Filip's build - (JDM Type R into MTB2 frame)

[Mini_Filip]

Hello all,

I am on this forum for a long time now but I didn't started build diary because I decided first to collect most of the parts for the project (it took me more than 6 years for this) but just now I am in the situation where I will need help from you guys.

This is my first Mini I bought 10 years ago. It is a 1971. Mini 1000 and I will use it for my VTEC project.

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/scanovi/zule1998.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/scanovi/zule1999.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco02.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco06.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/1.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/3.jpg

And these are the parts that I bought so far!

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-046.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-052.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-053.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-056.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-059.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-061.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-064.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-065.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-066.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-068.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-069.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-073.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/Picture-082.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/zuco005.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/zuco007.jpg

And the engine:

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/1.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/2.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/3.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/4.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/5.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/6.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/11.jpg

http://www.miniclubzagreb.hr/fotke/zuco/12.jpg

Thats all I have so far. Engine is not with me yet, I am expecting it next week. It is a brand new (or should I say NOS) JDM B18C engine without flywheel, clutch, gearbox, ECU.

I am also planing to buy longer final drive from Watsons or Minitec.
Thing is I am planing to keep 10" wheels - 6.5x10 Spectrums on Yoko A032 - I know it sounds crazy but I am willing to try and see how will it go.

The problem is I don't know what gearbox, flywheel and clutch should I buy and I really need your advice on these guys!

So what do you think so far?

[Mintegra]

Hey,

nice selection of parts you have there mate!!... how long you been collecting??...

Im guessing you are sticking with the mini rear subframe (noticed your Hi-Low kit) if so how come you got rear coilovers too??... or are you going to experiment with both setups??

C

[Mini_Filip]

you can also see mini bottom arms and heavy duty tie bars in front. Thing is in last 6 years I changed my mind quite often. First I wanted to build frame by myself than I realized that will not happen due to my limited spare time so I decided to order frame from Minitec. Since I have L/H/D I won't have a problem with the rack.
I also have few more minis, hi-los are for my Cooper for example.

[BassAddict]

Crikey - thats a BIG pile of shopping !!! Looks like its been a well thought out shopping spree !! Good luck with the build :)

[BATESPEED]

looking good, i must say, you must get more pocket money than me! :wink:

[Mini_Filip]

I think I will straight go to coilover rear setup - won't bother with HiLos. But I will do my best to keep 10" wheels. I guess I will try to find gearbox from Integra LS (because of longer gears), eather Type R LSD or Quafe (if I can aford one) and longer final drive - I think thats a must.

What do you guys recommend?
Standard flywheel and standard clutch or lighter flywheel and maybe stage 1 clutch kit? I really don't know behavior of the VTEC mini and wouldn't want to buy something expansive that I will not use in the end.

[DarrenW]

I would suggest that you try the search option:-

http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/search.php

If you search in the honda section, on 'all terms' on the search facility and use the words like 'uprated and clutch' and '3.4 and FD' and 'flywheel and lightened' you will get the relevant answers you ask.

I have made at least posts a couple of times. I have just done the 'uprated and clutch' and the answers are there :D

Keep the build going, best of luck :D

[Mini_Filip]

Cheers Darren! sorry for any trouble.

[WISLER]

:shock: now that is how you do it.gosh mate you really got it going there,good luck with the build bro

pease out wisler

[madeinnz]

hi there if thats a mini tec set up i dont think there brake set up will allow you to use 10" wheels because of clearance ...i would check with them on this tho ...incase they have changed spec since i brought one

[Mini_Filip]

Wisler - cheers mate!

madeinnz - really? Do you have MTB2 frame or the older one? is your front lenghtened?

[madeinnz]

i have there early frame and big brake kit ..have 13x7 rims and with them on its only a few millimeters clearance between calipers and rim,have minitec flip front..check out there web site my cars the red one up the top of there gallery pics :D

[madeinnz]

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh225/madeinnz_2008/brakesandwheels.jpg

[Mini_Filip]

No kidding, thats your Mini!? It's lovely!

