Joah's Vauxhall Powered : Ongoing Rebuild

[Joah]

Having owned the car since Dec 07 and completing about 1500 miles in it it think it was time to SORN it and make some improvements.

The fastest it ran a 1/4 mile this year was consistent 14.3's, which I was very pleased with.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/RWYB_%231_099.jpg
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/RWYB_%231_002.jpg

Next year I want to take it on some track days so need to sort a few things, and just tidy it up in general.

I fitted a new dash a few months back:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00184.JPG

Hoping to get this flocked in the next couple of months...

New perspex rear quarter windows have been fitted:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00189.JPG

I have just purchased new wheels from fleebay, 10" wellers which were nice and cheap, I have had them shot blasted and they are away at the moment with the powered coaters being done in satin black. (will have photos soon)

The I have purchased the rubber to go on them :evil:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00174.JPG

The front is off and ready to get cracking on tidying the engine bay (wiring and leaking a bit of oil):

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00188.JPG

Also the biggest job is to spray the interior and the inner boot area's as they are looking kack at the moment:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00186.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00193%7E0.JPG

More updates to come soon. 8)

[cooper_mark]

any chance of some better shots on how u have attached the front as this is how i might be doing mine.
also just wanted to know is your a homebrew frame...or off the shelf...?

[Joah]

Yeah no problem will get some when I'm next in the garage, basically its just 5 90 degrees brackets on the wings each side then two bonnet pin fixings attached to the front of the subframe.

The subframe is an allspeed jobbie.

[cooper_mark]

nice 1 thnx...

[garyshoose]

I wouldn't bother flocking the dash. Looks nice n tracklike in the shiny black 8)

[Joah]

I wouldn't bother flocking the dash. Looks nice n tracklike in the shiny black 8)

Yeah this is the only problem I get really bad glare off the top of the dash because I sit so low in it.

Picking up the wheels from the powder coaters tonight (if I finish on time) so will get some photos up later. :D

[cooper_mark]

hi joah
any luck with these pics...??

[Joah]

hi joah
any luck with these pics...??

Sorry mate dont get much chance to even look at the mini during the week, will try and get you some fri/sat.

Picked up the wheels tonight:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00200.JPG

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00209.JPG

I am really pleased with how they have turned out, just gotta get the tyres fitted now.

[wee man]

how you gone back to tens?

[Joah]

The car was on 10's before I had it, its runs 7.9" brakes at the front.

I have to run spacers but they fit.....just.

[wee man]

yeah but i struggle for traction and a nice gear ratio and i would of thought 10s would make it ridiculus, and braking how do you stop???

[Joah]

yeah but i struggle for traction and a nice gear ratio and i would of thought 10s would make it ridiculus, and braking how do you stop???

I dunno but I like the look of the 10's so thought that I would give them a try, can always revert back if its awful, my braking is ok but needs another bleed just to get a firmer pedal.

hi joah
any luck with these pics...??

These are the brakets that are on the wings then the front just slots over the top with the allen key bolts which secures it:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00215.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00216.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00217.JPG

Time for a slight update:

Got the tyres fitted to the freshly powder coated wheels and fitted to the car.

Old wheels:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00219.JPG

New wheels fitted:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00220.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00221%7E0.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00222%7E1.JPG

Ride height just needs adjusting to suit the smaller wheels now:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00224%7E0.JPG

[cooper_mark]

thnx for putting some pics up...
have these brackets just been pop rivited on....?

[Joah]

Yes they have just been pop riveted on.

[Tom]

How much did it cost you to get your wheels powder coated?

[Joah]

Well I had the wheels shot blasted by a mate first which may have affected my cost in the end.

I took them to a local powder coating company and they charged me 25 quid each wheel, I dont know if thats good or not but was willing to pay for it.

Progess is haulted at the moment as waiting for my mate to free up his engine stand so I can take the engine out and replace the gaskets and give it a good clean up.

[Tom]

I guess I could get my wheels done for a similar price then. I have got a sand blast cabinet tucked away, although it is 200 miles away at the moment!

[Joah]

Yeah would have thought so, obviously I would imagine that if you gave them to someone to blast and coat then it would be a bit more.

[captainjack15]

Lil bit of sex wee came out >_< LOL

[Joah]

Quick update:

Made a start on getting the engine out the other day, got the rad and coolant parts off that was needed then it was too cold so I wimped out and left it, going to borrow an engine crane and stand next sunday so will have it out then:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00240.JPG

Also have had a moment of madness really, but in a good way.

The more I looked at the wellers the less I was liking how they were sitting under the arches, and I didnt want to use big spacers.

So...

I have purchased these:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00242.JPG

:twisted:

[MarkLD]

Love the new wheels, you've made the right choice 8) , where did you get them from.

[Joah]

Love the new wheels, you've made the right choice 8) , where did you get them from.

Thanks 8) I bought them from a guy off the turbominis forum, but they are brand new never had a tyre fitted.

They were made by specialist components as a limited run only 25 sets made :shock:

cost a mint but will be worth it I think :)

[Tom]

What size are your new wheels?

[Joah]

10"x7" mate

[Tom]

Are you not going to struggle to find tyres?

[Owen]

Lush! Welcome to club split - rim :lol:


Tom, i'm gonna be using 165's on my 10x7's, plenty of peeps are running them.

