sebhaque's VTEC Mini build
Discussion
In an effort to spur myself to keep a diary, I thought I'd share the progress of my VTEC Mini.
The Mini itself is a 1982-registered model. It was originally a 1.0l model, until early 2004 when it was declared off-road. It stayed off road for a couple of years until it was sold to someone who restored it - in the process, putting a reconditioned 1275cc engine into it. It went through another owner before coming into my possession. The 1275 lump in it, while having only done 8000 miles since its recondition, still didn't gel with me and I fancied a VTEC in it. After all, you only live once. The picture below is of the Mini alongside it's current stablemate, my M3.
After I'd decided to VTEC my Mini, I had to find an engine, or indeed a donor car. Engines themselves were pretty expensive, and I then had to buy the wiring kits, mounts, and so on - plus, I had a certain reservation of just buying an engine as who knew how it had been treated in whatever car it came from?
As luck would have it, a colleague (and friend) of mine was selling his old Civic. It was a 1998, 1.8 VTEC model, which was perfect for me. Even more so at the price of £500 - with a stack of history to fill the boot, and an engine that had done 149,000 miles, but mostly motorway by someone who knew how to look after his car (and also working at the same company as us).
I haven't got a picture of the Honda when I bought it, but this is it on the trailer (explained later):
Interestingly, since owning the Honda, when it was still a complete car, I only drove it about 10 yards (yes, TEN yards)!
The venue for this build is a friend of mine, Mark's garage. He's also built his own VTEC Mini a few years ago, and indeed does a lot of car work, so was pretty much my first choice in places to get help on harder jobs, such as cutting the exhausts and actually taking the engine out. The truck and trailer you'll see in this build belongs to him.
The first step was to take the engine out of the Civic. I plan to sell the shell + other bits seperately, so once the Civic had been delivered to the garage, we could get working. In a happy coincidence, Mike, the old owner of the Civic, was buying one of Mark's old cars, so it was a win-win for getting the Civic to Mark's without organising taxis or shuttle runs to move people about afterwards.
We got stuck into removing the B18 from the Civic. Mark's conversion was using a B16 from a CR-X Del Sol, so we assumed it would be a very similar process removing the engine. The removal started smoothly, with wires, pipes, and components flying off very quickly. Mark's garage has a 5-foot deep inspection pit in it, so there was never a problem of getting under the car to remove awkward bolts. We made great progress in our first morning and, before lunch, had managed to get all the ancillaries out and secure the engine to the hoist, ready for removal. Of course, we took many pictures showing components that we may have needed to reconnect in the Mini.
This is the engine prior to removal (the bonnet has been removed):
After lunch, we undid the three mounts we could see and took the weight of the engine on the hoist. We then noticed that the engine hadn't dropped - so there must be another mount somewhere on the car. After a bit of poking, I (from the inspection pit) noticed another mount right at the back of the engine, connecting to the bulkhead. After removing this, we started to hoist the engine. Once again, it wasn't moving, and after a bit more poking, we noticed a further mount connected to the AC compressor. Mark commented at this stage how there were only three mounts on the B16, yet the B18 had five - arguably, one was purely due to the AC (which wasn't present on his B16). We removed this final mount, and began the process of removing the engine from the car. Unfortunately, Civic engines were designed to be removed from the bottom, not hoisted from the top. We did not want to put the engine back in, put the car on stands, and lift the car over the dropped engine. Since the Civic was being sold for spares, Mark cut away at some of the engine mounts on the shell and we managed to coerce the engine out with maybe an inch or two to spare.
Here's a picture just after we'd removed the engine. I had rolled the Civic back a couple of feet so Mark could put the engine on the ground, and it's him in the picture.
The Civic almost looked sad at the removal of its engine.