These brakes are 4pot KAD callipers with 7.9" discs made to fit 10" wheel. When I was talking to B.J. and Norman in Minitec they never told me I couldn't fit 10" on their frame - they told me I'm crazy but it will fit. :)

[madeinnz]

thanks for that.. yeah im running there 9.5 rotors and 4 pots so yeah 13s for me .you have alot of nice new bits to play with ,
what plans have you for your body and have you got a color in mind

[Mini_Filip]

I finally started building this Mini. It's now at my friends garage and the build begins!
In the meantime I collect almost every part for the car and now everything is ready to put the suspension and engine in it!

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image2947.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image2946.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image2950.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image2955.jpg

You can see more info and pictures of our custom built rear beam on this thread:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=190564#post190564

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image2966.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image2959.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image2960.jpg

[mininut]

Filip, looks like its going to be a very interesting build. You certainly haven't scrimped on anything :D where did you get those mk1 rear light cluster conversion plates? they don't look like the normal ones you get from mini specialists.

M.

[Mini_Filip]

cheers! light clusters are from Mini Spares!

[Mini_Filip]

Rear beam is finished, powder coated and fittend to the Mini:

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3060.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3062.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3065.jpg

beam is wrapped to avoid any scratches during the build.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3391.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3392.jpg


everything here is brand new, zinc plated then powder coated:

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3420.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3421.jpg

We also put the Minitecs MTB2 frame in!

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3407.jpg

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/899/image3405.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3452.jpg

First issue is that Mini sits very low. Front bracket that holds honda gearbox is just to close to the ground and I am not sure if I'm going to leave that as Minitec designed. I don't understand why did Minitec designed this frame to be so visible up front and so close to the ground.

One more issue is Minitecs "Subframe Mounting Hardware for MK1/MK2/Mk3 Minis"
http://superfastminis.com/products/image001.jpg

what am I supposed to do with this on Mk3 Mini? When fitted nothing holds subframe from moving left and right. Bolt is thinner then original Mk4> bolt. Is this plate supposed to be welded to the bulkhead?
In the end we fitted aluminum Mk4 bushes for Mk4> Minis and subframe holds in place just fine. but then again the distance between body and subframe is to big? On the last picture you can just see aluminum bush between body and subframe.

What are your experiences with MTB2 frame, or MTD - i think they are the same.
And did anyone bought Minitecs "Subframe Mounting Hardware for MK1/MK2/Mk3 Minis"?

Filip

[Carl V]

Great to see your build coming along - looking good!:cool:

I do not have any first hand experience with Minitecs stuff but - what I have concluded from my own research is that that front cross member is as low as it is to allow a standard height radiator to fit in. ie if the height of the front was raised - you would need a custom raditator (like me - using the B campbell frame).

cheers
carl

[Freebies]

I have an MTD kit. You do not need those special brackets for MK1 and 2 as your is a Mk3. They are designes to be used only on earlier minis if their original subframes are using 2 bolts on each side instead of the BIG MK4 and on bolts.

Your frame sits at a correct height.

The problem now is your car sits on the bump stop so is way too low. This frame i designed over 13 " wheels i bieleve with an offset of -7 required on wheels. I have the newer version of it (adjuster arm is the upper, not the lower.

One more thing you need to know is you have the wrong upper shock mounts to fit their Flip front kit if you planned to buy one soon. They redesigned it between the time they sold me the frame and me orderint the flip kit. Was a mess to get another sets of shock mounts...

Over all you seam to be set at the correct height. Install the coil overs instead or running on the bump stop and you should clear the front transmission mount.

If not, your whole engine and exhaust will rub on the pavement.

[MattG]

they have a lower front bar on the subframe for 2 reasons :
1) allows the radiator room to fit
2) allows the std exhaust manifold to fit.

Matt

[Mini_Filip]

thank you guys for your answers. i guess everything will be much clearer when i install my engine and gearbox in.

I have JDM exhaust manifold - the one without the flange in the middle, does that counts as standard manifold that will fit as well?

[Freebies]

i think it should fit nicely

[Mini_Filip]

i think it should fit nicely

I feel much better now!

[Mini fab]

Sorry if I have not using the search engine right , but this is the first time I saw the Minitec frame being mount, and photograph in an angle that show how low the Minitec laser cut logo and tube holding it seems 1.5" ( or less) from the pavement. If the design of the frame front tube is to make room for the original radiator, I guess it has a lot of margin.

[Freebies]

Any updates Filip ?