[Joah]

As above will be running the 165's :)

[Tom]

I forget people put 165's on 7's, always sounds like a stretch. I liked your black wellers but those rims are sweet and maybe even cooler than steelies :lol:

[Joah]

I forget people put 165's on 7's, always sounds like a stretch. I liked your black wellers but those rims are sweet and maybe even cooler than steelies :lol:

The black wellers maybe for sale in the not too distant future :wink:

Right anyway progress! my new heat wrap for the manifold arrived this morning so thought I would make a start with that:

I managed to get the manifold off the engine yesterday using good old brute force and ignorance...

It looked like this:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00245.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00247.JPG

Then removed all the old tatty heat wrap:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00249.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00248.JPG

And about an hour later:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00250.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00251.JPG

Much better..... 8)

[Owen]

Looking good!

Is that a standard unmolested manifold?


Also, we need some pics of the wheels on the car :wink:

[Joah]

Looking good!

Is that a standard unmolested manifold?


Also, we need some pics of the wheels on the car :wink:

Not sure as it was fitted to the car when I got it, but looks pretty standard to me..

I did go and trial fit on of the wheels yesterday but forgot to take any photos :pissedoff:

Will need to get some different studs as the ones that are on the hubs at the moment are way to long.

[Joah]

Brief Update:

Wheels now have tyres fitted and look so fat. 8) now just need to sort the stud lengths on the hubs and they will be fitted.

I have also blown my company bonus already (only got it today) on a carbon fibre boot and bumper from carbon weezel...

The engine will be coming out next weekend to sort out the slight oil leak which I believe is coming from the oil filter housing, but also going to change the oil sump gasket and check the bottom end, also going to check that the clutch is going to last the season.

And I know have to get it all finished and back together by april as there is a local mini rolling road day which I want to attend :) finally find out what horse power it is running, not that it matters as I always get out of it with the adrenaline pump which is what counts. :lol:

Will get pics up soon.

[wee man]

if you gonna change the sump gasket i would strongly advise doin oil pump gasket and crank seal

[Richspec]

looks like a standard manifold to me. :)
If its the car I'm thinking of, didn't the previous owner change from 10's to 13's to correct the bad handling / gear problems? :shock:

[the_soon_to_be]

10's, brave man..

thats what mark was running, have the seen the ultimate mini dvd, bill solis couldnt get any grip in any gear.

thats an insane car, shame he had to sell it.. but seems your spending the money on it, and treating it good..

[BATESPEED]

did i see that mini in mini/world mag? looks familiar to me :D

[cooper_mark]

its 1 of the mini films
ultimate engine swap if i remember..

[the_soon_to_be]

mayhem :lol:

[Joah]

if you gonna change the sump gasket i would strongly advise doin oil pump gasket and crank seal

Thanks will do this too then :)

Yeah I understand that it use to run 10's but I aint too bothered, its personal preference and if I hate it I will change it, time will tell I guess.

[cooper_mark]

look like some 1 has been playing........ :wink: :lol: :lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjwMvfGmNyE&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMjE11nA7fg&feature=channel_page

[Joah]

Yeah they were done ages ago but only just loaded them to youtube, once it is back up and running going to do a better vid from the inside. :D

[caveman]

get some pics up with the new wheels :)

[Joah]

get some pics up with the new wheels :)

I will do.

Quick update:

Right on Sunday managed to get the engine out of the car and onto the floor at the moment until I can employee some people to help me lift it onto the engine stand I have.

The only part that was difficult was getting the damn driveshafts out but once that was done it weren't too bad.

found that my top rear engine mount have completely snapped off the subframe which probably isnt the best but with a bit of welding the stengthening this will be sorted in no time.

I forgot my camera on the day so will go take some photos tonight and get them up on here later.

[Joah]

Apolgies for the crap photos, here are some of the new wheels fitted:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00278.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00280.JPG

Will get some much better ones once its back together and I can wheel it out of the garage.

So last sunday it went from this:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00240.JPG

To this:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00276.JPG

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00275.JPG

Found the rear engine mount snapped:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00284.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00285.JPG

And today apart from spilling oil all over the floor :oops: I managed to get the clutch and flywheel off:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00289.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00286.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00288.JPG

Clutch seems in good condition which is nice to know :)

[Owen]

Those rims look mint! Are they the wide miglia arches or the normal ones?

[Joah]

I believe they are the wide ones not 100 percent though, what size are the wide ones and if I remember then I will measure them.

I went and picked up an F18 WR gearbox yesterday, using a gear ratio/speed calculator it should help on the 1/4 mile.

With the F20 I am having to change to fifth just before I cross the line (at about 98mph) with the new box it should do about 115 in forth which will be spot on.

A couple of carbon fibre parts should be arriving today also, but with the weather its doubtful...

[Joah]

mwhahahaha.....:twisted:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00300.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00301.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00298.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00299.JPG

Loving the carbon :) can't wait to fit that but might wait for some slightly better weather.

Also got a couple of other little goodies:

New aston cap as mine is completely fudged and flaps about all over the shop. (need to source a lighter one in the future though as it weights a ton)
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00302.JPG

And then bought some other bits to replace worn items spotted when taking engine out:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00304.JPG

[Owen]

Nice goodies!


I think the "wide" miglia arches are about 5" iirc.

