(http://www.britishv8.org/Other/MarkHeller/MarkHeller-A.JPG)
There must be thousands of Mini engine swaps out there!
We've only got one in our photo gallery: Mark Heller's Acura Type-R 1.8L VTEC Powered '74 Austin Mini (http://www.britishv8.org/Other/MarkHeller.htm) (Sadly, it's owner Mark didn't know much about the technical details of the engine installation. He only owned the car briefly... and I messed up when I had the chance and failed to take the car apart to get properly detailed photos;)
(Check it out! That's Max and Emily in the reflection, and "Aunt Bea" in the background. Cool photo, eh?)
So, anybody around here know much about the subject? I'd like to add a few good "How It Was Done" articles for Mini engine swaps... and I'd be delighted to publish an authoritative "How To" article on the subject. Can you "volunteer" a friend for the job?
Brian? Are you reading this?
Lots of info (including instructions) for FWD VTEC into original Mini:
http://vtec.minimania.com/Welcome_to_VTEC.cfm
The RWD Mini experts:
http://www.zcars.org.uk/
UK Mini Forum:
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?
Sure... anyone can post links - but we can't just swipe information from those sites, and frankly those websites don't present information in a format that's as cool or as easy to comprehend as BritishV8's patented "How It Was Done" formula. So, it would be really cool if we could find a couple enthusiastic Mini owners to tell us "How It Was Done" on their specific cars. Why shouldn't we have new and original articles on this subject? As you know, there are countless ways to skin a cat. Ultimately, it would be really cool if we could capture some of the diversity of Mini engine swaps in our photo gallery.
Curtis,
Due to a lack of time and trying to get things done whilst the candle burns at both ends, I am simply placing my link here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/bmcautos/1962MiniTraveller#
and a picture below. This is a BMW K series motorcycle cylinder head (DOHC 16 valve) attached to a 1275cc A series with a 5 speed below going into a Mini Traveller. We plan to have this at the Mini Meet- East Meets West '09 in Southern Minnesota last week of June. Jennifer and I will also be down there in the MGB V6. Please don't tell the Mini guys. ;-)
-BMC.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EhOejB9NOmA/SRPNWgX364I/AAAAAAAABaU/3R9Amj3nCgk/s640/24102008388.jpg)
Brian,
Great car, I love the Travelers.
When you get some time I would like to hear how you went about mating a BMW motorcycle head to a car engine.
Skip
Since time did not allow us to assemble this with the XK120 restoration/modification as well as other projects with the time frame we need, we opt to purchase a complete unit custom built to our specs rather than build one with parts purchased from the various suppliers who have their own conversion kit/systems ready to purchase in pieces.
http://www.specialist-components.co.uk/
Very nice fellows to work with. I would consider this something to do with my Frogeye/Bugeye.
When you consider an A series that is naturally aspirated and idles well can have 130 BHP and still bolt into the car like it should, its not a bad idea. Its still not inexpensive when you start to add everything up, but its a way to be able to claim that the engine was the original type for the car, even if the head has been altered.
I will place an article on this site after the car is complete but at the same time, I have about 2 or 3 other articles to catch up on and waiting for a few more pieces before submitting anything to Britishv8.org
-BMC.
I'm really itching to see this article, Brian. It's a great topic!
Here's one I saw at a local car show last summer (sorry no details):
photo-56.jpg
photo-57.jpg
I just got back from picking up the mini DOHC engine. I have to take off as soon as its unloaded but will try to get some pictures sooner than later and get them online. So, just a little more for those itching to know....
-BMC.