19 replies to this topic

[Captain_Cabinet]

Not posted a great deal on here, but have always enjoyed reading the project threads. I haven't got a massive amount of photos as yet but will update this if (read when) anything else changes and maybe stick some of the older ones up. Anyway;

I bought the car in January '05 as a relatively standard SPI Cooper. BRG with White stripes and decals. I decided that I wanted to go for the Sportspack look (I now wish I had gone for some different arches) and so got the Sportspack arches and 13x7 Ultralite wheels fitted. I don't really have any photos up to this point (at least not that I have access to at work!)

I spent about a year battling the rust myself (with lots of help from my Girlfriend) and trying to learn to spray etc. I thought we did a good job but the rust was back fairly quickly.

I eventually conceded and sent the car to Minimaster in Penrith for restoration in February this year. It was up there for a couple of months and I have some during and after photos;

During











After









I was more than happy with the bodywork but really needed to do something about the performance. I had also had enough of the big wheels.

I spoke to a few people and then got in touch with Stuart at VmaxScart who was really helpful. I ended up going for the Supercharger conversion, rebuilt gearbox and bottom end. I got the car back a month or two ago and power was quoted at 131 bhp and 126.9 lb/ft of torque on Stuarts rollers.



At the same time as booking the above conversion I ordered some MB Wheels from MLM. These arrived last week and I managed to get them fitted. Along with the Curley Carbon Bonnet, Mk1 Grille etc that I had ordered while waiting for the car to come back. I also changed the Cobra classic seats for Cobra Monacos and they have proved far more comfortable even on reasonably long journeys.







I'm really pleased with how it has turned out and just think it needs lowering a bit more to suit the wheels.

Hope you like it!!

[Bungle]

how do you find the supercharged engine ?

power delivery
fuel consumption
noise
etc ?

[Captain_Cabinet]

I have the SW5 cam fitted and the low down torque is great fun. On part throttle it is as civilised if not more so than before but when you put your foot down the power always seems to be there. It's great on the motorway where overtaking was previously a bit of a struggle.

It does use a lot more fuel. I haven't had the chance to work out an average MPG but it seems to use a lot during motorway journeys. I think the trade off is worth it though.

I have a Fletcher stainless exhaust which is fairly loud when you accelerate, but is not much louder than the old stage 1 exhaust from Minisport when cruising. The supercharger only really whines above about 3000 rpm and I really like the sound and can't see it bothering me really.

[Retro_10s]

holy shizz batman,

that's a lovely car you got there, loving the 10 inch wheels and over-riders

[Carl-Brit]

like it ! but i think bring the alloys out more they look hidden in the second last pic but in a side shot there allready saying hello past arches

[M44K TS]

God dammit! I should stop reading about supercharger conversions!

That is one hell of a nice car, love the carbon bonnet against the mk1 grile, works very wel.

[mini_toaster]

very nicee those overiders look awesome

[Captain_Cabinet]

Thanks for the comments, think it just needs dropping a bit more and it won't look as over-arched.

Got a few better engine bay pics last night:







Cheers

Chris

[Gr4h4m]

the Mk1 look makes the car IMO

Edited by Gr4h4m, 06 November 2007 - 05:40 PM.

[Captain_Cabinet]

I do think it looks loads better with the Mk1 grille etc. Wasn't sure it would look good with the carbon bonnet but i'm really pleased with how it turned out.

[Mini-man]

gorgeous car... thinking of doing the supercharger myself to be honest once ive got the money at the end of it being sent off to have the bodywork done.

[ab54666]

How much was the engine coversion if you don't mind me asking?

[Captain_Cabinet]

Have a look on www.vmaxscart.co.uk it cost a bit more for the gearbox rebuild etc.

[mike.]

That is gorgeous! What sort of estimate 0-60 times does that give you?

I love those wheels! - Got a link to where i can get them? Also when you changed from big to small - did you have adjust the ride height accordingly to get the car to sit right on them?

Its great how you've got bonnet straps, grille buttons and overiders yet still the front end looks smooth and simple! Cars like this always make me lean more towards putting a mk1 grille on mine - Looks great!

[mk1leg]

Hi..!..Captin what a stunner superb job and I bet it goes like S**t off a shovel well done.............