[mininut]

Doesn't everything always look nice when its clean and new :lol: :lol:

M.

[matt]

Ive feel in love with your new bootlid 8)
I may have to purchase one.

[Joah]

Doesn't everything always look nice when its clean and new :lol: :lol:

M.

Yeah shame they never stay shiney and new.... :cry:

Yeah loving the bootlid and can't believe how light it is :shock:, both parts are from carbonweezel, highly recommend them they sent the items out on thursday and friday and they arrived today. :)

[JoBu]

Is that a single or double skin bootlid? Looks great.

I've got a few bits being made by carbon weezel at the moment.

[DarrenW]

What is the finish like on the carbon? Is there any air bubbles in the finish?

Cheers :D

[Joah]

Its a single skin boot lid so having some little brackets made to hold it on with pins. :)

The carbon finish is great, there are a couple of pin point marks in the gloss but you can't see them unless you hold it to the light, it depends how anal you are and whether your car is a show car or a race car (i'd like to think mine is the latter :oops:). I was very impressed with it.

Will definatly be using them again next carbon purchases are going to be boot floor & rear parcel shelf.

Have a question about the boot floor though....how do these go through the MOT as dont you need 30cm of metal from any structual point?

[MattG]

Have a question about the boot floor though....how do these go through the MOT as dont you need 30cm of metal from any structual point?

i just thought it was no rust within 30cm's :wink: i guess it depends on MOT station :)

Matt

[Joah]

i just thought it was no rust within 30cm's :wink: i guess it depends on MOT station :)

Matt

Yeah I spoke to the person who will be doing the MOT and he said that it would not fail but would just put an advisory down...result! :)

Right this week I have been mostly...painting the new F18 WR gearbox :)

When I picked it up:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/P2110882.jpg
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/P2110881.jpg

After one coat:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00315.JPG

Then after three:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00318.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00320.JPG

Might put another coat on it before it goings back in, just need to change over the clutch mechanism and release bearing and its ready to go back in.

Once that is done I am getting the engine hoisted onto the stand and it will be given the same treatment 8)

Picking up the gaskets and bits and bobs tomoz, and as the Plant is shutdown next week no work! so I can crack on with it....

[Quadra]

That looks really good, and makes a change from the usual silver, what did you paint it with.

[MattG]

shame you cant keep the hyrdolic clutch .. works nice.

i'll have it for postage ? :)

Matt

[Joah]

Its just painted with a high temp engine enamel in matt black, just got it from the local motorist shop.

I haven't got the hydraulic clutch as the guy who I bought it from kept that as like you said I didnt need it.

[garyshoose]

Should be handy if your ever unfortunate enough to crash. They can always check the black box :lol:


Sorry, that was laim but i couldn't resist . I think it looks much better black. Good choice 8)

[Joah]

Should be handy if your ever unfortunate enough to crash. They can always check the black box :lol:


Sorry, that was laim but i couldn't resist . I think it looks much better black. Good choice 8)

Theres always one..... :P

[matbmx_2007]

Looking good :wink: nice to see that you ading loads of personal touches.
Love the carbon goodies you brought :) I had a carbootlid showing the weave once but sold it on again as it was a really bad fitment :cry: Where did you get yours from?

[Joah]

I had a carbootlid showing the weave once but sold it on again as it was a really bad fitment :cry: Where did you get yours from?

I haven't fitted this one yet so dunno what the fit will be like....but I got it from Carbon Weezel.

[Joah]

Quick update:

With work being shutdown I have done a few more bits on the mini but nothing that exciting really.

Firstly after finishing the painting of the gearbox I got that off the stand and me and two mates lifting the engine onto the stand. This is now gettign the same treatment as the gearbox but its very greasy and oily, made a start though:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00332%7E0.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00334.JPG

Then on wednesday I took off the old cambelt and fitted the new water pump and the stubby oil filter (should make it a little easier to get the engine back in). Still needs more cleaning doing before it I fit the new cambelt.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00333.JPG

Then Friday had a big parcel arrive with a new little project that I'm thinking of doing:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00335.JPG

Unsure of how this will turn out but it was cheap so worth a go as I rushed my fibreglass one and am not happy with it but it will do while it make this new one. :)

And finally the garage is now rammed with junk:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00331.JPG

[Smurfy]

8)
Some inspiration for the dash.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/psmurfy/other2/DSC00627.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/psmurfy/other2/DSC00628.jpg

[XEValver]

ah a Ford Ka dash... good luck with that :D

Me and my friend started to fit one into his mini, seen a few on the show scene with them -

dunno if you've got a plan but this is what we did:

the back edge is nearly spot on the same curve as the mini windscreen, but it sticks WAY too far forwards in a standard mini so we trimmed it back to just infront of the KA airvents.

We also had to narrow it by 3.5". We sectioned it at the 'glovebox' thingy as it was the most straight section and the two edges line up fairly well. Although it'll still need some plastic welding and fibreglassing.

At this stage, it was the right depth, and the right width, but it was still a long way from fitting into that car - you'll find that it will foul the bottom dash rail in a lot of places and you'll either need to remove the dash rail or cut lots out of the back of the dash.

