36 replies to this topic

[Bean]

Quite a broad question, really - Alot of knowledge will just come as you pick it up and read about it on here and at shows etc.

A MK3 would be great, but might prove a bit more pricey than what you're after. If you're thinking about changing the engine anyway, I would look for a MK4 or MK5 - These are mid 80s cars. These seem to be the cheapest to buy at the moment.


Either way, I would spend a bit more on a decent shell. If you don't spend initially, you'll end up spending in the long run on more panels etc!



Also - M-Machine are brilliant for panels.

[rocket powered]

cheers boys.so im basically looking for a mk3.cheers

anymore info or links on restoration would be an awesome help

also how much will i be looking at money wise?2-3 grand including the car?even if that?

thanks

no, 80's mini is a mk 5

[LOWRIDERHORNET]

If it was me

It will be mini that just needs a little work done you no an weekend job and just put it on the road and drive it around why`ll buying fancy bits to put on her

You can get an nice me under 2k easy

[Greg.w]

cheers everyone

yeh newer mini would be better i would guess.less time for rust.correct?

yeh ill be keeping the engine standard for now anyway.hopefully a 1.3.

how much would i be looking at to do a vtec engine change?1.6/1.8/2.0?????and any websites or links about priving and info about this would be really helpful.

i saw a project with a like space frame thing prebuilt that the guy bought and fitted to fit the engine straight in.is this the only/best way?pricey????

thanks

[Greg.w]

who else does vtec subframes for the mini?

ive only found info about allspeed so far.any others?or any better engine convertions i should think about?

thanks

[redhotmini]

Z-Cars also do vtec conversions, along with bike engine conversions. check out the Engine Conversions section of the forum, theres rover, vauxhall, nissan, toyota, suzuki, honda engine conversions going on, mostly using home brew subframes - if youre a competent welder/mechanic/engineer its not that difficult to do n engine conversion, just comes down to time, money and knowledge/trial and error.

dont fall for the newer the mini, the less rust. for some reason its not the case! best to look at as many as possible and pick the best one you can body work wise - the mechanical stuff is easy and reasonably quick and cheap to do at home - you can do most things with basic tools such as screwdrivers, socket set, spanners, and a pikeys spanner (hammer).

[Greg.w]

im not a competant welder really.i havent done any welding at all to be honest lol.but i do have a welder at work that isnt used so ill be borrowing that

i want to get the body work top notch before i do anything engine wise any way

what kinda money are we talking about to do a vtec conversion?