%20suspension%20etc/da28_1.jpg

They look good, i wouldn't mind looking into making something like this. Although i don't have access to a machine shop anymore :(

Kev

[ed4ran]

cool, had thought about making some to adjust the position of the track rod end and make it easier to make the rear steering arms.

[ed4ran]

:mrgreen: Today at about 12:00 i had a delivery from MattG :lol:
Its for my next project, which looks like it may work so i might post a little about it, but then i might not. :P

[Allan McD]

:? :? :? :?
Tell us you ******
Allan

[ed4ran]

:cry: I dont know since you just called me names :evil:

[Allan McD]

Honest it was a nice name. :lol:
Allan

[ed4ran]

Well its probably not what your expecting me to get from the 16vminishop!! :lol:
But im also probably not doing what you think with it either!!!

Its another engine! :lol:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swiftmini/01.JPG

and no its not going in the front of mine to make a Twini!!! although...... :twisted: :lol:

The only bits missing are the Dizzy, flywheel and gearbox, Oh and the ECU until Matt finds it :lol:

[Swiftmini]

I'm not following. Is that another spare engine to go with the project engine you already had :?

[ed4ran]

err, no i think this is the project engine :lol:

[Swiftmini]

I just cant wait to get another swift engine to start my next project
(obviously not as big as i dont have another mini, but still fun )

Ok i think i'm following now :lol: I have still given up guessing

[ed4ran]

lol :lol:

Do you really want to know now? or do you just want a really obvious clue?

[ed4ran]

The main aim for the project is to make the conversion a LOT easier. (thats not the clue its just what i was aiming for)

[Swiftmini]

So are you going into production then :?:

[ed4ran]

and ive also got a new exhaust coming for my car (not the project) :lol:

[ed4ran]

i might do if it works well, and people are interested. 8) :lol:

[Swiftmini]

i might do if it works well, and people are interested.

There will certainly be interest if the price is good!

Good luck :D

[ed4ran]

lol, you dont even know what it is yet :lol:
It could be a completely stupid idea :oops:

[Swiftmini]

Don't care, i'm confident. I can't recall seeing anything dodgy in any of your posts

[ed4ran]

:lol:

ever heard the usable limit of a mini gearbox is 100hp? :wink:

[Swiftmini]

Are you gonna build inlet manifolds that clear the bulkhead so that mk2 conversions can be done easier :?:

[ed4ran]

nope :lol:

[Swiftmini]

Oops your too fast. i can see now. you haven't managed to get hold of a crossflow/a-series box or are you doing it from scratch. I'm def interested in this sounds like fun.

Have you measured up for position in engine bay?

[ed4ran]

lol, from scratch!! :D

Done some initial measurements and so far all seems good (which is why i was waiting for the engine to get some proper measurements)

[Swiftmini]

which is why i was waiting for the engine to get some proper measurements

You had two already :|

[ed4ran]

but they are both in cars and have the sumps on!! :lol:

[Swiftmini]

anyway this is cool.

I have been considering mounting a bike engine atop a mini box with a cover over the box. and a chain drive down. you could 1 or more forward gears and reverse.

turns out people have already done it :(

[ed4ran]

lol, i think with the bike engine it would be alot of work and im not sure if it would fit under a normal front? guess it depends on the engine used.

[Swiftmini]

If clearance is what you were worried about, the crossflow conversions could apparently be stroked from 1760 to 2100 :shock:

So big bore and long stroke g13b wouldn't be a problem:twisted:

[ed4ran]

I was trying to keep a standard engine to save the standard box, but there wouldnt be anything stop someone from installing straight cuts and uping the power (am even looking at a suitable turbo manifold!!) :P

[Swiftmini]

am even looking at a suitable turbo manifold!! :D

[ed4ran]

yeah, it will basically be where it would in an A series turbo 8)

[Swiftmini]

Do you weld aluminium.

You may be able to bolt a flange to the suzuki engine with counter bored screws and then bolt the box onto that.

[ed4ran]

:lol: Ive already thought of how im connecting it all,
i will probably tack the new flange on then get someone else to TIG it, or i may see how well our MIG does with the alloy wire/gas.

[Pandora]

Now you've done it! Every tom, dick n harry are going to do this. :D o well.

[ed4ran]

:cry:
I think its a bit more involved then making a frame as the transfer gears have to be correct so that the loads are transfered correctly,
also if it works ill use this proto one to make some cad drawings and get the flanges laser cut so they are all nice and neat.
Have also hopefully saved some money with some changes i have thought of since doing some work on it today.
Ive also got to find out about getting the crank adapter machined, and it cant wait till the end as its will help setting the final position of the engine. :?

