18 replies to this topic

[boulton6868]

Hi all this had probably been asked before but here goes.
I am planning on doing a engine conversion never done one on a mini before i will be able to make my own front subframe and sort all the custom parts like clutch assembally and things. I want to use mini suspension to just to simplfy things.
What do oyu all think is the easiest and cheapest engine to use and get hold of, ive been looking at the 1.7 zetec as its smaller than the other zetecs or an 8v 2l vauxhall out of a cvalier.
I few years ago i did a rear wheel drive fiesta and used the CVH engine so know a bit about that engine do you think that would be a easy squize in the fron of a mini. I only really want to do front wheel drive as putting an engine in the back seems like a lot of work and expensive.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated thanks Eric.

[markaboot]

all depends on budget. there all easy if u can afford to buy all the bits ready made.
if fabricating bits urself and id guess a k series with donor car would be easiest route.
but all depends on your skill, your noggin and what your capable.

not sure if its back up running yet. but geehawk has his own site detailing his complete build of a k series clubman. www.theclubman.co.uk
its a really good read and lots of usefull info.

Edited by markaboot, 09 December 2008 - 12:11 PM.

[markaboot]

its not back up yet
think we should annoy him because i wanted a read the other day and couldnt.

theres probably an equal amount of difficulty and fabricating in most of the engine choices.
maybe worth concentrating on which engine will best give you want from it.
power, gear ratios, reliablilty.

Edited by markaboot, 09 December 2008 - 12:15 PM.

[boulton6868]

Ive heard you have to extend the front for k series is this true.
And my budget is not alot i can get off cuts of metal long enough for subframe from work which will help and already hav the use of a welder.
What k series do you think would be best.

[boulton6868]

I supose i want something thats easy to get hold of and cheap because the vauxhall redtop is to much i think.

[markaboot]

Ive heard you have to extend the front for k series is this true.
And my budget is not alot i can get off cuts of metal long enough for subframe from work which will help and already hav the use of a welder.
What k series do you think would be best.

yea sorry, fitting a k into a standard round nose is a very tight squeeze and a lot of hassel but it can be done.
i've got a clubby so a k fits in alot easier. i'm looking at a mid range 1.6, its about 120bhp but easily eaasily increased to more.
the 1.4 put out about 105bhp standard but they also do a 1.8 and a 1.8vvc.

think the http://www.16vminiclub.com/ might be more useful than this site.

to be honest i havent really considdered any other engine. because i was goin to use metro a subframe and running gear. just makes it easier and no need to make drive shafts. theres lots and lots to considder so dont go off what i say lol.

Edited by markaboot, 09 December 2008 - 12:24 PM.

[markaboot]

I supose i want something thats easy to get hold of and cheap because the vauxhall redtop is to much i think.

well rovers are very cheap at the moment.

[RacingGreen]

I supose i want something thats easy to get hold of and cheap because the vauxhall redtop is to much i think.

I dont think a redtop is much more than any other engine really. I paid £180 for a redtop engine today.

[cooper_mark]

I supose i want something thats easy to get hold of and cheap because the vauxhall redtop is to much i think.

I dont think a redtop is much more than any other engine really. I paid £180 for a redtop engine today.

hi mike so u have 2 now.....LOL...cooper_mark 16vminiclub.com

[Bad_Dobby]

I supose i want something thats easy to get hold of and cheap because the vauxhall redtop is to much i think.

I dont think a redtop is much more than any other engine really. I paid £180 for a redtop engine today.

hi mike so u have 2 now.....LOL...cooper_mark 16vminiclub.com

paid £450 for the whole car! and just took the bits i needed

Edited by Bad_Dobby, 09 December 2008 - 07:27 PM.

[cooper_mark]

£170 and the chap delivered

[RacingGreen]

I supose i want something thats easy to get hold of and cheap because the vauxhall redtop is to much i think.

I dont think a redtop is much more than any other engine really. I paid £180 for a redtop engine today.

hi mike so u have 2 now.....LOL...cooper_mark 16vminiclub.com

Hi mark. The engine wasnt for me, it was for my boss. I just went to look at it for him. Im not allowed anymore, so im told

Well it was actually £180 for an astra with a redtop. lol. So not too bad really.

Edited by RacingGreen, 09 December 2008 - 09:53 PM.

[pantera2075]

I'd say Nissan Micra was easiest i've seen so far - you don't have to butcher the subframe into individual pieces.

[RacingGreen]

I'd say Nissan Micra was easiest i've seen so far - you don't have to butcher the subframe into individual pieces.

Just out of interest, what sort of power do they give?

[markaboot]

I'd say Nissan Micra was easiest i've seen so far - you don't have to butcher the subframe into individual pieces.

Just out of interest, what sort of power do they give?

not a lot lol

not sure if this helps

Edited by markaboot, 11 December 2008 - 09:43 AM.