We then started chasing the wiring loom back, being able to salvage it from the Civic for use in the Mini; which, by now, had had nothing done to it at all. Indeed, I hadn't used the Mini in so long that the battery had gone flat and it was leaking from a corroded boot seal. Nonetheless, a cover went over the poor old Mini while we chased the loom, and eventually got it out. While Honda make great cars, they could really do with cutting down on the amount of electrical tape they use...
This brings us up to today. Over the weekend, Mark has taken the Civic apart a bit more, and it's now back on my driveway to be sold as spares. I've been cutting apart the loom, removing the electrical tape and identifying the wiring that won't be needed in the Mini. Surprisingly big job, I've spent two or three hours on it and all I've done is remove the mounts and some of the tape. I get the feeling the boss lady won't be happy with the mess on the carpet.
Mark is going to take apart the Mini over the next week (he's self-employed so can do what he likes...); unfortunately I have to contend with the vagaries of a day-to-day job so can't commit to much next week. However, me and the lass are going to finish this loom and sort out all the bits in the Civic, as they're currently in a heap inside the car.
If you've got this far, thanks for reading. I'm by no means an automotive expert, but I'll try to answer any questions as best as I can - and sorry for my terrible writeup!
I'll keep this thread updated as and when any more progress is made. Right now, the main goals are to remove the engine from the Mini, finish stripping the wiring, and buy a new subframe for the Mini (which isn't cheap, at ~£1600)
The Mini itself is a 1982-registered model. It was originally a 1.0l model, until early 2004 when it was declared off-road. It stayed off road for a couple of years until it was sold to someone who restored it - in the process, putting a reconditioned 1275cc engine into it. It went through another owner before coming into my possession. The 1275 lump in it, while having only done 8000 miles since its recondition, still didn't gel with me and I fancied a VTEC in it. After all, you only live once. The picture below is of the Mini alongside it's current stablemate, my M3.
After I'd decided to VTEC my Mini, I had to find an engine, or indeed a donor car. Engines themselves were pretty expensive, and I then had to buy the wiring kits, mounts, and so on - plus, I had a certain reservation of just buying an engine as who knew how it had been treated in whatever car it came from?
As luck would have it, a colleague (and friend) of mine was selling his old Civic. It was a 1998, 1.8 VTEC model, which was perfect for me. Even more so at the price of £500 - with a stack of history to fill the boot, and an engine that had done 149,000 miles, but mostly motorway by someone who knew how to look after his car (and also working at the same company as us).
I haven't got a picture of the Honda when I bought it, but this is it on the trailer (explained later):
Interestingly, since owning the Honda, when it was still a complete car, I only drove it about 10 yards (yes, TEN yards)!
The venue for this build is a friend of mine, Mark's garage. He's also built his own VTEC Mini a few years ago, and indeed does a lot of car work, so was pretty much my first choice in places to get help on harder jobs, such as cutting the exhausts and actually taking the engine out. The truck and trailer you'll see in this build belongs to him.
The first step was to take the engine out of the Civic. I plan to sell the shell + other bits seperately, so once the Civic had been delivered to the garage, we could get working. In a happy coincidence, Mike, the old owner of the Civic, was buying one of Mark's old cars, so it was a win-win for getting the Civic to Mark's without organising taxis or shuttle runs to move people about afterwards.
We got stuck into removing the B18 from the Civic. Mark's conversion was using a B16 from a CR-X Del Sol, so we assumed it would be a very similar process removing the engine. The removal started smoothly, with wires, pipes, and components flying off very quickly. Mark's garage has a 5-foot deep inspection pit in it, so there was never a problem of getting under the car to remove awkward bolts. We made great progress in our first morning and, before lunch, had managed to get all the ancillaries out and secure the engine to the hoist, ready for removal. Of course, we took many pictures showing components that we may have needed to reconnect in the Mini.
