8 replies to this topic

[mini_basser]

Hi...I'm new to this forum, but I've been around on a couple of other Mini forums for a while :grin:

My question is...

If you were making something silly like a RWD conversion for a Mini, could you use the axle etc from another RWD car and modify it to fit? I was thinking you would to match the engine and box, then fabricate a prop shaft to the final drive at the back...?

Obviously it would still involve a fair chunk of fabrication (and skill, and time...) but I'm guessing it would be less work than making something from scratch

What would the downsides be, if it is at all possible?

I'm merely dreaming at the moment, but the crazy cars in the Projects forum have been inspiring me

[The Matt]

You can theoretically do that kind of thing, but it will (as you have said) take some major engineering.

If you want RWD then kits are available for motorbike engines in the back etc.

There are a few people that have done RWD or even 4WD minis using things like Ford V6 Cologne engines. You would have to carry out some major mods to the body shell, like a transmission tunnel etc.

Do-able, but serious work in other words!!!! :wink:

[mini_basser]

I'm only dreaming for now, but the idea would be a front engined spaceframe Mini, floor chopped, with lots of RWD power (much like F1 Minis in the Project forum) so modifications are positively embraced I used to love the Z-Cars kit, but it seems like so many people have got them now...

A trans tunnel sounds relatively easy compared to some of the issues that have been pointed out ot me

A De Dion rear axle has come up a few times, as well as having the clutch and gearbox in the back to aid with the weight balance

[Alburglar]

Yep, sounds good. There's a metro with a ford cvh (fiesta xr2 engine) which is mid range and rwd. It's for sale in the current copy of retro cars. I'd suggest giving him a ring and asking what he's used.

[Dan]

If you stick the clutch and gearbox at the rear then you'll need to make sure the shell or framework connecting them to the engine is extremely rigid as there'll be quite an extreme torque reaction between the two. There is a Porsche model built like this with a massive subframe running front to rear which contains both and in the end the whole thing is just a bit of a nightmare. And your crankshaft extension will have to be really strong as there will be a lot of torque in that as well.

A DeDion axle would be more complicated to cut down to the right width than a live axle would, but you might be lucky and find one the right size. There is a DeDion axle for the Caterham which might be about right.

[1984mini25]

i know it can be done

found some pics of a rwd clubman
i can't rember were from

[1984mini25]

Front Engined Rear Drive VAUX 16V Clubman

[The Matt]

That clubby is nice!

[Oldskoolbaby]

How about using the usual A series but the inline type out of a minor or midget for example. Add a dirty great turbo and intercooler alongside a T5 gearbox and with no drop gears to worry about turn that boost through the roof :grin:
Take a diff of a beemer or the like and use some trailing arms like Z cars use and your away