Took a pic of it so far, not bad for a few hours work.
and yes the rope is holding the gearbox on for now but the flange is bolted to the engine.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swiftmini/03.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swiftmini/04.JPG

Also the one bad thing i found out which i was hoping would still fit is that standard speedo takeoff cant be used, unless i rotate it to point further down. Or just use a digital speedo :lol: but a stock one would be nice (one less thing to change when doing the conversion!!).

[ed4ran]

should i start a new project for it? :lol: :oops:

[buljac]

Hi.

Wow you are busy.

Cool thing you have going on there.

Yes please start the new project thread. I think it would be morew exposed to all.

God luck.

[ed4ran]

have done, in the suzuki builds HERE (http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9394)

[ed4ran]

New exhaust turned up!! :D
Just need to do a few things before i can start fitting it.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/new_bits/15.JPG

[Swiftmini]

F**kin huge! Well it looks big anyway :D

[ed4ran]

:lol:
Ive got it in place now, needs some more welding as i had to shorten the tail pipes, (will get a pic soon)
Now i just have to connect it to the exhaust manifold, I think ill get some new bends and a flexi pipe to do it.
Also have to cut the diff cover up the weld that up too, but apart from the small list of things to do thats the exhaust fitted and i can get on with the bulkhead. :lol: :oops:

[ed4ran]

Heres a couple of pics :D What you think? :oops:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/exhaust/01.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/exhaust/02.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/exhaust/03.JPG

[Smurfy]

That gooks great!!!!! :D

Suits the car really well

[Swiftmini]

Mate that looks sick :D 8)

What did you get it from in the end?

[ed4ran]

Elise S2 :D Have had to adjust it slightly though

[Swiftmini]

Nice one :D

[ed4ran]

Tail pipes have been welded on now so it just needs connecting up, so......
Have just picked up the exhaust bits to connect the box to the engine :D
mmmm mandrel bent stainless :proud:

Also diff cover has been chopped and should hopefully be welded by the weekend so i can bolt it back on.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/exhaust/04.JPG

best get back to work on it!

[Swiftmini]

I was down the scrap place yesterday and noticed that CRX's have very nicely sized and shaped back boxes. I know this is a bit late :oops: but i thought i would let you know anyways for future reference.

Cheers
Kev

[ed4ran]

Yeah had looked for them on ebay but couldnt find any of the sideways ones :?

[Swiftmini]

I wanna know what it sounds like with all of them tail pipes 8)

[ed4ran]

I do too, but i dont have the stainless wire for the welder so i can until its all welded :(

[ed4ran]

DAMMIT!
Got all the pipes cut to length the other day, spent all of yesterday sorting my brothers car out on the RR,
and came to weld the pipes today,
only to start off with gas problems (not me but the welder, honest :oops: )
once that was sorted i had almost finished when the tip blocked
and as i was changing it the threaded part the tip goes into broke!!!!!!
So now it cant take a tip so i can't finish the welding :cry: Im not happy, and all this nasty weather hasnt helped (garage flooded).

So im either going to have to buy a new welder (i may buy a tig 8) ) or try and borrow one :evil: :cry:

BUT i did get the diff cover back on, and so just need to fill the box with oil.
So once the dam exhaust is finished i can bolt it on and see what it sounds like.

[Swiftmini]

That poor luck :cry:

(i may buy a tig 8) )

You must have alot of rich aunties :D

[ed4ran]

:lol: , no
One of them has sent me a birthday card, only problem is it isnt my birthday for another month :|

[ed4ran]

Well i went into the garage today and managed to the welder working enough to finish what i needed so now have managed to get the exhaust finished and back on, will have to see if there are any pin holes i missed,
but it seems better as well as not popping so much (hardly at all now)
It seems a fair bit quieter than it was which i think is a good thing. 8)

Me and Jim just got back from a quick blast around the back roads so all seems ok. :D
May have a bit of a play with the wiring tonight ready for tomorrow (Normanby Hall mini show).

[ed4ran]

Have decided to upgrade the rad and at the same time upgrade the pipes (to silicone)

Ill also be installing the heater again. Not to heat things up, but just to blow fresh air into the car :lol:

Old rad (small) compared with upgrade. :D http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/70.JPG

[XEValver]

were you having cooling problems before? that new rad is HUUUGE! :shock: :lol:

[ed4ran]

Not really cooling problems, but it was getting a little hot, and since now i can comfortably rev it (no misfire any more) it gets a little warmer inside the car :lol: Also if i start tuning i think it will only get warmer, and ill need better cooling so it seemed like a good thing to do.