[Mini_Filip]

Hi,

yep, i have a few updates. engine in finally in but there are so many problems with the frame. sump is hitting a frame, VSS sensor is hitting a bulkhead, JDM exhaust manifold simply can't fit the frame, driveshafts don't fit Integra Type R inner CV joints (shafts have 32 splines and spiders on CV joints have 30 splines), the list is endless.. and don't forget Minitecs Mk1/2/3 bolt kit which is just useless..

I bought exedy flywheel and clutch, flywheel is a bit lightened and the clutch is standard.
http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/DSC00569.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/DSC00570.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/DSC00571.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/DSC00572.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/DSC00574.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/DSC00576.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image3636.jpg


http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/5039/img7013l.jpg

I still can't believe how low front end of the frame sits.. i think we are going to do something about this since the manifold can't fit as well.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1784/image3436.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2828/dsc01062u.jpg

[Freebies]

This is just like me. Makes me wonder if there is a difference between US and JDM motors...

Their builds look so good and ours seams to be impossible... My front motor mount doesn't work either. And the exhaust is just a nightmare so far....

Working on it tonight to cut and make fit...

[krazy]

That JDM ITR header is the main issue, it bottoms out even on hondas. I had one and my honda bottomed out and dented 2 of the primaries.

[Mini_Filip]

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Brutalac/Zuco/Image4202.jpg

small update

- New GAZ GOLD aluminum coilovers arrived - specially ordered
- Minitecs subframe altered to squize JDM manifold
- After several months of hesitation, we decided to cut the bulkhead to fit intake manifold
- since this is LHD Mini clutch master cylinder had to be relocated more to the left
- rollbar is also fitted

i'll put detailed pictures soon..

[Aidstap]

think you made the right decision to cut the bulkhead if i was starting over i would do the same.
the gaz coilovers look good how much did they cost? not 100% happy with the minitec ones as i think they are a little soft and have no damping adjustment, did they have the right size or are they custom made?

[Mini_Filip]

They were custom made. I had to wait 4 weeks for them to arrive.
It is hard to say weather I made good or bad choice for the spring until I test drive the Mini.

Dimensions are:
Open lenght 15"/Closed lenght 10" / R12 - GAZ GOLD Coilover Unit - price each 77.00 + VAT
1.9", 400 Rate, 7" Free Length Spring - price each 14.90 + VAT

[Mini_Filip]

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/IMG_0856a.jpg
You can see here how coilover fits to the minitecs mounting. I will need to make some kind of spacer between mounting and coilover's bearing.

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/IMG_0854a.jpg
We tried to cut as little as possible..
you can see here new position of clutch master cylinder. more of this soon.

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4211a.jpg

[Mini_Filip]

This could be of interest to all of you with LHD minis.

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4171.jpg
Bulkhead before modifing.

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4189.jpg
Clutch cylinder moved to the left

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4188.jpg
view from inside

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4236.jpg
I felt a relieve when I realized that I could install a cockpit that I intended to fit.

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4240.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4241.jpg
inlet installed

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4243.jpg
like a glove!

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4226.jpg
Because we moved clutch master cylinder pedal box needed a serious surgery!

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4230.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4227.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4228.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/IMG_0858.jpg
view from inside

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/photo-2.jpg
and a picture of clutch pedal - not the best one but you get the idea

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/Image4195.jpg

next chapter - wiring harness!

[krazy]

Awesome! I need to cut my firewall as well. Probably doing the remote reservoirs though to eliminate the need to modify the stock Clutch master cylinder.

[GingerMonkey]

Nice work but I think you'll find that if you need to get at any of the rear of the manifold like the idle valve or if you need to remove the manifold for any reason then there is not enough space. just want you to think about it before it all gets painted and such and then you go damb it I need to get behind there.

[Mini_Filip]

some pictures of the progres:

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/photo0.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/photo1-1.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/photo2-1.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/photo3-1.jpg

and a small video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDY4UzlCRMs

as you can see we are working on the wiring and my next step is to fit everything properly and put the front back on.

[Kam]

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/Mini_Filip/Mini%20Type%20R/photo0.jpg

:lol:

Absolutely awesome work! I'm loving that Type-R blanket aswell :cool:

[Birdman]

That garage looks brilliant! :cool: