15 replies to this topic

[Bumperchaser]

Hi all,

I'm just in the planning stage at the moment but the idea is to slot an RX8 engine and box into (probably) a clubman, running through an impreza rear dif to the rear wheels. The engine's a nice compact unit so I think it'll work but has anyone done this before?

I know the rotary engine uses as much oil as fuel but I think it'll be a bit of a stormer, especially if I can twin-turbo it as well!

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

haha this sounds helpful, my next mini is a compact engine rwd lol its only the size of one of those big tray things that are used to transport things on forklifts lol but as far as im aware its not been done, go for it

[charie t]

Hi all,

I'm just in the planning stage at the moment but the idea is to slot an RX8 engine and box into (probably) a clubman, running through an impreza rear dif to the rear wheels. The engine's a nice compact unit so I think it'll work but has anyone done this before?

I know the rotary engine uses as much oil as fuel but I think it'll be a bit of a stormer, especially if I can twin-turbo it as well!

Its been done before, there was one on the 16vminiclub but the link diary has stopped working/deleted

[E.L.M.O]

Hi good luck with the project. I have more hope in this being the success than the dreamers who come on and their title reads, "I am going to put a 10 litre engine into a standard round nose", then the sub title reads "do you think it will fit" or "can it be done?!" My general thumb is if someone has to ask if it can be done, then they most likely dont have the knowledge or skills to even try, because if they did, they wouldn't ask. (yes you can learn by doing, but like I said, rule of thumb is if you have to ask, you prob wont do it.)

But it seems a promising start! I havent heard of an RX8 block, but have heard of a couple of projects with RX7 engines used. (about 3 I think...?) one was in Japan (I think, it was a good few years back) I followed his build thread for a couple of years up to where he was about to complete it and get it on the road..... then it never got updated again. It was a huge disappointment and I believe the websites dead now. Ive no idea what happened, my guess is he either gave up and couldnt get it to work, or he could and it was so quick that he managed to crash it and kill himself (hopefully not) on the first outting therefore never getting to complete the build thread.

Anyway, keep us update! It should be an interesting one!

Edited by E.L.M.O, 28 January 2011 - 02:05 PM.

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

subaru impreza engine? one of the engines im trying to choose between lmao

[charie t]

then it never got updated again. It was a huge disappointment and I believe the websites dead now.

Probably the same one I was refering to

[charie t]

subaru impreza engine? one of the engines im trying to choose between lmao

http://www.16vminicl...ead.php?t=20398

[E.L.M.O]

then it never got updated again. It was a huge disappointment and I believe the websites dead now.

Probably the same one I was refering to

Yeah maybe, didnt see your post as I was busy writting mine!
was the one you were reading in Japan? Its a shame, he put a lot of effort into it. I didnt see it on 16vforum, I was reading the guys own blog.

[charie t]

Yeah maybe, didnt see your post as I was busy writting mine!
was the one you were reading in Japan? Its a shame, he put a lot of effort into it. I didnt see it on 16vforum, I was reading the guys own blog.

To be honest i can't remember if it was in japan or not, just remember seeing it then it was gone not sure if all the SVA critics upset him? (even though its not applicable there or if they have an equivelent)

[Bumperchaser]

Well, I'm going to get started on it as soon as I get the current one out of the way. This one's just a standard rebuild. it's actually the wife's car but the next one is definitely mine! I'll keep you posted when I get going.

[Minibar72]

Hi all,

I'm just in the planning stage at the moment but the idea is to slot an RX8 engine and box into (probably) a clubman, running through an impreza rear dif to the rear wheels. The engine's a nice compact unit so I think it'll work but has anyone done this before?

I know the rotary engine uses as much oil as fuel but I think it'll be a bit of a stormer, especially if I can twin-turbo it as well!

Well... all I can say is go for it!
Here is mine:
http://www.theminifo...t=#entry2045386

[Perkomate]

I'm thinking of doing the same except into a Mini Van. What kind of rear subframe would you use? does anyone know?

[R1mini]

I'm thinking of doing the same except into a Mini Van. What kind of rear subframe would you use? does anyone know?

Either a custom made setup or something based on a production vehicle, not to easy as most other vehicles have a much wider track than a mini, I believe the mini pictured above uses a 4 linked escort axle with a panard rod, which is only marginally wider than the mini stuff by the look of it

David

I've read the thread it's a Volvo axle not Escort

Cheers

Edited by R1mini, 27 April 2011 - 02:40 PM.

[Perkomate]

I'm thinking of doing the same except into a Mini Van. What kind of rear subframe would you use? does anyone know?

Either a custom made setup or something based on a production vehicle, not to easy as most other vehicles have a much wider track than a mini, I believe the mini pictured above uses a 4 linked escort axle with a panard rod, which is only marginally wider than the mini stuff by the look of it

David

would it be possible to get a front subframe, turn it around and instead of a steering rack have just a solid bar that is locked off so it can't turn? then do you think that I could cut a hole in the top iof the wheel arch for the suspension towers. and just suspend the differential where the engine would go.

[R1mini]

would it be possible to get a front subframe, turn it around and instead of a steering rack have just a solid bar that is locked off so it can't turn? then do you think that I could cut a hole in the top iof the wheel arch for the suspension towers. and just suspend the differential where the engine would go.

I wouldn't use a mini subframe at all, the components just wouldn't be up to the job, putting 300hp through mini CV's will be hopeless, the brakes don't have handbrake facilities either.

If you did decide to use a mini subframe, why turn it round???? A solid bar would be useless for the steering rack how would you have suspension

Something like the subframe below should do it, although my personal preference is for a de dion setup

Cheers
David

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