K series conversion queries

Hi there, I'm considering embarking on a K series Mini project and was wondering about a few points.

1) Is the Metro/100 front subframe a fairly direct replacement for the standard Mini version? As the subframe of choice on the VTEC conversions so I figured its would be a fairly straightforward swap? Whats involved in fitting?

2) What is the minimum front end extention if a roundnose is used utilising the Metro/100 'frame? Have seen some of the VTEC Minis extended quite considerably. Not too keen on the slab fronts..

3) Would an MPi Mini fuel tank be a suitable replacement in this project or would the Metro/100 pump/feeds be required?

4) If the R65 gearbox is retained, by how much would the gearchange rods need reducing?

5) With regard to braking/steering what combinations have been judged as a success? Is the Mini's steering rack useable or does it have to use the Metro/100 version? Ditto the brakes and wheels.

Appologies for the question explosion but any help would be gratefully received!

MPiGTi.

[Geehawk]

1. It is fairly straight forward, but not simple unless you have seen one. The frame basically fits up against the mini bulkhead as tight as it can. The rear mounts need to be extendad back, or the Mini floor modded to use the Metro items. Top mounts need to be fabricated. The Watsons frame clamps either side of the bulkhead crossmember utilising the damper mounting bolts. The suspension would need sorting either by modding the towers and fitting short coils like Watsons do, or by using coilovers.

2. I think you would need to use the full 90mm extended front for a roundnose.

3. Depends on the Mpi Minis fuel pump pressure the MPi Metro one is rated at something like 3bar. I'm using an Spi tank with the Metro pump installed. As the Spi pump is only 1bar.

4.Cant tell you an exact figure. I lost about 2-3 inches from mine during the reshaping process. If you offer it up, its quite easy to measure.

If you have not already visited then take a look at my site, for more info which may help. www.theclubman.co.uk

Graham

[MattG]

maybe add some of this to the FAQ geehawk

Matt

[DaveCoxon]

Gee,

the guys on performance metro seem to think the Metro SPi injection rail was rated to 2.7 bar - and as you say 3 bar for the MPi. As the SPI body was basically the same on metros and minis, i'd have assumed the fuel pressure was also the same...
1 bar does seem very low for any EFI system...

[Richard]

I ran a SPI pump in my GTM fitted with a 1600 K, didn't realise it was a SPI pump untill I investigated why there was no petrol returning from the relief valve at idle. The pumps look almost identical but the MPI pump is about 12mm longer. I wasn't running lean because I had dailed it out with the emerald ECU but had to change the maps when the higher pressure pump was fitted.

[Richard]

I ran a SPI pump in my GTM fitted with a 1600 K, didn't realise it was a SPI pump untill I investigated why there was no petrol returning from the relief valve at idle. The pumps look almost identical but the MPI pump is about 12mm longer. I wasn't running lean because I had dailed it out with the emerald ECU but had to change the maps when the higher pressure pump was fitted.

[DaveCoxon]

I find that very odd... this 'pressure' difference is not what the 'stall pressure' of the pump, but the fuel rail pressure - which is typically 50-70% of the pump stall pressure...

The pressure in the fuel rail should be no different really, as this is governed by the regulator in the fuel rail itself, not the pump.
Very Very strange. The only way i can see that it could be different is on account of the fuel flow - if the SPi had a restriction in the return immediately after the regulator, or the regulator itself had a smaller 'return' port, this - by virtue of the restriction - could theoretically generate a higher pressure - but only because of the reduced fuel flow....

[BrownDuck]

This message is coming from another message board (minimania) about someone (in the USA) trying to do an engine conversion (actually a VTEC) using a K series Rover 100 subframe, suspension and hubs. The question is with these parts, are the ball joints on the hub or are they on the arms. :?: A standard Mini has the ball joints on the hubs.

In advance, thanks for any input. I will refer the guy to this message board, since it is a much better place to get this type of information.

[Geehawk]

I will stick my neck out and say they are on the arms.

Certainly to replace the lower ball joint you have to drill out the original rivets that hold it to the lower arm and fit the new one with bolts.

I cannot say for certain though that they both are, as I fitted my arms complete with hubs, brakes, and driveshafts all in one go !! Damn heavy :)

Graham

[Oz]

I see that Watsons advert is now offering the K-series conversion frame (i think it was £795 but best check rather than quote me !!! :wink:)