It was at this point, we knocked the whole idea of the head for 2 reasons; we were doing it all in a public car park so was a pain to keep trekking back and forth to make changes then try it, then change it, then try it and secondly, we went off the whole look of the thing - although the coulpe of cars we've seen with them fitted look ace we couldn't really justify the time we were spending on this.

He bought a fibreglass dash from 'The Stig' on TMF in the end. way easier :oops:

Best of luck with it though, with better facilities and a little perserverence its definately do-able. It be worth trying to contact one of the guys who've dont it before and get some tips from them?

EDIT: that one pictured above was our inspiriation too 8) looks smooooth.

[Joah]

Haven't really looked at it yet as its just for the future but like you said XEValver I think I may have to remove the bottom dash rail completely.

The idea I have had is that the dash has a metal bracket that it is screwed too, I am going to look at fitting this to the rollcage as a sort of dashbar and then the dash casing will attach to this, then strengthen the bulkhead.

Again this is just ideas and will start looking at it further once I have got the mini back on the road.

My inspiration is the promotive demo car as this has a flocked ka dash in it and looks really good in my opinion. :)

[Joah]

Update:

Finished off painting the engine today:

From this
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00334.JPG

To this
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00350.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00348.JPG

Then fitted the sensors for the oil temp and oil pressure for my ETB digidash, bought the adapters so I could fit them.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00346.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00347%7E0.JPG

Then trial fitted the new ITG air filter socks, should look at bit better than the crappy old ones.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00351%7E0.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00352%7E0.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00353.JPG

May need to get some longer weber trumpets to suit them as they only just hold on, but will have to see about this once the engine is back in (space).

[pickup76]

ITG for the win!

I'll be interested to see how you get on with the KA dash. How heavy is it?

Chris

[Joah]

I'll be interested to see how you get on with the KA dash. How heavy is it?

Chris

I have completely stripped it to just the casing and its as light as my fibreglass one.

I have had a look today at it and I am going to use the metal frame that came with the dash to mount it.

I'm going to cut the dash down like said above and cut the same amount out of the metal frame.

I will then extend the ends of the frame with some rollcage tubing and attach it to the rollcage, this should in theory work but I havent started measuring it up yet so it could all fail! but thats the fun of it really... :)

[pritch]

Im planning a ka dash in mine too! found one in a scrapper near me I was thinking about trying to get the ka heater in behind it, not sure if it is possibe though.
the dash I was looking at is the later one like the one fitted to the sport kak. although the earlier one may be easyer to make fit will be very interesting to see how you get on it may make me decide to bin the idea!! :lol:

[2lrMiniVan]

i think the heater on a ka for the hot and cold is controlled with a motor and not flaps like a mini so it may need a inline valve to control the temp

[pritch]

a mini has a heater controll valve aswell, the ka and the fiesta use an electric valve whereas the mini uses a mechanical one, that isnt realy the problem, I think the isuue would be getting it behind the dash when it has been cut down

[Boulton6868]

I looked at the mini in your picture at stanford hall last year and ask a few questions about it, he had to extend the steering colum and bend the gear stick back slightly. So there probably could be enough room for the heater matrix.

[danmini91]

where is that bonnet from? id like to fit a xe in a standard round nose and also wondered if you have any key tips in doing this? cheers. dan

[Joah]

where is that bonnet from? id like to fit a xe in a standard round nose and also wondered if you have any key tips in doing this? cheers. dan

Its a custom made bonnet using the old steel one and making the "bulge" from fibreglass, this is mainly just to cover the cut out on the right hand front wing to accomodate the rocker cover.

The main thing is the location of the rad I think once you have that sorted its half the battle.

[Joah]

Quick Update:

Things didnt quite go according to plan this weekend and got much less done that I wanted to, with the rolling road day at the end of april I am started to get pushed for time, but I keep telling myself once the engine is back in place it will all just come back together....

Anyway, I managed to fit the new cambelt but it seems a little loose at the top so just going to take that back off and try again.

Managed to clean off the subframe to an extent but this got very boring very fast lol.

One bit of exiciting news was that my new carbon boot floor arrived last week so now gots lots of carbon goodies to fit.

I am going to get the front hubs back on this evening so that the shell is rolling for two reasons, 1, so I can clear my garage a bit & 2, so the shell can be towed round to a mates house for some welding and fitting the engine back in.

I will get some photos up tonight :)

[Joah]

Another Update:

Right went down the garage this evening and managed to get the mini back to a rolling state:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00363.JPG

Rolled the mini forward:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00376.JPG

then found this....lol (better tidy up)
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00364.JPG

Instead of doing the above I took some new photos of the wheels as old photos were pap:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00366.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00368.JPG

Just laid the carbon rear bits in place to see what they look like:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00372.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00370.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00373.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00374.JPG

and fitted my new aston cap (which works!)
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00375.JPG

Also here is a picture of the newest carbon edition :)
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00377.JPG

Finally getting somewhere :)

[tommi_balls]

what is that last one????

[tinxy]

a carbon boot floor mate

[Owen]

what is that last one????

I think it's a boot floor?



Oh, did you manage to find out what width your arches are?


Love the rims btw! 8)

[tommi_balls]

oh looks tiny in photo thats why i couldnt make out what it was lol

[Joah]

Oh, did you manage to find out what width your arches are?

