Excellent thread mate.. i have been researching the idea for a while now but am finding it difficult to justify the cost. If you don't mind me asking, what is your total bill from Z-Cars? I know the basic kit is £4k inc VAT plus an engine, plus a reverse mechanism, plus a mini etc etc Exactly what is NOT included in the kit? Radiator, Fuel tank I.E what other things do you have to buy to install it?
What things do you have to shell out to Z-cars for in a one-er? just the kit? do you need the engine etc at the same time?
I think the best option would be to buy an old mini and start making the repairs, buy/install the kit then get the whole lot resprayed before bolting everything back on, i would be looking at this as a long term project but am trying to get a feel for the big bucks outgoings and where in the project timeline they would fit in?
I currently have a MINI Cooper S but would love to have this as a hobby, never really done anything major myself with my cars, mainly becuase i'm scared of wrecking it but if i bought an old mini for a few hundered quid then whats the worst that can happen while i'm hacking it apart 
Any answers to my questions would be cool mate.
Thanks,
Richard.
Right were do we start?
The only option apart from the reverse kit that I went for was a limited slip differential apart from that everything else is included.
With the kit you get fuel tank radiator handbrake cable shocks gear lever and cable throttle arm thingme ehaust manifold exhaust backbox etc etc. It is alot more comprehensive than I first thought to be honest. I've only taken a picture of the really exciting bit but there is a lot more than that!
Most of the things I've bought are because I started from a bare bodyshell.
I think once you have bought the car then prep'ed it all you really need other than the kit is a rev counter that can reach about 14Krpm some good seats and some 4 point harnesses everything else is down to personal tastes...
I think it probably would be a good idea to get the kit and the engine at the same time only because I personally intend to mount the engine into the frame and then fit the kit to the car. Primarily because lifting the engine through the door and trying to locate it I can just see becoming a nightmare.
If your considering this seriously the best thing you can do is call Chris at Z-cars and arrange to go up and have a look around a chat and a test drive..... But be warned if you go for the drive and you have the money you will and I do mean will buy a kit!!! It is simpley stunning!!
I sold my Impreza last year it was rolling roaded at 296BHP before I fitted a new intercooler new injectors custom mapped ecu and new coils and flywheel. It was a good chunk quicker afterwards did a 13.3sec quarter mile (with a missed 2nd to 3rd gear change) and I am confident that this Mini will obliterate it!!!!!
I hope that clears up some questions e-mail me if you'd like to know anymore.
Ade
