21 replies to this topic

[jameswildcooper]

that may be true clive but the best thing about having a fast a series is the looks you get off people when you tell them they just got blown away by a 1.3L engine instead of a 1.8L

[extreammini]

Hi,

Thanks for all your great response I really appreciate it!

After much thought I have decided to go for a 1380. This is for several reasons :

1) I didnt want to loose the go-kart like handling of the mini and felt a larger engine (VTEC / Vaux ) would compromise this.
2) I didnt want to put a bike engine in it only due to price and noise ....
3) U didn't want to spend a fortune, just alot
4) I wanted to modify the mini but kinda wanted to keep things to a minimal with regards to body chopping etc!

Now i've decided to go for a 1380 I have just a few questions and your opinions / advice would be really helpful and apprciated :

1) Whats your thoughts on this, with the above factors in mind is this the best route to take do you think?
2) Is it very tuneable?
3) I.e to No 2) With enough money enthusiam (over the years) whats the most hp you could squeeze out of a 1380 safly without causing a manifold to blow or a simple part to break everytime you drive it?

Many thanks for looking and for any response!

Mark

[AndyMiniMad.]

Here is Haggis...a very normal looking Mini...Its fitted with a self built 1380 and is producing a RELIABLE 98bhp...now the thing is I could fit a 7 port head and bump the power up to 140 or 150bhp and still be reliable. but any more power than that and you start to worry about how useable it becomes...I mean, in a mini with the small wheels and lack of weight 150bhp is a LOT of power to get down to the road.
So my point really is this...yes fit a 170-220bhp VTEC or red top or whatever..but will you actually gain any advantage over a 150bhp car..on the road..bearing in mind speed limits and the like..yes on a track the extra power would be needed, but on the road? Im not so sure.
My mate had a Vtec mini. and it was a right hand full..do much so that he has gone back to A series power...

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 09 March 2012 - 09:18 AM.

[george91]

I would suggest you get david vizards tuning the a series, worth every penny and you will learn what is required to build a performance engine. If you want a fast road engine then n/a will be fine and you could get a nice 100hp engine if you build it right just like andys. Or if you want more than that, then i would suggest forced induction, preferably turbo, where anything up to 150hp with similar torque figures would be possible for a road car.

[extreammini]

Hi all,

Whats the best company to use to buy 1380 parts? I thought MED?

Whats your guys opinion?

Many thanks Mark

[Findlay94]

How much would a budget 1380 or similiar 100bhp engine upgrade roughly?

[megamini_jb]

Go vauxhall. I'm starting a redtop conversion once I have a decent shell