This is the engine prior to removal (the bonnet has been removed):
After lunch, we undid the three mounts we could see and took the weight of the engine on the hoist. We then noticed that the engine hadn't dropped - so there must be another mount somewhere on the car. After a bit of poking, I (from the inspection pit) noticed another mount right at the back of the engine, connecting to the bulkhead. After removing this, we started to hoist the engine. Once again, it wasn't moving, and after a bit more poking, we noticed a further mount connected to the AC compressor. Mark commented at this stage how there were only three mounts on the B16, yet the B18 had five - arguably, one was purely due to the AC (which wasn't present on his B16). We removed this final mount, and began the process of removing the engine from the car. Unfortunately, Civic engines were designed to be removed from the bottom, not hoisted from the top. We did not want to put the engine back in, put the car on stands, and lift the car over the dropped engine. Since the Civic was being sold for spares, Mark cut away at some of the engine mounts on the shell and we managed to coerce the engine out with maybe an inch or two to spare.
Here's a picture just after we'd removed the engine. I had rolled the Civic back a couple of feet so Mark could put the engine on the ground, and it's him in the picture.
The Civic almost looked sad at the removal of its engine.
We then started chasing the wiring loom back, being able to salvage it from the Civic for use in the Mini; which, by now, had had nothing done to it at all. Indeed, I hadn't used the Mini in so long that the battery had gone flat and it was leaking from a corroded boot seal. Nonetheless, a cover went over the poor old Mini while we chased the loom, and eventually got it out. While Honda make great cars, they could really do with cutting down on the amount of electrical tape they use...
This brings us up to today. Over the weekend, Mark has taken the Civic apart a bit more, and it's now back on my driveway to be sold as spares. I've been cutting apart the loom, removing the electrical tape and identifying the wiring that won't be needed in the Mini. Surprisingly big job, I've spent two or three hours on it and all I've done is remove the mounts and some of the tape. I get the feeling the boss lady won't be happy with the mess on the carpet.
Mark is going to take apart the Mini over the next week (he's self-employed so can do what he likes...); unfortunately I have to contend with the vagaries of a day-to-day job so can't commit to much next week. However, me and the lass are going to finish this loom and sort out all the bits in the Civic, as they're currently in a heap inside the car.
If you've got this far, thanks for reading. I'm by no means an automotive expert, but I'll try to answer any questions as best as I can - and sorry for my terrible writeup!
I'll keep this thread updated as and when any more progress is made. Right now, the main goals are to remove the engine from the Mini, finish stripping the wiring, and buy a new subframe for the Mini (which isn't cheap, at ~£1600)
Edited by sebhaque on Saturday 28th January 17:32
Probably murder it in the initial dash up to about 60 but then the M3 would have the 'legs' so to speak and pass with ease as aerodynamics take their toll.
Same as with the difference between bikes and cars, some bikes have 6sec 0-60 times out of a bike that might just manage 100mph flat out.
Same as with the difference between bikes and cars, some bikes have 6sec 0-60 times out of a bike that might just manage 100mph flat out.
Update!
We spent the past week or so continuing the dismantling of both cars. Since the Civic is on my driveway, I was spending an hour or so after work every day taking bits off it. I'm selling pretty much everything I can, so there's lots of bits in my garage now.
The Civic has almost nothing left on the shell now - the only things left to take off are the brake calipers, the backbox, the wheels, and perhaps if I can get into the dashboard, the gauge cluster.
After removing the spoiler from the Civic, it was time to act immature.
Today was spent working on the Mini. Nice weather so it was quite a pleasant afternoon. The first thing we did was remove the bonnet and grille.
Mark cut a hole in the front wing to gain access - the front end's being exchanged for a fibreglass front end anyway, so this wasn't a problem.
Unlike the Civic, which took a while, the Mini was a lot simpler and we had the engine out pretty quickly.
With the engine removed, the other bits and bobs could come off it - LCB, engine mounts etc. We also started attacking the interior, taking the front seats out, as well as stripping the centre console out back to the paintwork.
The electrics in the Mini were a bit of a mess, with wires spliced and bodged together. Mark commented that it looked like several different people have played with the wiring, which probably explained the car's frequent electrical gremlins (i.e. turn the headlights on and the wipers would activate).
