Vtec Mini build

[olsson_richard]

Hi

A little info of my mini:

I´ve owned this Mini for two years now. It was in fairly good condition when I got it. The Mini were then stripped in a couple of hours. The engine came from our local car dismantler. Then the hunt began for spares to complete the conversion. ..but I don´t now the history of the engine, which makes it a bit interesting the day I´ll start it up.

The front subrame is k-series based. It has been shortened and modified to take the B16A1.

At the rear I have replaced the original subframe whit a new one taken from a Renault GTE with rear discs.

The interior is taken from a 1995 civic, that has been cut down to fit the Mini.

The thing I´m doing today is to fit a safety cage.

More pics and info will come to keep you posted

[olsson_richard]

Hi
Here´s my first attempt to update the build diary. The plan is to finish the roll cage till beginning of next week. Things are moving quite slow right now. Was a bit difficult at first but I think the cage is coming together quite good. I´m half way right now...

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/IMGP1230.JPG

/Richard

[olsson_richard]

I was wondering if anyone could help me decide what to do with the rear panels.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/HPIM0212.JPG

Please write what you think about it.

Personally I don´t think it really hits the spot! Because it covers most of the cage, but i´m not sure.

Maybe I should remove the back seat completly and do a minimal panel that goes on the inside of the cage?

/Richard

[Minimivic]

Do it the way you want it. Only you can decide what is good or bad. I have a few areas on my car that others dont like but I do.

My opinion (for what its worth) is it looks a bit bulky but I like the idea a lot.

[GEDI]

cages look cool, dont cover it up

[MiniManiac2001]

I noticed some modifications to the rear arches, have they been tubbed?
Also, I see that the front end you havethere has been lengthened, how was that to do?

Scott

[olsson_richard]

I made the rear arches a bit bigger to take the 15 inch wheels, just so that I can lower the car enough.

The front end wasn´t that hard to lengthen, but the difficult part beginns when you´re trying to get front to line up with the rest of the shell. Especially if you´re doing a removable one or a flip front.

At this stage I´ve just cut out a 60mm wide metal strip and welded it in place. ..and formed it with my hands. Later the front end will need a bit of moulding.

GEDI and Paul, I think that you helped me with a new design.

[BassAddict]

Have to agree with them - that cage looks pretty smart so it would be a shame to hide it away :)

[olsson_richard]

I must agrre with you that it´s a shame to cover up the cage. My plan is to make a panel that goes behind the the tubes and that is less bulky. We´ll see how the next attempt goes :)

[olsson_richard]

Hi

Its been a while since my last updates. I´m instant trying to find time between work, my studies. But the latest news is that:

1. The gearlever is finished (taken from a Crx and modyfied to fit) and has been moved back a bit
2. ..and the handbrake braket also

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/handbromsspak.JPG

3. Some attention has been made to the interior as well. Its feels great to be able to sit in the mini and put your hand on the sparco steering wheel.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/stolratt.JPG

4. Home made tank for some extra fuel:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/tank2.JPG

5. A new attempt with the rear door card:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/d%F6rrsida2.JPG

..and all the mountings for the seatbelts has also been made

Next up in the build is to modify the clutch pedal to convert it to cable (B16A1 gearbox). I think I´m gonna use my plasma cutter for this task :evil:

Cheers
Richard

[olsson_richard]

Hi everyone!

Things are finally moving forward, or well it feels like it does. I ordered som bits for the engine today and my attention will be pointed att it the near future. As I know nothing about the engine´s history, it will be a kind of suprise if it starts at all. I have never heard the Vtec-effect in real life, that will be something to be looking forward to.

As for the interior it is coming together nicely. over my expectations. Which is good. A cup holder is planned to be installed in the center consol (for thoose long race challenges)

Cheers!!

/Richard

[olsson_richard]

Finally! The extension of the front is coming to an end!! I hope that I don´t have to do something like this in the future. The Pain, the agony :evil: ....!! Next on the agenda: fitting the body kit.

[Wouter]

Hi Richard,

good work, looks like a true mean machine you're building!
Just keep on posting! :)

cheers,
Wouter

[olsson_richard]

will do :D I´ll keep ém coming!

Cheers!

[olsson_richard]

..finally, after having a sort of down period, I manage to sort the interior abit. Now three gauges is mounted in the dashboard. The dashbord, door cards etc are soon ready to be retrimmed with black leather-lookalike. The idea of spending over 1000 GBP on a full leather interior was a bit much for a poor student!!

Some attension has been made to the rear sub as well. To make the damper to sit right. Now it´s stiff as h...!!

In a week or two, when the new Koyo rad arrives my attension will be pointed at the front section again. New engine mounts have to be made and the rad must fit under the extended front, so wish me luck!!

/Richard

[jiminwatford]

Any more updates on this cool biuld?