Love the rims btw! 8)

Oh crap sorry forgot, will get the measurements for you when I go there on wednesday! :)

Thanks 8)

oh and yes its a boot floor ;)

[Joah]

Quick Update:

Fallen behind with plans to have it ready by april, as it is april now and I still dont have the engine in!!!

Anyway welding the engine mount is getting done tomorrow, so at least that will be out of the way :)

Cambelt is now on the engine and once the engine mount is done I can get it back in the car!!!!

Getting serious withdrawlal symptoms from it as my daily polo (75hp) just aint quite as much fun.... :twisted:

[Joah]

Had yet further set backs as have just come out of hospital after having an operation to remove my appendix, as I can't drive now for a few weeks and have no chance of putting the engine back in at the moment things are having to go on hold.

Target is now to get it running for the British Mini Showdown at Avon on the 11/12th of July.

[Joah]

Just thought I would post some photos from when I got the welding done:

pushed the car completely out of the garage for the first time in ages:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00379.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00380%7E0.JPG

Then after the welding was done:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00381.JPG

Has since been ground back and had some paint slapped on it.

Got some good news that my lightweight doors will be ready at the weekend so looking forward to picking them up. :)

[Joah]

At long last after having been in hospital and not being able to do "heavy lifting" for a while I am finally back on course, helped by two mates we managed to lift the engine and gearbox back in without the use of a crane :o

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00430.JPG

Just got to set about plumbing it all back in and sorting the wiring out and at least then it will be back on the road :)

[Joah]

Back in business, really got alot done last night and today:

laid out the wiring etc and tried to remember where it all went, werent to hard in the end there aint exactly alot of wires :)

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00431%7E0.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00433%7E0.JPG

All mounts are now tight and the engine is sitting good nothing seems to be catching etc but we shall see once there is some load on the engine.

Driveshafts are in and fitted the new wrapped exhaust and radiator and all associated parts.

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00434%7E0.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00435%7E0.JPG

Its all ready to go, just been and got what i think is the right gearbox oil, and will get some engine oil tomoz hopefully, then its time to fire the ol' girl up and see what happens :)

Trial fitted the new air filters for the webers:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00432%7E1.JPG

going to need longer trumpets to hold them on so need some 39mm long ones, also thinking of cutting a box in the bulkhead and running an air feed from each of the at the moment blocked off original air vents in the wings. :)

[Joah]

So this evening I got the mini started again!!! once i sorted out the correct wiring on the starter motor and a decent earth on the fuel pump it all fired into life :)

Did take a video of it running but it was running very noisy tappets, think it just needs to run for a while as its not been fired up for best part of 7 months.

Will give it a better run up tomorrow and get a video then :)

[Joah]

worse case was realised last night, its leaking gearbox oil from the input shaft :evil: bad times..

means the engine has to come out again all for a 10p o ring that i think has split.

oh well it wouldnt be a challenge otherwise now would it? :|

[Pooler70]

Stick at it mate, its worth it! You wouldnt be the first to have the engine in and out for little jobs like that, it does get annoying after several times tho. Im glad mines finally together and I can get some enjoyment out of it.

[Joah]

Had a productive day yesterday!!! after finding that the engine had to come out again I was depressed but made a start on it:

Got all the bits back off and this time borrowed an engine hoist:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00443.JPG

got the gearbox off and it was what I thought the little o ring was missing so fitted the one off the old box:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00445.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00446.JPG

Got the gearbox refitted:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00447.JPG

Had some new air trumpets arrive in the post so thought it would be easier to fit these now:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00448.JPG
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00449.JPG

They hold the air filters on now:
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00451.JPG

The also got the engine back in and on the mounts whoop!
http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00452.JPG

Just got to fit all the stuff back onto it now and hopefully it will be ready for MOT so more to come in the next few weeks :)

[mrhijinx]

Cheers MattG for unbanning me...


http://www.16vminiclub.com/gallery/albums/userpics/DSC00435%7E0.JPG



Looks like a great build Joah... what rad is this as I'm struggling to find something small like this. Is it custom made??

Cheers Lee

[Joah]

Hello mate thanks, I was asked this question before via PM, so just searched through old sent messages and luckily found it:

"Just had a look through my receipts, its from a company called MRC Fabrications there phone number is 01243 775655."

Hope this helps although that receipt was from 2007 i think...

[MattG]

i bought a cheap honda vtec rad off ebay (alloy one , 60 odd quid) and jsut turnded it 90deg , allthough this does help if you have a friend that does ally welding....

allthough saying that .. i have not diven it yet ! LOL just run it in garage ...

[mrhijinx]

Cheers both,

Already gone through one of these...

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee296/77554/Alloy%20rads/111111111.jpg

Got another one but don't think I can move it far enough away from the manifold!

Shall investigate further.

Thanks
Lee

[Joah]

So....after refitting the gearbox a while ago I got round to filling with oil at the end of last week, so thought there wasnt much more to do....

Went to the garage yesterday to find a pool of gearbox oil on the floor!! (que lots of swearing!!) anyway looks like I damaged the LH driveshaft seal when putting the driveshaft in as its leaking. Ordered a new set today so hopefully will be here this week. :(

The race is on again to get it ready for MITP!!

[Joah]

MOT booked for wednesday!!!

Just a couple of jobs to do before then, fit gear linkage, fill with water and fuel and jobs a goodun! :)

Cant wait hopefully MITP here I come...