[XEValver]

if you've got the space, then it makes sense to get a big rad in there. as you say, it'll keep it cool when you upgrade 8)

[ed4ran]

lol, got some 13" wheels to help with cruising speed/rpm, and they have really big tires on them :lol: Looks funny with 10s still on the front!!!
and the 13s have less offset than my 10s!!!

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/new_bits/16.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/new_bits/17.JPG

[Swiftmini]

Looks like a wacky racer :lol:

[ed4ran]

Well have just spent a few hours playing in the garage, and have finally started on my bulkhead :D
It may only last for one drive in the rain :cry: provided it doesnt burn from the exhaust manifold :shock:
(sorry thought id make that joke before anyone else :P )

Its just a template for the alloy if you didnt figure that out already :lol:

So may get the alloy cut out tomorrow :D which will be a good start to it. :wink:
Then i can start cleaning the floor and painting it, again.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/71.JPG

Ed.

[drew_mini]

that looks amazin with the 10's n 13's :D

can't say much for the cardboard firewall tho ;) lol

looking gud mate.

Drew.

[ed4ran]

Just popped out to get a quick pic as i didn't get one when i get the bulkhead cut.

So here it is, and i just need to drill a couple of holes for all the rivets,
and for the other bits to pass through (like the gearchange cables etc),
once that is done im going to go around all the edges with some sealant so it should stop all water etc getting through :D

You can also see where i have removed the rest of the rear pockets.
I will probably be mounting the relay board and ecu onto the inside of the rear quarter, which should mean i can cover it up easily.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/72.JPG

The rust that you can see is actually just metal dust that has landed and gotten wet :( not the floor itself rusting. So ill be cleaning it all and spraying it again.

[ed4ran]

Got all the holes for the rivets drilled today and have riveted it on :D
used 1 pack of 100 rivets and still need a couple more :( but i think i should have enough with my other 900 :oops:

Just need to drill the holes for the handbrake cables and the gear change cables, and move the ecu etc back to this side so its dry.

Tomorrow i plan to give the floor a lick of paint, and then start on my seat brackets, and start looking at the top part of the bulkhead,
but its looking on track to having it done for the weekend,
as long as nothing happens and i keep at it, but i guess we'll have to see if it is done for MITP :cry:

Also got the rest of the carpet to put in but we will see :lol: (its not the right shape)

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/73.JPG

[ed4ran]

For anyone that didnt see it at MITP, i managed to get my interior almost done (well at least the seats are in, but still need to do a few other buts as always).

Had the odd problem on the way back from MITP, firstly the rear tires on my 13s are poop at least in the wet anyway.
So that ment i almost lost it going around a round about :cry: luckily the fronts still had good grip (thank you Yoko) and i managed to correct the slides.
After that i was a bit causious about all the water sat on the roads. But then that lead to another problem i had!! The water got onto the alternator belt and caused the water pump to slip, resulting in the engine over heating. Luckily i had enough tools to be able to tighten it up :? and it was ok after that (the odd little squeal).
The other thing that happened was all my windows steamed up soo much that i couldnt see a thing so had to pull over to be able to wipe them, (couldnt reach with the harnesses on :( ),
so ive got to finish covering the engine to stop the water spray hitting the windscreen,
and possibly make a new alternator mount that is easier to adjust and holds its position better.

[ed4ran]

forgot to add the pic of my new seats.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/in/17.JPG

[ed4ran]

Well a couple of things have happened over the last few weeks since MITP,
I have changed the rear suspension a bit, but may change it slightly again :?
I have started doing the top of the bulkhead now so i have got the card cut out. :wink:
and i have just received a brand new radiator as the one i got was 2nd hand and leaked very slightly :(
Have done some other bits that i dont have picks of, like installing a Knock sensor, and Ive also put it back onto 10s on the rear!! :D

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/74.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/sf/28.JPG

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/new_bits/18.JPG

[Swiftmini]

I like your rocker arm rear suspension :D

[ed4ran]

Spent a lot of last week fitting new bits to my brothers car, and so i got some bits done whilst waiting for the stuff to be delivered.
I have managed to get the top parts of the bulkhead done (apart from the hatch),
so tomorrow i plan to cut the hatch and sort a few other bits for 2 trips next week :?

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary.heritage1/Pics/swift/75.JPG
The blue is just the protective plastic so ill remove that once ive finished the bits in that area.

[Marcus Nordblom]

looking great!

will you cut slots in the firewall for the harnesses or are you going to bolt them to the gage?
will the expansion pot be visible or canl you hide it under the cover?

top job

marcus 8)

[ed4ran]

I will probably cut slots in the top, but i was thinking of swapping to eye bolts and clips on the harnesses so it makes it easier :?

The expansion tank will be moved so it wont be visible :D

Ed,