The back of the M3 (my DD) became quite full of Mini bits that I could then sell.
We then separated the Mini engine and its bits so that it could be sold as a full unit. If anybody wants a 1275 lump, I'm selling one!
The final thing we did today was take the valve cover off the Honda engine and prepare to service it - Mark's going to give it the once-over in the week; filters, plugs, oil, the cambelt and all.
I managed to sustain a little injury while working. The practical man's solution? Electrical tape as a plaster!
I've also taken the valve cover away to get it painted - I'll probably go for a typical red, but that's a job for next week! Although I did get a snap while cleaning it up.
The Mini's now looking rather empty while we wait for the subframe.
Apologies for the lack of write-up (and overload of pics), but I went a bit camera crazy this week! I'm waiting on pay day to order the subframe and loom - I got fed up of spending hours chasing wires back. We're making good progress with this build!
We spent the past week or so continuing the dismantling of both cars. Since the Civic is on my driveway, I was spending an hour or so after work every day taking bits off it. I'm selling pretty much everything I can, so there's lots of bits in my garage now.
The Civic has almost nothing left on the shell now - the only things left to take off are the brake calipers, the backbox, the wheels, and perhaps if I can get into the dashboard, the gauge cluster.
After removing the spoiler from the Civic, it was time to act immature.
Today was spent working on the Mini. Nice weather so it was quite a pleasant afternoon. The first thing we did was remove the bonnet and grille.
Mark cut a hole in the front wing to gain access - the front end's being exchanged for a fibreglass front end anyway, so this wasn't a problem.
Unlike the Civic, which took a while, the Mini was a lot simpler and we had the engine out pretty quickly.
With the engine removed, the other bits and bobs could come off it - LCB, engine mounts etc. We also started attacking the interior, taking the front seats out, as well as stripping the centre console out back to the paintwork.
The electrics in the Mini were a bit of a mess, with wires spliced and bodged together. Mark commented that it looked like several different people have played with the wiring, which probably explained the car's frequent electrical gremlins (i.e. turn the headlights on and the wipers would activate).
The back of the M3 (my DD) became quite full of Mini bits that I could then sell.
We then separated the Mini engine and its bits so that it could be sold as a full unit. If anybody wants a 1275 lump, I'm selling one!
The final thing we did today was take the valve cover off the Honda engine and prepare to service it - Mark's going to give it the once-over in the week; filters, plugs, oil, the cambelt and all.
I managed to sustain a little injury while working. The practical man's solution? Electrical tape as a plaster!
I've also taken the valve cover away to get it painted - I'll probably go for a typical red, but that's a job for next week! Although I did get a snap while cleaning it up.
The Mini's now looking rather empty while we wait for the subframe.
Apologies for the lack of write-up (and overload of pics), but I went a bit camera crazy this week! I'm waiting on pay day to order the subframe and loom - I got fed up of spending hours chasing wires back. We're making good progress with this build!
Over the weekend we've cut back the wings on the Mini back to the bulkhead. Essentially now, the front of the Mini is completely gone, exposing the old subframe.
While cutting away at the drivers' side wing, we noticed a bit of corrosion on the bulkhead. Mark's solution was to weld a bit of plate to it, and paint over it. The colour blend's actually pretty good, but we'll smooth it out once the engine side of things develops a bit more.
Progress on the Civic is also good, the bumper's been removed so we can get to the headlights, and it's also up on stands with the wheels off so we can get to the brakes. There's a new caliper on the back that's worth salvaging, and once the backbox is off, the Civic can be sent to the scrappy. Just as well, I think, as the neighbours are starting to get a bit tetchy with the eyesore on the driveway.
The valve head off the Civic has been sanded down and is now awaiting painting. If I get the time during the week I'll get it painted (red).