[Joah]

This morning I have fill with water and fuel, and fitted the gearlinkage (selects every gear woohoo!) Started her up too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCj4dZyU4dE

Fitted the front (well just in place) for the first time in about 6 months...lol loving the look with the wheels :)

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/DSC00486.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/DSC00487.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/DSC00489.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/DSC00490.jpg

Needs lowing a tad just so they fit snug in the arches but will do this after the mot otherwise it wont get on the ramp!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/DSC00491.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/DSC00492.jpg

Good news too MOT is now this afternoon!!! just needs to cable tie everything back in place and jobs a goodun!!

[Marcus Nordblom]

God luck, car look super cool:)

[MiniMadGreg.]

Looks great mate, I like the purple bolts on the engine, its different.

[MarkLD]

looking very good, hope the MOT went OK

[Joah]

Thanks gents, yup it passed the MOT yesterday :) will be at mitp, although I'm not going to run it down the strip as needs a few things sorting before I want to.

[caveman]

hi mark congrats anthother vauxhall on the road :D watched the mini mayhem vid this morning witch i bought at imm at the weekend.awsome mate truley awsome i think bill had to change his briefs after running yours and his face after the run you could tell he loved it well done mate will be over to see u at mitp and have a ganders if thats ok cheers adam

[robmerrett]

hey Joah, love the car; i'm interested in the carbs; what size webers did you use, was it a std manifold or custom, which dizzy did you end up with - a 1.8 Cav?

help is appreciated just starting a clubby conversion and would like to ditch the injection

Rob

[Joah]

Hi Rob,

They are Weber 45 DOHC and are fitted to i believe an SBD inlet manifold, although would have to check that as cant remember.

I run a webcon alpha bronze kit which has its own coilpack so no need for the dizzy. hope this helps.

[robmerrett]

thanks Joah

[tinxy]

apart from the carbs and management what else is done to your engine mate you got some good times down the strip :)

[Joah]

Nothing mate engine internals are all standard, its all about the weight ;) although there is still loads more weight saving that could be done.

[alexcrosse]

Hi Rob,

They are Weber 45 DOHC and are fitted to i believe an SBD inlet manifold, although would have to check that as cant remember.

I run a webcon alpha bronze kit which has its own coilpack so no need for the dizzy. hope this helps.

weber dohcs? =p lol

im still meaning to come and have a look at your mini fellow oxon-er! Just need mine finished first so i dont get jealous!

looks great buddy

[Joah]

weber dohcs? =p lol

lol only just noticed that I typed that obviously brain didnt engage with fingers. :rolleyes:

yeah by all means mate need to get it running better at the moment, I think I have done the webers too tight to the manifold which is causing a kind of misfire when the engine is under load, I believe caused by the vibrations but we shall see.....

[alexcrosse]

you running thackery washers yep? propper sprung types you can get a feeler gauge in?

jenveys, thats what you want =p

[Joah]

yes but think I did them up to tight and havent measured the gap so will do that when i work on it next :)

that is what I want but cant afford!!!

[andy w]

really loving the look of this car:cool:

like the carbon bumper and boot lid!!, do you have a link to where you got them from?

[Joah]

really loving the look of this car:cool:

like the carbon bumper and boot lid!!, do you have a link to where you got them from?

Thanks, yes they are from www.carbonweezel.co.uk

[andy w]

Thanks, yes they are from www.carbonweezel.co.uk

thanks:grin: found just what i wanted:cool:

[tinxy]

really glad this is going to be put back on the road pal i love this car

james

[Joah]

thanks! Yeah got a few ideas for this year although car is probably going to be laid up most of the year, I hope to get it done by next year but it just depends on finances, will post my plans up on here in the next couple of weeks!

[tinxy]

i think i know what :)

[Joah]

Well.....thought it was about time I update whats going on with the mini, as I have been on a break from it while sorting out my house move!

Now have a nice garage to play in with lighting and power! thank god! just need to get a garage heater now and I can play into the night!

brought the mini round just before xmas and it is where it has sat untouch for the past 4 months...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/c527d3ff.jpg

Last weekend however I picked up this:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/a3bcdd71.jpg

spec as follows:

remanufactured engine
rebored to 86.5 mm gm mahle pistons machined further to lower cr
shotpeened h beam steel conrods
glyco bigends and main bearings
oil spray jets
0.25mm reground and balanced crank
8v sump gasket
4 paddle clutch and regal fast road pressure plate
z20let oil pump and nortech oil pick up pipe
recent gm cambelt kit
head studs and arp nuts
1.9mm cometic headgasket
ported and polished gm cylinder head
vxr injectors
cossie webber fuel pressure regulator
garrett t34 turbo .42 AR 2.5 in and out external wastegate
nortech tubular manifold with 38mm wastegate takeoff
tial 38mm wastegate with 38mm screamer pipe
60mm boost pipes
large front mount intercooler
regal enlarged top hat cut to accept 60mm boost pipes
roose motorsport coolant hose kit
phase 3.5 chips
apexi avcr boost controller with all associated parts.

Picked all this up for a tidy price considering the sort of money I saw other ones going for :rolleyes:

Havent really got started yet but seeing as the old XE engine is still in place I thought I would offer up the manifold and turbo:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/d64c0b99.jpg

Its not far away from the front going on, obviously going to need some cutting!

next on the list is a custom inlet manifold to sort the issue with bulkhead clearance, however in the mean time I will be sorting out space issues at the front using the engine thats in place.

