1982 Classic Mini - Z Cars VTEC
Discussion
UPDATES HERE: http://remkingston.co.uk/topics/cars/the-mini/
I've been a member for a while but thought it would be time to join the posting ranks. For your perusal is my Classic Mini with a full Z Cars road conversion with their VTEC option.
This was a purchase on a bit of a whim. I've got a Mondeo as a daily driver and am fortunate enough to have secure storage where I work. Whilst at a house party - there was no one else wanting a cigarette at the time - I jumped on my on-line banking and had a very compelling offer for a loan. A quick flick through the Classifieds and the rest is history...
Spec when purchased:
Engine:
● Honda K20 2.0ltr EP3 VTEC engine with throttle bodies setup - a claimed 250bhp.
Suspension:
●Z Cars tubular front subframe, adjustable front camber/caster and tracking
●Adjustable Pro-tech coilover spring damper units
●Z Cars rear suspension setup
●Trailing arms in bespoke subframe
●Adjustable camber toe
●Adjustable Pro-tech coilover spring damper units
●Rear anti-roll bar.
Brakes:
●Wilwood 4 pot big brake kit
Wheels:
●7x13 inch superlites
Interior:
●Carbon fibre bucket seats with trs 4 point harnesses
●Carbon fibre dashboard with ETB digi dash 2 display system incorporating all instrumentation functions
●MOMO mini steering wheel
●Carbon fibre door panels and carbon fibre/alloy and perspex bulkhead
Exterior:
●Mini bodyshell minus rear bulkhead, seat squab, boot floor and parcel shelf
●Z Cars rear subframe
●Roll cage
●Fibreglass front end and bonnet
●Carbon fibre wide arches
Photo of her upon getting back from Leeds to Essex:
After a quick clean, wax and polish:
She did come with an additional front splitter which is ridiculous and not for road use:
The plan is to keep her as tidy as possible. Fit a new manifold and re-inforce the exhaust mounts that are currently present and then enter a few track days.
I've been a member for a while but thought it would be time to join the posting ranks. For your perusal is my Classic Mini with a full Z Cars road conversion with their VTEC option.
This was a purchase on a bit of a whim. I've got a Mondeo as a daily driver and am fortunate enough to have secure storage where I work. Whilst at a house party - there was no one else wanting a cigarette at the time - I jumped on my on-line banking and had a very compelling offer for a loan. A quick flick through the Classifieds and the rest is history...
Spec when purchased:
Engine:
● Honda K20 2.0ltr EP3 VTEC engine with throttle bodies setup - a claimed 250bhp.
Suspension:
●Z Cars tubular front subframe, adjustable front camber/caster and tracking
●Adjustable Pro-tech coilover spring damper units
●Z Cars rear suspension setup
●Trailing arms in bespoke subframe
●Adjustable camber toe
●Adjustable Pro-tech coilover spring damper units
●Rear anti-roll bar.
Brakes:
●Wilwood 4 pot big brake kit
Wheels:
●7x13 inch superlites
Interior:
●Carbon fibre bucket seats with trs 4 point harnesses
●Carbon fibre dashboard with ETB digi dash 2 display system incorporating all instrumentation functions
●MOMO mini steering wheel
●Carbon fibre door panels and carbon fibre/alloy and perspex bulkhead
Exterior:
●Mini bodyshell minus rear bulkhead, seat squab, boot floor and parcel shelf
●Z Cars rear subframe
●Roll cage
●Fibreglass front end and bonnet
●Carbon fibre wide arches
Photo of her upon getting back from Leeds to Essex:
After a quick clean, wax and polish:
She did come with an additional front splitter which is ridiculous and not for road use:
The plan is to keep her as tidy as possible. Fit a new manifold and re-inforce the exhaust mounts that are currently present and then enter a few track days.
Edited by remkingston on Saturday 30th August 16:56
Edited by remkingston on Saturday 30th August 16:57
Edited by remkingston on Wednesday 26th August 14:12
TheThing said:
I love that. Seeing it has made my day.
I share your feeling every time I pop into our stores and see it there!motor mad said:
Very cool! I remember seeing a vtec mini at the Ring with a B Series and that was hassling the Ring Taxis!
NadiR said:
Very cool indeed. I've seen a tonne of B16/B18 Mini's before, but never a K20 engined one. It must fly like s
t off a shovel hovering at 350bhp/tonne!
As a passenger on the test drive it felt like a cross between that ride at Alton Towers called Rita and being strapped in whilst skydiving with a windscreen!t off a shovel hovering at 350bhp/tonne!marky911 said:
Brilliant!
I love the Z car minis and that one must be awesome with that engine in. I can't get away with the bike engined ones they do.
You'll be giant slaying on track in that.
We looked at BEC but the constant maintenance and lack of reverse was a major put off. This thing although an animal is actually quite drivable in traffic and around town. Plus the donor engine has only done 30k miles so a lot more longevity in it than a screamy bike engine fingers crossed.I love the Z car minis and that one must be awesome with that engine in. I can't get away with the bike engined ones they do.
