Thinking of starting a VTEC mini project, should I?

[nick1874]

Have managed to free up some money and I really fancy starting a b18 mini conversion.

I have practically all the tools I need in a fully kitted out garage with a car lift.

The main problem however is knowledge and skill set, is this too big a job for someone to take on without much mechanical know how?

I have swapped out an engine before but that was on a Peugeot 106 quicksilver (put a GTI engine in there), this was easy though as was pretty much a straight swap in terms of wiring etc, other than that I haven't done a great deal of work on cars apart from maybe changing the odd brakedisk or driveshaft using various manuals or guide videos.

Yes I could just pay someone to do this for me but that would ruin the fun.

Has anyone else ever taken on a project like this without any real mechanical know-how?

[Yidwann]

The 16vMiniClub is the place to look for all the knowledge. I have a B16a2 which was done by Geoff Watson by its previous owner, I love it, but just don't have the time to use it anymore, so i'll be running it again in the spring and putting it up for sale. They are proper hooligan machines though, 9000rpm in a mini feels a bit wrong, and you can properly shock some people! Its great fun, do it!

Tom

[paulrockliffe]

I'm planning an engine swap for my Minus at some point in the next few years, space is a bit tighter on a Minus so I've been looking at alternatives to the Honda B series. I think it's too tall for me, but I would seriously look at the Ford 1l turbo Ecoboost engines. They're 140bhp as standard, modern reliable, great economy, and the engines are cheap and lighter than the Honda B series. Plenty of tuning potential too.

[annodomini2]

Micra K11 is another possibility

You can get the subframe off the shelf and the engine + box, fits between the inner wings.

Depends how much of a project you are looking for?

[PixelpeepS3]

I don't even need to read the OP.

YES!