7 replies to this topic

[BerkshireMini]

Got the garage to work in, got no experience but I want to be thrown in at the deep end and try a little project myself.

Right sounds stupid but if any of you read my introduction post, i've damaged my Mini which I called Dickie because it's a D Reg.

So Dickie is being moved in 5 minutes into my garage.

I need tools to start the work - both general tools and specialist tools.


Any ideas what general tools i'll need to work on my mini, going to be doing an engine conversion and pretty much anything I can think of to get my ideal mini (which is in my head) onto the road (which should be Dickie)

It's going to be an ongoing project and I hope to have Dickie on the road looking his best by 2007 - Thats my target.


So any help with general tools i'd need would be appreciated and places to buy mini parts would also be a great help.

Cheers

Jack

[Tango1300]

Hi

Sounds like you will have your hands full.

Shame about your mini.

A good place for second hand parts and new parts is a company who breaks minis, It is called Mania4minis They are based in Iver but i've had stuff sent to me.

As for parts you will need, My partner is the engine person so i will ask him later and i'll let you know.

S

[BerkshireMini]

regarding the engine.

What would be the biggest available engine that I could put into my '87 Park Lane without to much hassle with the conversion.

Cheers

Jack :cheese:

[Don't Panic]

generally people use honda v-tec 1.6 or 2L, think theres vaxhaull up to 2L engines that will fit amd bike engines, think these all require specialist subframes, before you choose an engine think about what you want from it...

If you go for a modern engine you will have all the electronic bits and bobs to fit also, so its a bigger job i assume. But you get a smoother engine that starts when cold, auto-choke etc...

If you go for an A-series (metro-turbo, mini) you can tune it up for major power and torque, it'll also be an easier conversion.

All depends what you want your mini for.

[Al*]

regarding the engine...... The sky's the limit! :wink: but seriously I'd stick with the a-series..... as they are the ones built for minis so is the easiest by far. you can get upwards of 100bhp out of a series motors if you have some money to fork out.... it all depends what the car will be getting used for as welll as different engines are better suited to different styles of driving.

good luck with the project.

Al

[BerkshireMini]

Going to use Dickie for Mini Shows and runs when it's finally up and running and maybe just a car to drive about on a sunday or something.

but from judging what everyone's said to me, I think i'll go for the A-Series engines.

Thanks alot, been a great help.

Jack

[Tango1300]

hi all its tango 1300,s "engine guy"

as for mini engines there aint much you can't put in a mini but it depends how much work you want to do (or how much money you want to spend...or both!)

the a series is a good strong engine and they sound cool too! you can get good power out of an a series but to get really good power can start to cost. if you want to keep it real then there is no other engine, but the 8 valve ohc vauxhall engines go in without too much hassle and they make sence too! there cheap and you can buy the kit to bolt it all in. there not too much greif to wire up either and you get a 5 speed box to boot. if you can afford the insurance try and find a cdi or sri (130 model) cavalier. they are a little less tourqey than the 2 litre so less tourqe steer in a little car, they are also sweet and revvy and produce 130 bhp factory with more to be gained easilly.

if you want a cheap to run quick practical car and you think you can handle the work i would say go for 1400 ohc vauxhall 8 valve. 5 speed box,80 odd bhp,40 odd miles to the gallon,fuel injection and good tourqe.

if you want to keep things simple but still have fun then tune the a series there a cracking little lump.

if you can get an mg a plus they have quite a nice little cam already in and should produce 75 bhp (though 50 odd is more likely unless you get a real sweet one)

fit a better head and some good electronic ignition with a stage one kit and some roller rockers and you will have a fun nippy mini that isnt that tempramental either. and try and keep the original airbox on an mg lump with a freeflowing element and drill it, it works better than them cone type filters and will be better in the cold weather.

i have just picked up a clubman van which i have a 1600 zetec lined up for which should run on webbers as the induction is grill side :cool:

tango has a 1300 mg in her. it was a sweet low mileage engine and now has a 276 cam, aldon ignition, drilled airbox, close ratio box.
doing all the suspention and brakes next she has cooper discs but they will need uprating when the rest of the engine work has been done. not 100% sure what to do yet but a mercedes clk kompressor unit may find its way onto that there a series.

[BerkshireMini]

Cheers for the info