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VTEC Swap


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#1 USA-Fin

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Posted 01 February 2007 - 04:41 AM

I've been researching VTEC swaps and I've done several searches (that's a disclaimer for the "do a search" police) and I can't find the information I seek. It looks like there are three options from Z Cars for a VTEC swap:

1. Type R kit
2. rear mount Type R race spec frame
3. Mini Monte Carlo Spaceframe

As in most things car related it seems that the better the equipment the bigger the cost. I would like to know how the Z Cars rear engine setup compares to the front engine VTEC offerings from other manufacturers. I realize that there won't be an "apples to apples" comparision, but I would like feedback from those who have experience with front and rear engine VTEC swaps. Most important would be which setup offers the best handling. Another concern to me is torque steer in a front drive VTEC Mini.

Thanks, Jim

#2 Jammy

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Posted 01 February 2007 - 10:03 AM

Well, I don't have experience with either yet, but I've read most of the Honda section on 16V forum, and several reports on the different offerings from Z Cars, so I'll offer my 2 pence anyway!

From what I can gather, the Z Cars offering will be quicker round a track, and generally the suspension is better designed. With the FWD offerings from other companies the suspension has to be fitted in around the engine, since space is at a premium up front, while I doubt this has any adverse effects on the handling it won't be quite as good as Z Cars who can place the suspension components exactly where they need to be to combat things like bump steer. The other downside of the FWD offerings is that the subframes are usually a bit heavier than the standard mini subframe, plus the engine is heavier than the A-series, so you've now got a lot more weight up front, and still non in the back, so your weight distribution will be worse than the Z Cars kits. Aside from that, I don't believe you get torque steer from FWD or RWD Vtec offerings.

The advantage of the FWD kits (or the disadvantage of the Z Cars kits) is that you can still use the minis as pratical everyday cars. You still get rear seats, and a boot. I know quite a number of people on 16V use their FWD Vtecs as everyday cars, and I believe the guy who runs 16V forum and shop uses one as a family car. I'm not saying you can't use the Z Cars kits as everyday cars, they are perfectly capable, since they use an engine from an everday car afterall, but they have no rear seats, and no boot space (even in the front you have the petrol tank and radiator!).

So it all comes down to what your going to be using it for really...

#3 USA-Fin

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Posted 01 February 2007 - 01:42 PM

Thanks for the feedback JB. I'll use my car for occasional track days and spirted road driving. I'm leaning to the rear drive setup mainly because most cars I've owned have been rear drive and all front drive cars I driven have had torque steer. My wife has a Volvo C70 FWD and it has slight torque steer, and that really annoys me for some reason. Your point on the placement of the front suspension components on rear drive cars makes a lot of sense. I had not considered the relationship of the front suspension memebers to the engine in a VTEC swap. I does seem like that would be a bit of a compromise.

Thanks, Jim

#4 chasg

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Posted 03 February 2007 - 04:11 AM

Jim,
If you're looking to do a VTEC swap you need to check Minitec over in Royston. They can do the conv. or sell you the parts. They are working
on a new subframe for the 2.4 vtec. If you need any more info give me a call (I'm in hartwell, ga) 706.376.7623
Charlie

#5 USA-Fin

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Posted 03 February 2007 - 05:52 AM

Jim,
If you're looking to do a VTEC swap you need to check Minitec over in Royston. They can do the conv. or sell you the parts. They are working
on a new subframe for the 2.4 vtec. If you need any more info give me a call (I'm in hartwell, ga) 706.376.7623
Charlie



Charlie,
I went by their shop after a dove shoot up in Lavonia a couple months back. They have some nice stuff. If I go front engine I'm going to use their setup. The rear engine Type R race spec frame from Z Cars looks like an amazing piece, it may not fit my budget though. I wish someone over here would become a Z Cars dealer or licensee (I think building them over here would cut the price in half).
It's funny, I've been driving past Minitec on the way to the lake for 6 years and I never knew they were there. I learned about them on this forum.

Jim




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