8 replies to this topic

[CraigJ]

I'm in the process of building up a mini and i want to use a different engine. I was going to fit a zx10 lump but it will be too much custom work which i wont have the time for. So i'm now looking at using a Vauxhall lump. So a few questions.

What will fit under the standard round nose?

I want at least 100 bhp.

What subframe choices do i have?

Will the standard AP brakes be up to the job. (car will be a fun sunny weather car, wont get driven too hard)

What else will need to be upgraded?

Thanks Craig.

[M J W J]

I don't personally think there will be a lot of difference in work in fitting the bike engine and a vauxhall engine. Both are going to take a lot of effort time and money. The vauxhall engine method does have the advantage of there being pre made kits to do it (don't know about the zx10).

Here is a link to list of vauxhall engines and their statistics.

http://www.themininu...ngine_stats.htm

If you are wanting it to fit under a standard round nose then you will most likely be looking at the small block engines (1.6 and less) or possibly the x18xe1/z18xe which is a 1.8 but is based on the small block. I think that some people have managed the 2 litres but have had to build custom frames and generally these are the 8 valves not 16. Have a look through other people's build diary's. Keep researching, researching and researching.

All speed do the kits but a frame is not that hard to build just takes time and some 30mm square box section (saying he who still has not finished his ). A home built frame will allow the design to be a lot more flexible.

A bulk head box to give the gear change clearance will need to be welded in and/or the gear linkage modified. A removable front end will make the car easier to work on. Depending on the engine the inlet manifold will possibly need modifying and then an after market ecu will be required to go with it.

4 pot metro brakes (or equivalent) are the norm on most engine conversions. Some people have run the standard ap 8.4 brakes but for what it costs to change them compared to yours and others safety I would do so.

[Sir Cheat]

I would go for the 2.0 8v most are 115bhp, some like the SEH model has 130bhp...but more harder to find nowadays...

Heres a 115bhp one on ebay...Link.. Not far from you... its only in Sheffield!

Edited by Sir Cheat, 10 January 2011 - 02:32 AM.

[MarkGTT]

im building a 16v small block conversion (X16XE from a corsa gsi) on ITB's good for 160bhp in this form, this is sitting in a allspeed frame.

Standard 8.4 brakes will be more than up to the job, just get some good pads. Im keeping this setup (the same as i used on my 170bhp turbo)

[Leon_mini]

can i just ask..
why do you want 100bhp, if your not going to drive it to its potential

good luck with the build

[samperks]

http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/

[mickyh]

I was surprised to read that 8.5 brakes will be good enough for such a conversion, I was going to upgrade to 4 pot; am I wasting my time!

Thanks

[MarkGTT]

I was surprised to read that 8.5 brakes will be good enough for such a conversion, I was going to upgrade to 4 pot; am I wasting my time!

Thanks

The standard 8.4's are good brakes if used with a good disc pad combo.
When choosing the brake setup for you, you need to consider what the car will be used for. Track cars can get away with bigger brakes as they will heat up quicker and offer less fade but on a road car they won't be as effective as the braking style is very different.

Also look at the effective braking force of diffent callipers and the braking areas on the discs used.

[mickyh]

Just another question, thinking of 2L 8V or 16V, however currently have a SPI; will i need a new fuel pump and tank?