Mini Clubman 16V conversion: PH Carpool
Saving grace of the Clubman front end? Room for a bigger engine!
Car: 16V Austin Mini Clubman
Owned since: October 2012
Previously owned: Two other minis, Audi A3, Mk4 VW Golf GTI, Vauxhall Astra, Renault Laguna, two Vauxhall VX220s
There's only so far you can take an A-series
"I've owned Minis since I was 17 and always yearned for one that had had an engine conversion. I'd been down the long and expensive route of tuning the A-series motor, but by the time you've hit triple-figure horsepower figures, your wallet is empty and reliability is down the proverbial. You're also left with the same four-gear configuration that is screaming for mercy at 70mph."
What I wish I'd known:
"I'd like to think I'm pretty clued up on most of the weaknesses of the classic Mini, however, with this beast, it's a real mish-mash of components. In the engine bay alone, there's Vauxhall, Volvo, Yamaha, Renault and Toyota parts that have to work together. This means that when something does go wrong, it's a question of finding out where the part came from and whether something may need fabricating to eradicate the problem or if it's simply a case of fitting the replacement part into it's original bracket/housing. Luckily, this is a rare occurrence with parts that haven't been designed in the 50s like many of the original classic Mini components."
Things I love:
"There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a chav-mobile pull up at the lights next to you, expecting to simply breeze past when the lights turn green. The look on their face when you barely break a sweat to keep them 'at bay' is priceless. In fact, it has the potential to embarrass a lot of so called performance cars and the lower spec executive cars as well. It's also great to own a car that is relatively unique and is appreciated by many of the petrolhead motorists. Put it this way, there's been many a wave, thumbs-up and general looks of appreciation."
Did your teacher drive anything this cool?
"I hate parking it up and leaving it for any prolonged period of time. I'm constantly worried that someone may have bumped into it or scratched it. I work as a teacher and know for a fact that many of the cars get abused by the students. There have been many occasions when I've planned on driving it into work and then at the last minute thinking better of it and taking the Laguna instead. Being a father, husband and working in such an intensive environment also means that I get very little time to work on the car. Gone are the days of spending hours in the garage tinkering with motors. Hopefully, as the children grow up, they'll become interested in it and it'll be an excuse to get in the garage again! They're both girls though, so I won't hold my breath."
Costs:
"The insurance is about £200 for the year on a classic car policy, so that's not bad. The fuel bills are the same as a Corsa GSi (so about 35mpg), not too bad either. The main 'killer' is the tax; that's £240 a year because of the engine capacity and the fact it's pre-2001. In all fairness, my total costs of both cars (excluding fuel) is about £80 a month if you break it down. Bargain if you ask me."
Quality finish carried over inside too
"Not too far, to be honest. Only a couple of shows in the Midlands. I would love to take it to Turin on the Italian Job Tour one day. Again, it's a question of time and when the kids are a little older. Well, a lot older."
What next?
"There's a few things I want over the next couple of years. These include an ETB DigiDash, new carpet, spraying the roof, and possibly the arches, black. I might also treat myself to some split rims along the way for good measure. Having said that, I do still get strong yearnings for another VX220. We'll see though."
Tech Spec:
1981 Mini Clubman
Allspeed subframe
C16XE Vauxhall Corsa GSi engine
Yamaha R1 carbs
Megajolt ignition
Renault Clio Radiator
Volvo Intercooler
Toyota alternator
Full Safety Devices rollcage
Cobra classic interior
13x7 Superlights
Metro turbo brakes
Gaz dampers
Minitastic fast road springs (to replace the rubber doughnuts)
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
I'd still love one with a B16/18 in it. I know that Z-cars have done a RWD K20 as well I think?
Love the OP's car, ace colour.
In the end you realise that throwing so much money at the original engine and still struggling to put power through that gearbox without breaking it (and only 4 speeds unless you spend another fortune) is hard work on your knuckles and the wallet.
I did my conversion well before the current range of alternative powered mini conversions was conceived, but would love to do a bike engine next time.
Great car, nicely made by the look of it.
king awesome...PH needs more of this sort of thing Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff