12 replies to this topic

[BabyBek]

Could anyone tell me if subframes for automatics can be made to fit manual cars?

I know that there is a difference in subframes between injection minis and carb'd minis. But I was unsure about the difference between automatics and manuals.

The reason I ask is that MiniSport have a decent sale on their automatic subframes, and said that with a conversion kit, it would fit a manual car. I was just wondering if this was true.


Thanks xx

[minimadjonesy]

Bek,

They will fit into the space but you'll need an adapter kit to fit a manual engine to the subframe! for your car it would be better to just take the hit and buy a proper injection subframe! :cheese:

[Grayedout]

The modification is simply 1/8inch? spacers to fit between the two bottom engine mountings and the subframe as the auto frame is a slightly wider 'V' !!

[Guess-Works.com]

The injection suframe ( MPI's ) has the engine moutings slightly further forward, this enables better clearance for the injection unit at the back, and also as there isn't dizzy to worry about so still allows enough room to fit the rad. You will also notice that the on MPI's the alternator is move higher to allow for this..

So. if you car is an MPI, then you will need the correct subframe..

As for other's then with the adaptors a manual engine can be fitted into an auto subframe, the only difference being the shape of the underside which allows for the larger autobox to fit..

Some racers use auto subframes because it provides better access to the underside and makes 'engine in' changes that little bit easier.

[BabyBek]

Coolio.
Thanks for your help guys.

The subframe is not for my MPI, but for Tarks' van.

Cheers xx

[minimadjonesy]

Bek, tell him i have a couple of Standard front subbys in the shed and one auto in the back garden going spare!

[Tarks]

thanks babybek x,

tis true ive just replaced everything running gear wise on hanor inc bushes bearings,arms,bars,pistons and seals shes all new ! even full suspention kit

so why not the sub frame too with the new engine !


great advise and info as always guys cheers!

[The Matt]

I have a front subby you can have for free if ya can come and get it ('84 manual)

[Sprocket]

All SPI subframes are just a standard subframe with two sets of engine mount holes, one set being 10mm ahead of the original position.

The MPI subframe has fixings at the front for the radiator mounts. There may only be the one set of engine mount holes in the newer further forward position (as described above)on this frame, but there is very little between them.

Hope this helps

I've included a picture, it's out of focus, but you can still see the other set of holes.

[Guess-Works.com]

Just had a thought, but did the van actually change over to the turret mounted subframe... or did it continue with the twin bolts ???

[BabyBek]

I don't know. But apparently Dean has modded (quelle surprise) the crossmember or something so that it has a standard mini subframe on it!!

[minimole]

there are vans with turret mounted subframes denz's van is

[Tarks]

Just had a thought, but did the van actually change over to the turret mounted subframe... or did it continue with the twin bolts ???

my van is suposed to have the twin bolt system !
that did indeed change in later years
but i put a new crossmember in "turret single bolt mount" just for ease as the twins rust up and are hard to get hold of

ok here is the build so far!