Once this is done I will have lots of stuff for sale that I will put up for sale in the for sale section...duh...

more to come soon!

[mininut]

looks good man, what sort of running time/mileage had it done before you got it?

M.

[Joah]

It's done 10k in the last year and a half since full rebuild, thought that was pretty good! Should be nice and run in, plans are to get it running this year and then improvements year after!

[Add_Gee]

That is going to be crazy with 10's, whats the output? must be over 300hp :shock:

[alexcrosse]

copy cat!

[Joah]

That is going to be crazy with 10's, whats the output? must be over 300hp :shock:

Yeah not sure if the 10's will be staying! Unless I go
slicks on the front!

Hoping to push out about 300!

copy cat!

Confused!

[Add_Gee]

Yeah not sure if the 10's will be staying! Unless I go
slicks on the front!

Hoping to push out about 300!


When my Calibra Turbo was in 2wd mode I used to get on boost wheel spin, with only 210hp, 16" wheels and it must have weighed double yours... It will certainly been an interesting first ride, make sure you pack some spare pants!

[Joah]

I'm going to cut a hole in the floor and seat for when I crap myself!

[Joah]

New manifold and plenum arrived yesterday, will get some pics up later this evening as will have a play with fitment.

I have been just playing about with location of radiator and pipework, think I now have a good idea of where I will put everything!! will just have to make up some brackets to sit the radiator right over the gearbox, may have to make up a cowling of some desription to get more air to it as the intercooler will now block most of the front.

I have been collected parts over the last month and now have the majority (I think) to get properly started, so expect more updates soon.

[Joah]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/7118f9f3.jpg

just a quick pic off the phone of the inlet in place, just need to source a different tophat now so will keep a look out on mig!

Thinking I may have to rethink radiator location again, we shall see what develops.

[Joah]

Some better photos of the inlet manifold:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/8d187307.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/e2b88702.jpg

Fitted the throttle body and original tophat, tophat is actually not as bad as I thought, it is very close to the gearlinkage on the top of the gearbox though so will still need to modify it a bit.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/400837f7.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/a4e1e378.jpg

Next two issues are where to put the radiator, I am thinking I "could" just about still fit it sort of over the gearbox and maybe at a funny angle, or do I just admit defeat and have it in the boot?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/59995620.jpg

and lastly I am going to have to have a quite complex downpipe made up as space to the frame is very limited.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/7a2fb1bb.jpg

However there is space so it has to be possible! this can be left till quite a lot later in the build though as need to save money for a custom one to be made..

[MattG]

looking good , will be nice to have another vauxhall turbo mini running ...(maz :wink: )

surgestions :

1) Rad will be fine again infront of gearbox , but get it as vertical as possible, being flat into the on coming wind is very important . as soon as its angled you will loss tons of efficency.

2) get allspeed to make you a new front cross member ...will look allot nicer .. thats what i have done in the past.

i mounted my turbo the other way so the down pipe is on the other side ,but i know you dont have that option

Matt

[mininut]

will be nice to have another vauxhall turbo mini running ...(maz :wink: )


:p


The manifold i made originally mounted the same way. However, i built the manifold while the engine was out of the car and completely forget about where the engine mount went so have had to start all over again! Yours seems tight in that area too, will you have enough room to put a downpipe through the front cross member and block?

M.

[MattG]

i guess he will have to run a S shape down pipe ... think evo did something similer ...
any chance of a pic front on ? :)

Matt

[Joah]

1). This was the trouble i was thinking as I need to get it as upright as possible, but I may have to compromise on position, would a fibreglass cowling and some air ducts improve airflow if the radiator is at say a 45 degree angle?

2). Ah didnt know that they would do that, I was just going to mod it myself, however the gap where the downpipe will go shouldnt be too affected by it, I should be able to come forwards with the downpipe and then underneath.

Yes the turbo would probably be better the other way round but as you said I dont really have the choice, and cant afford a different turbo...yet... :P

[Joah]

i guess he will have to run a S shape down pipe ... think evo did something similer ...
any chance of a pic front on ? :)

Matt

Front still needs a bit of tweeking and I may even ditch it and go clubman yet not really sure.

[MattG]

because it was std length ? go with a 90mm front end .. abs give club disscount.

you will then have room for a good size rad , take a look at my build as apart from the head should be the same sort of setup .. allthough my intake goes cam belt side ... you got a IC yet ?

Matt

[Joah]

Yes it was standard length, yeah I was thinking about just extending the front, but as mine joins mid wing I can just buy a regular front and just cut it to suit, which would mean I may only have to extend but 50mm, we shall see.

Yeah I have been following yours closely, this is the problem I would have run my IC pipework the other side of the block (a bit like yours) but there is no room to have the inlet and throttle body pointing that way.

I have an IC which is similar size to yours I beleive as it seems almost exactly the same size as the front grille opening.

