7 replies to this topic

[the general lee]

Hello all,

I've been trying to decide for ages which to engine conversion to do.

I keep thinking that I've made my mind up, then I wake up the next day and change my mind!

Just a little bit about the car first-
• I live down-under so ideally I would like air-con (yes its HOT here!)
• I have some ICE in the car (some components, a 4 channel amp and an 8 inch sub)
• I will not be doing a lightweight version (illegal to replace any panels with carbon fibre in Oz)
• Running 12"rims, maybe 13" in the future


Now I could run a custom transfer case for the R1 and enable it to run gear drive (like the MiniExvo conversion, but with gear reverse), it would take some designing but this is not a problem for me, I just want to know it will be worth it? Or should I just run the B16B; with its nice power to weight, easy air/con and easy drop in conversion with a kit. Only thing is I will lose the sequential box, awesome noise of a bike engine, and lower front-end weight. Then again I don't really want to widen the track (with the change in handling, and more strain on suspension components).

As for not enough torque in the R1 conversion I have done some calculations with a FD of around 4.3:1 and this gives me a torque @ wheels of around

This gives a theoretical top speed of 114mph (183km/h) in 6th @10k rpm, and more torque in 6th than the mini ever had in 4th! So this should be pretty drive-able.

Another concern I have is the loss of 1st in the Honda motor due to changing FD from different wheel sizes, is there a cure for this (ie different ratios available for the diff in the B16B gearbox)

Can you see where I'm going!! Arrrgh...I can't decide!

Anyone have any pointers or comments? :twisted:

Attached Files

•  Mini_spreadsheet.bmp   1.05MB   19 downloads

[miniadventure]

what the car for? A weekend warrior or more of a crusier.

[the general lee]

More than likely a weekend 'toy', but I'd be nice if I could still use day-to-day if necessary. Surely the R1 geared right could be user friendly day-to-day?

Could I still haul around passengers (+3) with an R1 conv? I not concerned with the lack of torque that evryone says- I've worked it out as having more than the Mini A+, but could the gearbox/gear drive etc take the strain?

[miniadventure]

i am sort of in the same boat as you. As i carnt decide between the vtec and the promotive R1 conversion.

Both could be used as a toy very well. I dont think you would be dissapponited if you went for either

[Wil_h]

If you are not lightening the car (infact with ICE it'll be heavier) I'd go for the car rather than bike engine, no question. Most successsful bike engine conversions are 500kgs or less, you'll most likely weigh 800kgs or more.

[Mattl]

From what you have said id go for the honda conversion. It sounds like the r1 lump would be a whole lot of work with quite a few disadvantages over the honda lump.

[rosco454]

I would say the honda would be best suited for what your after.

[the general lee]

Cheers for all the responses!

It looks like I'll be going with the Honda conversion. Now I need to work out which subframe to go with....