6 replies to this topic

[Q_M]

Won't let me post in the technical section (

Whats the biggest engine you can get in a Mini without a structural change of the engine bay? I know you see loads of 1.4 and 1.6 engines, but is that major major work to get one of those in? I'd love a 1.6 but I don't want to spend a fortune getting the car changed to fit the blimin thing in there.

Cheers for any help.

[SolarB]

Won't let me post in the technical section (

Whats the biggest engine you can get in a Mini without a structural change of the engine bay? I know you see loads of 1.4 and 1.6 engines, but is that major major work to get one of those in? I'd love a 1.6 but I don't want to spend a fortune getting the car changed to fit the blimin thing in there.

Cheers for any help.

If you have a Clubman the Rover V8 fits. I believe that puts maximum capacity at about 5.6 liters.

[attachment=69427:rover8.jpg]

[Q_M]

Christ...

I was just looking at the 3.5 V8 rover engine (in my opinion one of the best sounding engines ever made) but realistically I want a small engine. 1.6 really, but I want alot of power. I was looking at a Stage 3-4 engine from MiniSport or somewhere but they are so incredably expensive compared to say a1.6 Zetec engine.

[Jammy]

You checked insurance on a conversion like that at 19?

[Q_M]

You checked insurance on a conversion like that at 19?

Thats why I want a small engine and not a 5 litre Rover V8 lol

[mike.]

Most of the engine conversion your thinking of require a new longer front end (either a clubman or extended round nose) although there are expencive built for purpose manifolds and radiators that'll fit under a completly standard mini front. You'll also need a new front subframe - Although you can make your own if your up to it. I think i've also seen bulkhead boxes being installed to clear the inlet manifolds?

The engines are obviously not just a straight swap but as far as i know the main piece of machining you need to have done are VTEC-Mini driveshafts although im pretty sure they'll be ready made from specialist 16v conversion shops?

The Rover K series engines are 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 16 valvers and that conversion can be done for £2k
VTEC engine i believe are 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 16 valvers (1.6/1.8 are most common) but if im correct is more like £5k to do.

Not quite sure why VTEC conversion tend to cost so much more (maybe somebody can shed some light on this for me) but as far as i know the VTEC engines are probably about £5-800 more than a K series but the subframes from the likes of 16vminishop etc are still about £800. So what costs so much more in a VTEC conversion?

Edited by minimadmike, 16 September 2008 - 10:45 PM.

[Jammy]

K series engine you can pick up for £100, B16 engines tend to be about £500+ (though you can still get the odd cheapy). People sometimes choose to change the final drive in the Vtec, which is another £600. Not sure about the K series, but for most Vtecs you need to do something to get the clutch to work with the pedal box. I think generally the K series frames and suspension set ups are less expensive, and some people choose to just use Metro hubs and suspension.

With Vtecs, if you're spending 3, 4, 5x more on an engine, you might be more inclined to spend extra on brakes, billet driveshafts, coilover suspension, etc too.