You'll be giant slaying on track in that.
rufusruffcutt said:
Very cool, but are those driving gloves I see on the front seat? 
That Ryan Gosling film caused a fancy dress party sensation which actually when driving this thing make a world of difference. But alas they're thrown under the seat when getting out!iacabu said:
So much want! 
A Z Cars Mini is on the lottery list. I'd probably not have black on black though...not to say it doesnt look nice!
They aren't crazy money. You'll have supercar power for the cost of a Fiesta.A Z Cars Mini is on the lottery list. I'd probably not have black on black though...not to say it doesnt look nice!
Dr G said:
I'll bet you that gets the blood pumping O_o
I want a go!
Shakey hands man once you climb out hahahaI want a go!
Went to Mini in the Park Saturday. Fantastic crowd and a lot of fun was had.
I've never been to Santa Pod or a drag stip so quite surprised by the times myself. Just a case of practice and some tweaks
External last run video.
The other mini has a Honda K20 in the front and his last run was 13.00
Final time on this run was 13.09 with a top speed of 106 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmRxJK1bSzQ
I've never been to Santa Pod or a drag stip so quite surprised by the times myself. Just a case of practice and some tweaks
External last run video.
The other mini has a Honda K20 in the front and his last run was 13.00
Final time on this run was 13.09 with a top speed of 106 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmRxJK1bSzQ
Edited by remkingston on Monday 12th August 16:48
bazza1000 said:
What an awesome Mini, one of the greatest NA engines in a superlight weight tiny car - I love it! Want to own a Z Cars Mini or one of there other insane creations at some point.
Thanks man It is quite the machine. With a couple of tweaks she'll be doing high 12 seconds hopefully next time. Next step is to get some track days booked
bazza1000 said:
What an awesome Mini, one of the greatest NA engines in a superlight weight tiny car - I love it! Want to own a Z Cars Mini or one of there other insane creations at some point.
Thanks man It is quite the machine. With a couple of tweaks she'll be doing high 12 seconds hopefully next time. Next step is to get some track days booked
Westy Pre-Lit said:
Fantastic, have just bought a mini a few weeks ago to do this to. Not sure which way to go with it at the moment and was thinking about a front engine one.
Was it the only one you test drove or did you try others to get a feel on what configuration you wanted ?
How would you say it handled with the engine in the back as I've only ever driven a normal mini.
I might be asking quite a few questions later if that's ok with you.
Was preparing to give my mini a good going over in the next week or so as I finally have a weeks holiday booked. Unfortunately today I fell down a caller hatch and have bust a few ribs leaving me stuffed and in quite a lot of pain.....so frustrating to say the least
Have you got any more interior shots to have a gander at ?
Of course, not a problem. Was it the only one you test drove or did you try others to get a feel on what configuration you wanted ?
How would you say it handled with the engine in the back as I've only ever driven a normal mini.
I might be asking quite a few questions later if that's ok with you.
Was preparing to give my mini a good going over in the next week or so as I finally have a weeks holiday booked. Unfortunately today I fell down a caller hatch and have bust a few ribs leaving me stuffed and in quite a lot of pain.....so frustrating to say the least
Have you got any more interior shots to have a gander at ?
Where abouts are you? More than happy to take you for a spin.
I didn't test any others. We did a lot of research on the history of the car and its spec.
From talking to a few people who had similar cars I was swayed away from a bike engined one.
It handles very well with the power but front loading can be a bit hairy at times. Hopefully some suspension tweaks will ease.
Some videos from Sunday on the way home. Thank you Mick!
http://youtu.be/_vun5OrcX2E
http://youtu.be/i5DpwTqcPc0
http://youtu.be/_vun5OrcX2E
http://youtu.be/i5DpwTqcPc0
Westy Pre-Lit said:
Thanks for the offer, might have to take you up on that when I'm all mended. 
Don't know anybody who has either configuration to take a look at what's involved and what to expect from them both really.
I'm in Sittingbourne so hopefully not too far come and have a look at some point.
Don't know anybody who has either configuration to take a look at what's involved and what to expect from them both really.
I'm in Sittingbourne so hopefully not too far come and have a look at some point.
Westy Pre-Lit said:
Have you got any more interior shots to have a gander at ?
No worries. What would you like photos of inside?It's pretty much stripped out. There's two seats, harnesses and a steering wheel.
Will get the camera out this evening and try to get some more details snaps though for you
In other news, another photo:
Had our first proper track day today and a steep learning curve was quick in toe.
So the Mini needs some setting up on the suspension.
I've also found that the braking ratio front to back needs dialling in too. At the moment it is 80-90% front
The front camber at speed (the oversized front splitter may have added to the effect):
Since getting the car, I've attended a couple of mornings with the PistonHeads crowd and met a top bloke on here with an Ariel Atom who suggested some track days. he has the same 2.0l VTEC lump but with a supercharger so hits 60mph in 2.7 seconds. Riding as a passenger, it treads the thin line between insane and fun!
Taylor had one thing to do Friday night and that was to stay sober. Picking him up at 6:30am he was still drunk with only 3 hours sleep...
