9 replies to this topic

[69MINI]

What is the difference between manual/auto subframe?

Can i use a manual subframe on an auto mini?


I have an auto 1969 want dry suspension what year mini's do I look for as a doner?

Cheers Phill

[langers2k]

Auto subframes are wider I believe. You cannot use a auto engine in a manual subframe, but you can use a manual engine in a auto subframe with brackets/spacers.

You need to find any auto mini with dry suspension, no idea about the year.

[GreaseMonkey]

Auto subframes are wider than manual ones, if you are wanting to fit a manual onto a auto subby you can buy the bracket and spacerkit from minispares which enable you to do this or you could buy a manual subframe and put this in but the tower bolts have to be the same.

[stickycreambun]

about an inch an a half!

[MyZeemaxMiniTurbo]

i use an auto subframe, it was £300 cheaper than a standard manual 1, id say its barley 10mm wider (inner diameter) than standard, the outside diameter is the same, spacer kit was about a 5er but you could even make the spacers, there bassicly 2 blocks of metal with holes drilled in

[Spitz]

I made my own spacers.
3/8" each side between engine and engine mount.
One hole needs to be drilled on the left side of subframe as the spacing between bolt holes is different

[MyZeemaxMiniTurbo]

that rang a bell, and to be fair i did drill a hole in the subframe also for this reason........ but iv just put my new engine back in and didnt use the hole that i drilled, and im using the same gearbox, and mounts as i took off.... so god knows why i drilled it to begin with

so im sticking to my guns, the only real difference is the impact on your wallet

[Boycie]

Not only is the auto subframe wider, the bolt positioning is too far forward on the passenger side. As above, new holes need drilling but otherwise you're ok. I've been using an auto 'frame with a manual 'box for years and it works fine; I even appreciate the extra space that the wider auto 'frame gives you!
I would definitely measure the hole positioning on the n/s compared to a manual 'frame though.. there's a fair bit of difference..

[AndyMiniMad.]

Also the auto subframe does not have the bracket welded onto the front that you attach the lower front gearbox steady on..

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 26 July 2012 - 03:54 PM.

[Boycie]

Good point.
I hadn't considered that because mine is a twin-bolt; they never had the bracket there anyway.