Wednesday 29th July 2009

4x4 Mini With VTEC Power

US conversion kit offers 400bhp and AWD for 'real' Mini fans

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This mad Mini takes a high-revving Honda engine, CR-V drive-train and MX-5 suspension bits to make a cocktail that looks pretty intoxicating.

The work of Mini Tec in the US - which bills itself as ‘your source for super fast Honda VTEC powered Minis’ – the conversion is available as a kit costing $2695.

According to Mini Tec, the conversion allows you to pump up to 400bhp through your Mini’s four wheels, depending on the size and state of tune of your chosen B-series VTEC motor.

The kit comprises a custom rear sub-frame, upper and lower a-arm suspension, modified body panels, 400bhp-rated rear axle shafts and an anti-roll bar. On top of that you’ll need a Mini, a Honda CR-V’s drivetrain, and Mazda MX-5 hubs and discs – and the nerve to start attacking your pride and joy with a cutting torch.

The video shows Mini Tec’s ‘in-house testing’, which seems to involve chaining the car to something heavy and spinning all the wheels in a puddle in the workshop. If anyone is tempted to have a go at building one here in the UK, do let us know!

 

[louismchuge]

they nicked that testing technique from john deere

[GPT]

The car looks good, and the kit is very cheap (in the US).

The music on the video ruins it.

[rayb74]

Hey dont forget to fill the boot up with cement bags !

[Silverbullet767]

I knew someone who had put an integra type R DC2 engine in a mini, it was a bloody rocket!

He had to move the dash back, and his carpets went on fire.

[carl_w]

I saw a ZX9R-engined Mini at a sprint recently. The engine was in the back, too. Made a fantastic noise, and utterly bonkers.

[Moose.]

Very neat looking installation there and quite cheap considering the engineering involved

If I had the money.....

[robert_raw]

With a Honda engine, i bet that is also the most reliable mini ever made. lol

I would love a go, them B Series are magical in standard form.

[OzCupra]

Seems to be a lot more people doing this type of thing to a mini lately! Couple of lads over here in Ireland are currently at it, full home built R & D though!

Finally someone has released a kit for it to save all the messing about!

Mental with a K20! I'd like to know if and how well they still handle?

Quite cheap as well!

[OzCupra]

Just seen the Pickup conversion, mmm... May have to dig the father in laws out of the garage for that

[Ollieb7]

Looks fantastic - well up my street - would much prefer a vid where i could hear the car for real giving it large round a track - whats with the car park and snow???

[Lefty Guns]

My wife has a CRV. Wonder if she'd notice...?

[BoRED S2upid]

400bhp! crikey id be happy with a third of that from mine. Seems to be a lot of these conversions in the USA, they seem to love the mini.

[VladD]

These boys have been doing RWD V-Tech minis for a few years.

Z-cars

Their Elise and Ultima look quite interesting too.

[smash]

Makes all the major UK Honda/bike engine mini conversion kits look well overpriced!

[Lefty Guns]

I had a passeneger ride some time ago in a stripped out mini which had a 160bhp 1400 k-series. It was geared for about 110 in top and was effing fast so I can't imagaine what 400bhp must be like

[sleep envy]

bks

that's another on the list

[Jeffmaniac]

Want!

[Scottish_ninja]

What exactly does the kit include?

Itching to start a new project and feel this is a real possibility.

Stephen.

[danrc]

Is there not a vtec mini at the ring? Never seen it on the move, but i've been told its an absolute beast.

[branflakes]

These guys sell a kit allowing you to dump a 400hp Honda engine in the front. Z-Cars sell a kit allowing you to dump a 400hp Honda engine in the back.

Surely I'm not the only person thinking what I'm thinking?