We spent the morning with a Lamborghini on our tail along the A130 before heading up to Woodbridge Airfield. It was an early start so the roads were clear at 7am with our only bottleneck being some roadworks on the A12 near Colchester.
Briefly stopping at a station for a refill and again explaining why we were putting the petrol in the front of the Mini to the staff there; I need to get some info cards printed and put on the dashboard.
The track's main straight used the runway that was present and then the other tight sections were on the taxi sections. Layout as follows:
After about 9 laps and 3 spins we had to get new tyres. My lack of planning resulted in the situation where we were in the middle of no where with no tyres. After ringing around 15 different garages, all came back with "No, we don't have 13" tyres in stock". Rather than panic, I phoned Daryl - he's a life saver and somehow always pulls it out the bag last minute. He called back within 15 minutes having located a set of 4x 175/50R13 tyres but with a catch...
The tyres could only be bought if I took the wheels they were already on with them. This was a bit of a problem as those of you that have seen the Mini, there is no boot. There is no replacement boot in the front. There's no back seats. Basically, there's barely room for a passenger let alone 4 wheels...
Daryl kindly drove up and I met him at The East Anglia Mini Centre. The guy there Ted was very helpful and after fitting the new wheels even helped go the extra mile by grinding part of the brakes mechanism that was fouling the rear. Anyway, here is Taylor providing the most gangster recommendation of a Mini Center this side of the West Coast...
We put the original set of wheels in the boot of Daryl's car and headed back to the track. I think the hour or so break cooling off helped along with the realisation that if we melted these ones then we would be royally shafted plus stuck in Suffolk. A couple of places that we phoned told tales of a ship bringing all the 13" tyres sunk coming over from Japan or something which is why there is such a limited stock in the UK?
Anyway, the tyres were a good deal and these were thrown in for nothing with them:
They aren't as deep dish as my other set so will probably take them off and swap the tyres over and use these as track day wheels for a set of intermediates.
All in all, a fun day. And it's great to know the point of no return when cornering with the current set up which is well beyond any speeds you'd experience on the road.
Now to source new tyres, a brake service and set up the suspension!
So the Mini needs some setting up on the suspension.
I've also found that the braking ratio front to back needs dialling in too. At the moment it is 80-90% front
The front camber at speed (the oversized front splitter may have added to the effect):
Since getting the car, I've attended a couple of mornings with the PistonHeads crowd and met a top bloke on here with an Ariel Atom who suggested some track days. he has the same 2.0l VTEC lump but with a supercharger so hits 60mph in 2.7 seconds. Riding as a passenger, it treads the thin line between insane and fun!
Taylor had one thing to do Friday night and that was to stay sober. Picking him up at 6:30am he was still drunk with only 3 hours sleep...
We spent the morning with a Lamborghini on our tail along the A130 before heading up to Woodbridge Airfield. It was an early start so the roads were clear at 7am with our only bottleneck being some roadworks on the A12 near Colchester.
Briefly stopping at a station for a refill and again explaining why we were putting the petrol in the front of the Mini to the staff there; I need to get some info cards printed and put on the dashboard.
The track's main straight used the runway that was present and then the other tight sections were on the taxi sections. Layout as follows:
After about 9 laps and 3 spins we had to get new tyres. My lack of planning resulted in the situation where we were in the middle of no where with no tyres. After ringing around 15 different garages, all came back with "No, we don't have 13" tyres in stock". Rather than panic, I phoned Daryl - he's a life saver and somehow always pulls it out the bag last minute. He called back within 15 minutes having located a set of 4x 175/50R13 tyres but with a catch...
The tyres could only be bought if I took the wheels they were already on with them. This was a bit of a problem as those of you that have seen the Mini, there is no boot. There is no replacement boot in the front. There's no back seats. Basically, there's barely room for a passenger let alone 4 wheels...
Daryl kindly drove up and I met him at The East Anglia Mini Centre. The guy there Ted was very helpful and after fitting the new wheels even helped go the extra mile by grinding part of the brakes mechanism that was fouling the rear. Anyway, here is Taylor providing the most gangster recommendation of a Mini Center this side of the West Coast...
We put the original set of wheels in the boot of Daryl's car and headed back to the track. I think the hour or so break cooling off helped along with the realisation that if we melted these ones then we would be royally shafted plus stuck in Suffolk. A couple of places that we phoned told tales of a ship bringing all the 13" tyres sunk coming over from Japan or something which is why there is such a limited stock in the UK?
Anyway, the tyres were a good deal and these were thrown in for nothing with them:
They aren't as deep dish as my other set so will probably take them off and swap the tyres over and use these as track day wheels for a set of intermediates.
All in all, a fun day. And it's great to know the point of no return when cornering with the current set up which is well beyond any speeds you'd experience on the road.
Now to source new tyres, a brake service and set up the suspension!
Santa Pod videos from a pal:
The red mini has a 2.0 VTEC in the front:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmRxJK1bSzQ
Long winded internal cam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tGLeYJEa8c
The red mini has a 2.0 VTEC in the front:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmRxJK1bSzQ
Long winded internal cam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tGLeYJEa8c
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