20 replies to this topic

[Markyjd]

Hi, I am looking for advice on a Mini that I have just bought. It was sold to me as a Vtec conversion running a 1600 and 170bhp. I have been asking the previous owner for the exact engine that's in the car and am still awaiting an answer. I have just got the log book back and it says the engine number is D16A8E329205. Looking at the specs of this motor its telling me its 120Bhp! before I go mental at the bloke that sold it to me can somebody advice me if this is the case. I will put a picture of the engine on here. I am rapidly losing my love for this Mini as it also handles like a 3 legged donkey! and someone drove their trailer into it the week after I got it, I cant even drive it at the moment because it feels unsafe. (yes I am a muppet for buying it). Some kind help would be much appreciated as I used money that my Dad left me who passed at Christmas to buy this thing!

 

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[dyshipfakta]

He probably did the usual thing of adding 20hp for an open cone filter and 20hp for a back box then 10 for the for the Chinese resistor and voila magic 170 hp.
120hp in a mini will still be plenty quick. Handling wise I can't comment because I have no idea how something with a bit lump in the front would handle or how to improve it.

[smudger068]

Isn't the 170hp engine the B16a2 engine?

google it and see if its different.

I am struggling bad signal with mobile.

 

go to a local garage and have a tracking check see what the setup is there free to do too.

[Markyjd]

Looking on the net the D16 doesn't look like mine the B16 does, hoping it's a mistake on the log book.

Handling wise It is running on the bump stops and a few on here have advised that this is probably the problem so a bit of adjustment at the weekend will hopefully sort this so I can finally enjoy driving it - Thanks for help

[smudger068]

does it feel like 170hp as I'm sure the is quite a difference in power.

yeh that does sound about right.

potentially looking good then

[smudger068]

managed to look at D16 and it looks positive for a b16. Did it have a d16 in previously? Check your engine number on the block

[Markyjd]

I don't know as the handling is so bad I daren't toe it lol. The bloke I bought it off of is not coming through with any info about it. It was just all looking so dodgy as log book didn't have him as the last owner although the one I saw before he sent it off did! My new log book has it as a Cat C write off and his didn't and it hadn't been taxed since July last year. Alarm bells rung! I will look at the engine number when I get home, Thanks for your help

[monkey]

I don't know as the handling is so bad I daren't toe it lol. The bloke I bought it off of is not coming through with any info about it. It was just all looking so dodgy as log book didn't have him as the last owner although the one I saw before he sent it off did! My new log book has it as a Cat C write off and his didn't and it hadn't been taxed since July last year. Alarm bells rung! I will look at the engine number when I get home, Thanks for your help

That all sounds well dodgy! Have you figured out why yours states cat c and has different previous owner details?

[Mini 360]

Sounds like he bought a VTEC mini, couldnt handle it, smashed it and as such is trying to sell it on without disclosing its been in an accident.  If he was aware of the write off, he has a legal obligation to inform any buyer of this.

[Markyjd]

I am pretty sure it is a D16A8 non Vtec! 120bhp instead of the advertised 170bhp

He explained that he bought it under his business as trade! so he didn't show up as last recorded keeper.

He wasn't aware it was a cat C write off apparently! but its very clear on the new log book that I have and it was written off 23/4/2003 VIC pass recorded 21/4/2004.

He said he didn't really drive it! only had it about 9 months

If I want to do something about it I will have to go legal as he is saying I bought it basically as seen!

[gazza82]

Well if he is trade, Trading Standards would be your first port of call ...

[Icey]

I think it's already agreed but just to add that it does indeed look like the Rover badged version of the Honda D16 engine - DOHC Non-VTEC. Either the A8 or A9 variant (pretty much identical).They aren't bad engines (I've had two CRXs with those in) but if you've paid the VTEC premium then I'd be wanting some cash back.

 

If the rest of the build is done well then depending how much you paid you could just cut your losses and break it for parts. The D and B series engines can be interchanged with engine mount kits (well, they could in the Honda's, I'm assuming it should be possible here too) so you could always double-down and put the engine you want in there.

[Markyjd]

Hes not really a vehicle trader but bought it as a trader through his business. To be fair to him I don't think he realised it wasnt a Vtec. I paid for it as a Vtec though! his last correspondence was basically tough, said "its a good car stunning looking, fast, lovely condition. That's my last word". I dont know what its worth.

[One step at a time]

I'd drop him one last message stating that the car is not as described and ask for a full refund or you'll be going to trading standards to sort it out.
The law is on your side so don't let him brush you off.
P.s. Keep a hard copy of every message, his sales advert and any information you have since gathered to give to trading standards.

[Markyjd]

Thanks mate. Didnt want to go that route but looks like I will have too. Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth as bought with my dads money as hes the one that made me a car nut!