I'm going to order the subframe this coming week - but unfortunately this month is also road tax, MOT, and servicing time for my M3. Hopefully there's not going to be any major costs (I'm prepared for two new rear tyres!) - which will push the subframe order back, unfortunately.
Time to have a shower, crack open a beer, and wait for Top Gear!
While cutting away at the drivers' side wing, we noticed a bit of corrosion on the bulkhead. Mark's solution was to weld a bit of plate to it, and paint over it. The colour blend's actually pretty good, but we'll smooth it out once the engine side of things develops a bit more.
Progress on the Civic is also good, the bumper's been removed so we can get to the headlights, and it's also up on stands with the wheels off so we can get to the brakes. There's a new caliper on the back that's worth salvaging, and once the backbox is off, the Civic can be sent to the scrappy. Just as well, I think, as the neighbours are starting to get a bit tetchy with the eyesore on the driveway.
The valve head off the Civic has been sanded down and is now awaiting painting. If I get the time during the week I'll get it painted (red).
I'm going to order the subframe this coming week - but unfortunately this month is also road tax, MOT, and servicing time for my M3. Hopefully there's not going to be any major costs (I'm prepared for two new rear tyres!) - which will push the subframe order back, unfortunately.
Time to have a shower, crack open a beer, and wait for Top Gear!
Just a small update - I've been in America with work for the past week so haven't had a chance to do anything with the Mini. However, I got a bit bored earlier and finished spraying up the valve cover.
Fairly straightforward to do, I put masking tape over the top two orifices (tip - if you're spraying your valve cover, just put strips of tape over the oil cap housing - there's probably a technical term for it - and use a scalpel to cut the tape away around the outermost circle. I was a bit cheeky with the spark plug housings and stuffed a tissue down each one - half a man-size tissue was the perfect size.
Annoyingly I didn't take any pictures through the spray process - not that it was difficult. After sanding off the valve cover, as above, I used Halfords high temperature paint (without a primer) and gave the cover three coats, making sure I didn't end up with a build up of paint anywhere. I left 15-20 minutes between the first two coats, and half an hour before the last one.
I left the cover for about 3 hours to dry, it really should have only taken an hour or so but it doesn't hurt to leave it for longer (mainly because I forgot about it). To get the shiny letters, I took a few strips of emery cloth and gently scrubbed away at them - I used a high grade so I was polishing more than I was removing metal. I took the tissues out and the tape off, and ended up with this:
I think it came out pretty well - needs a small touch-up near the oil cap housing, but I'll probably leave that until later. Another tip - if you're painting your valve cover make sure you cover your shoes up or wear some throwaway ones - I was wearing a decent pair of black trainers, that have now been "improved" with a red tint.
Fairly straightforward to do, I put masking tape over the top two orifices (tip - if you're spraying your valve cover, just put strips of tape over the oil cap housing - there's probably a technical term for it - and use a scalpel to cut the tape away around the outermost circle. I was a bit cheeky with the spark plug housings and stuffed a tissue down each one - half a man-size tissue was the perfect size.
Annoyingly I didn't take any pictures through the spray process - not that it was difficult. After sanding off the valve cover, as above, I used Halfords high temperature paint (without a primer) and gave the cover three coats, making sure I didn't end up with a build up of paint anywhere. I left 15-20 minutes between the first two coats, and half an hour before the last one.
I left the cover for about 3 hours to dry, it really should have only taken an hour or so but it doesn't hurt to leave it for longer (mainly because I forgot about it). To get the shiny letters, I took a few strips of emery cloth and gently scrubbed away at them - I used a high grade so I was polishing more than I was removing metal. I took the tissues out and the tape off, and ended up with this:
I think it came out pretty well - needs a small touch-up near the oil cap housing, but I'll probably leave that until later. Another tip - if you're painting your valve cover make sure you cover your shoes up or wear some throwaway ones - I was wearing a decent pair of black trainers, that have now been "improved" with a red tint.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff