Minitec MTB2 budget build

[Jeffreypang911]

The bug finally bit. After many many hours lurking on 16Vminis, I have decided to ditch the old, and go with honda.

The car:

1994 Japan mini. Was SPI but switched it over to carb, then went with the supercharger setup. Was disappointed, so hopefully the honda conversion will satisfy.






Hopefully by the end of this week the engine will be gone. I wish I had a lift to work out of, as I do not want to do a flip front, mostly because of funds... It will be fun when I have to wrestle the honda engine in there, but I haven't thought that far yet.

I also don't know what to swap, but Im leaning towards a b18c1.

Jeff

[64van]

Welcome , Jeff. Did you buy your Japanese mini already converted to lhd, or did you do it. I'm using a JDM B16A.

[dma550]

Jeff, did you sell the motor? Describe "disappointment" a little please.

[Jeffreypang911]

I bought it already converted LHD, but i had a talk and apparently it is a very easy conversion as all the mounting holes are predrilled.

I did end up selling the motor already. I probably wouldn't say disappointed, as it was pretty quick. But I guess I realized that if I ever wanted more power, there was no where I could go with the a series, unless I spent big bucks.

My goal is to have a mid 13 1/4 mile, and to make an a series do that is very costly, and I guess the hype of the supercharger got my expectations high.

Jeff

[jamesfawcett]

Nice project Jeff! That supercharged engine setup must be worth enough to pay for the subframe kit?

[Jeffreypang911]

yeah, enough to pay for mtb2.

The things I worry about is the lack of room for putting in the engine. I really wish I had a lift. Flip front isn't in the budget...

Jeff

[Birdman]

Originally Posted by Jeffreypang911

yeah, enough to pay for mtb2.

The things I worry about is the lack of room for putting in the engine. I really wish I had a lift. Flip front isn't in the budget...

Jeff

Hi, I had the same situation as you, only with Redtop XE engine. All metal, std length, non removable front. I just cut the bonnet slam panel with a fine saw. That way you can get the engine in and out and when you are doing any bulkhead work you can stand inside the engine bay more easily. I was going to make the slam panel removable for the future, but I may just weld it back up. Just thoughts

[Kam]

There is another guy whos chucking in a B18 with a MTB kit in a standard steel roundnose (not 16v member) and from what I found out he has to lift the whole car each time to get the engine (on the frame) in and out each time, he's still building it so he's been doing it quite a few times test fitting stuff.....

for most people this aint viable, I hit my head on my garage roof with my crash helmet on so theres no way of me lifting the whole car over each time! the other hassle factor aint worth it aswell

Credit to you, but even in the clubman its crazy tight to do anything, in a roundnose......well.....like I said, credit to you!

[Jeffreypang911]

If theres a will theres a way...

Engine is gone. Ill update with pics soon, and goodies hopefully ordered from Minitec.

If it is really that bad, maybe Ill do a flip front, but as of now I will go forward with a solid front!!

Jeff

[wilp99]

i was gonna do the same thing before i went vtec. soooo glad i didnt get the supercharger kit. looks cool, but once its on.. thats it. now i get a chub every time i drive my mini to work.

[Jeffreypang911]

Just need to fill out some paper work on monday. I can finally order some new parts from minitec!!





Ive been thinking about what motor to do, b18b, b18c or B20. Its hard to find a cheap b18c now a days, as they are so desirable...

[Jeffreypang911]

Update:

So I got some wiring out of the front end. I was very gentle and did minimal cutting as I am not sure if I want to run the Mini harness with the honda one, or just use all honda. Any suggestions?







Ordered the subframe! Hurt the wallet though.... ouch...

Jeff

[Kam]

I'm not sure what the majority of people do or whats easier for you but I would've thought let the mini loom run the lights, horn, wipers etc and get your modified honda loom to just run the engine/ecu?

How did you lift that front end? with a jack? With the rear wheels on you'll need to raise it quite a bit (without a jack) and pull it over the engine/frame like a hoodie, sounds like fun to me Hell of a mission but would look more tidy if you did keep the front complete

Can you fit a four poster in there?

[Jeffreypang911]

I am thinking of reusing the Mini Loom, but I don't like the use of the old school fuses!

A friend and I actually lifter the body off, and rolled it back. Its not at height in that picture!

[Jeffreypang911]

Engine bay is pretty well stripped. I plan to grind the surface rust off and give it a fresh coat of paint, after all the cutting and fitting of the subframe has been done of course.




Jeff