Thinking about building a VTEC powered Mini

[cowtown]

I lived in England and other parts of Europe for a couple years, and fell in love with tiny cars like the original Mini and Fiat Cinquecento. I've driven the Fiat, but not the old Mini.

Car And Driver did a writeup on this VTEC-powered Mini, which can be a turnkey purchase, or a DIY. Honda innards, 0-60 in 5.0 seconds.

I'd have to sell my 930-powered 911S lightweight, which has slightly better performance than the Mini kit, but I also haven't been driving it a whole lot, except to take it to the track once in a while. I did all the work on the 911S, including an engine rebuilt and the actual transplant, and I would probably build the Mini myself over a couple years.

What's everyone think about this Mini thing? It just looks like such a hoot to drive. Does anyone in Northern CA have one that I could take a look at?




Here's the C&D article:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=26&article_id=9029&page_number=1

[Porsche virgin]

I saw that article, too. I love the idea of a powerful motor in a small car, but this seems like a bit much. You can't even put the power down well. Were you thinking of the S2000 motor with 240hp or the Integra Type-R motor with 190hp? If you are looking to go fast, you aren't going to get much faster than your '75 beast.

Considering how fast your two cars are, why not just get a regular old Mini (not the BMW version). I have always thought that slow cars that handle well are great fun to drive fast (like my Miata).

Another thought. This car isn't really all that different than Ricers putting VTEC motors in Civics, is it? A VTEC Civic would probably cost half of what the Mini costs, handle better, and have more products available to customize it.

Just my $0.02.

[Overpaid Slacker]

Wow. That looks Coooool.
I've got a '61 Mini Cooper, totally resto'd and it's just now finished its sorting-out process (built a 1275cc racing motor that took a while to get dialed in). Starting all over again w/ the little bastard, I might've gone the VTEC route instead.

Minis are BIG fun!

JP

[Jeff Higgins]

I've always loved the looks of the original Minis. I've stayed away because of that reliablility spectre hanging over the old British cars. This looks like it might solve those problems. I just kind of see the same issues that surround the small block Chevy into Jag transplants. They kind of lose their soul a bit, don't they? JP, you say you have an original. How reliable can they be? Parts availablity?

[ZAMIRZ]

there's a mid-engine version utilizing an S2000 motor, I think that would be more worthwhile than just doing the swap.

[Overpaid Slacker]

The can be very reliable, with the proper attention. They are very simple, straightforward cars (the older ones) but you know you're driving an older car.

There's not a whole lot you can do with a stock or off-the-shelf aftermarket braking system. And the brakes on most of the Minis through the 70's are ... anxiety inducing at times. So, if you were going to VTEC one of these babies, you should probably get a very modern (read: $$$) braking system to handle the power.

Parts availability is staggering -- between Mini Mania in California, Seven in Baltimore, Craig's in Canada and dozens of suppliers in UK, you can get ANYthing, and usally pretty cheap. A tweaked-up motor costs money, but most the rest of it isn't too bad.

JP

[turbo6bar]

I'd love to buy an older Mini (60s to 70s model), but I've heard the build quality and reliability is spotty. I suppose it all just depends. I think a modern powerplant with 200+ HP and the older Mini chassis would be a mismatch. I feel a strong period-correct engine with a sorted chassis would have to be loads of fun. How can you go wrong with such a lightweight ride?

[Overpaid Slacker]

That's more-or-less what I've done. I'm probably just over 100 hp, which is plenty. Though I'd like a 5-spd box.

You will scare the crap out of yourself the first few times you experiment with its "go-kart" handling.

I wish I had video of my passengers' reactions.

JP

[makaio]

I think it's way cool!

[cowtown]

Originally posted by Overpaid Slacker
I'm probably just over 100 hp, which is plenty.

I'm sorry, could you explain the meaning of this statement?

Porsche V, your point about traction is well taken.

My 911S weighs in at 2250lbs, and has around 260HP. When I think of all the blood, sweat, and tears (yes, tears) that I have put into that car, I'm not so sure I could give it up. I have a love/hate thing going on with it.

Still, these Minis are just so cool. I'm going to have to think about it some more.

[speeder]

Originally posted by cowtown


What's everyone think about this Mini thing? It just looks like such a hoot to drive. Does anyone in Northern CA have one that I could take a look at?




Here's the C&D article:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=26&article_id=9029&page_number=1

That is just genius.

[audi2.7t]

An original 1275GT is on my "wishlist" of cars to own, with twin webber 40's .