[Joah]

Had a bit of a play this evening and managed to get the front to fit on with the turbo and manifold on, also the bonnet clears the manifold which is a result!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/536e0e84.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/cc6cd012.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/85afe9d2.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/5c5c1a4f.jpg

[mininut]

do you really want to have fibre glass that close to something thats going to glow hot?! :shock:

[Joah]

do you really want to have fibre glass that close to something thats going to glow hot?! :shock:

If your refering to the bonnet its not a fibreglass one its metal, and to combat the heat from the manifold I will heat wrap it and also thinking of putting some reflective/heat abosrbing pad on the underside of the bonnet?

[mininut]

If your refering to the bonnet its not a fibreglass one its metal, and to combat the heat from the manifold I will heat wrap it and also thinking of putting some reflective/heat abosrbing pad on the underside of the bonnet?

good job :D

[Joah]

good job :D

I know! she is going to be hot hot hot! :D

been playing around with boost pipe locations and where they will run, think I have a good idea about where I will route each pipe now.

Going to need to source a custom tophat though as I need it to come out a 45 degree angle not 90 as it is, this will give me a good short route to the intercooler at the front. Might sell the one I have, buy a 3" one and modify it a bit.

[Joah]

Been seeing if my rad will fit at the front and it's not far away, got to make sure I can still run the boost pipes but it looks promising!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/41186f5e.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/0a0453fb.jpg

I think this is where I am going to locate the air filter too:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/5aef500b.jpg

[mininut]

I think this is where I am going to locate the air filter too:

The air flow meter will get bashed about there with engine rock mate, you should try and mount it closer to the floor at the front somewhere.

M.

[Joah]

The air flow meter will get bashed about there with engine rock mate, you should try and mount it closer to the floor at the front somewhere.

M.

Good point! will look at where I can put it, got a custom tophat coming today that should solve some of my issues with fouling the gearbox so will be able to complete the locations of the pipework.

on a further note I have managed to remove the old dash and the engine management I had for the webers both of these are now for sale in this post:

http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=202592#post202592

will hopefully receive my fuel setup this week also which includes swirl pot, lift pump, high pressure pump and filter, along with a load of braided fuel lines...

Nearly got everything to run it! 8)

[caveman]

Any more progress joah looking awesome gonna be a right beast

[Joah]

I have got the old engine ready to be removed, this will be done in the next couple of weeks and the new engine in so getting there slowly!

Will post some pictures of the new inlet and throttle body setup as that arrived last week!

[Joah]

As stated new manifold has turned up :) some of you may have seen it on migweb.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/P5270008.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/P5270005.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/P7100001.jpg

Inside:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/P5270011.jpg

75mm throttle body:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/P5270007.jpg

I have offered it up and it will fit but it is very tight! (however this is good as it free's up alot of space over the gearbox for boost pipes.)

In the third photo down you see there is an intake pipe for what I beleive is the breather pipe from the rocker cover? is that correct? This fouls the bulkhead so I have two options:

1. remove this pipe and weld it up and use an oil catch tank located in the wheel arch.

2. weld in a bulkhead box to give enough clearance.

I would rarther do option 1. but either is fine as I have both a catch tank I can use or I also have a weber box I can weld in.

What do people think would be best?

[alexcrosse]

i vote remove the pipe

[Spiyda]

Remove it..

fit the breather from the cam chest to the pipe on the outside of the throttle body butterfly.

[Joah]

Took your advice and it's removed, although haven't welded it up yet!

Anyway it fits!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/f7506d10.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/18955ab6.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/482beead.jpg

Have decided to gothe charge cooler route instead of the intercooler as I think this will fit much easier.

I have hopefully also sourced a 50mm dump valve to fit on the intake pipe.

More to come about the items above very soon!

[miniman666]

cant wait to see a video of this when done....got to be scary i love it!

[Joah]

50mm BOV arrived yesterday so to did my new charge cooler system, offered it up last night and looks like its going to be spot on!

Will get some pictures up later, now just need to source a v-band clamp for the BOV, new they are about 40 quid! :(

[Joah]

New dump valve fitted:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/54ef70cb.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/af4d19d9.jpg

Charge cooler:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/d676cb97.jpg

Layout:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/50b2bfd4.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/bc14f32b.jpg

Charge cooler rad:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/80238577.jpg

Old engine is coming out tonight and new one going in, hopefully!!!

[Joah]

Last night managed to get the old engine out and apart to find out what was wrong, state of play at the end of the night:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/d82c2028.jpg

Hmm seems I have found the problem! One of the cambelt pulleys had failed causing the belt to jump off!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/1e223cf3.jpg

Causing this damage:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/c68d6dc2.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f390/fez_joah/588a0125.jpg

Has bent what looks like 10 of the 16 valves, plus slight damage to the pistons but not too major!

Conclusion is that I will keep the head as a spare as the same as the new one just put some new valves in. The bottom end I will sell as it's different and someone will be able to make use of it!

All in all glad I have a new engine to just drop straight in, onwards and upwards! New engine will be going in this week once I can stand the smell of gearbox oil again!! :-)

[tgp_motorsport]

what is the charge cooler radiator from?

[Joah]

what is the charge cooler radiator from?

The whole system is for an rs cosworth, look on the pace website and you can find it there.

[caveman]

How's things going?

[Joah]

very slowly, just been collecting bits I need over the winter, will get cracking on this very soon, my new years resolution was to get this finished!!! :) (well at least running)

Will update in the near future once I have actually done something constructive.

[Joah]

See for sale section....