Honda VTEC engine conversion for a Mini
Discussion
The leading specialist for front engined Vtec Minis is geoff Watson at Watson Specialist Car Centre I believe, www.watsonsrally.co.uk/ website not very up to date but gives contact details.
For RWD conversions, Z-cars now offer a rear mounted Type R kit along with the bike engine kits they have become renowned for www.zcars.org.uk/mini/index.htm
For RWD conversions, Z-cars now offer a rear mounted Type R kit along with the bike engine kits they have become renowned for www.zcars.org.uk/mini/index.htm
vrooom said:
Those vtec/vauxhall mini isnt quick as well sorted a-series mini anyhow.
Sorry, what the heck?? i know of very few n/a A series engines that are pushing 160 bhp.... (and are drivable) one guy which has got a beautiful mini has had several problems with his transmission being eaten up..... and i seem to recall a few turbos pushing 220 + but all these go bang after a few thousand miles due to the pressure being put on the engines...
Yes i would say that putting a vtec engine produces a kit car mini not a true mini but how would you go around getting a reliable 160 bhp or 200 with out having to spend money even after the conversion...
If your talking about the 1.6 vauxhal engine, well yes it only produces 100bhp but, even then theres progression for a turbo....
Look at this site, they cater for all 16v engine conversions
www.16vminishop.co.uk/?ref=16vmini
The A series is capable of decent power (with stuff like 8 port 16v heads etc.) but the gearbox becomes a consumable at high power outputs. There's only so much that can be done with it, it shares the engine oil and was designed for engines putting out around 40 bhp... 
The engine swaps are much better if you want high power, since their gearboxes are much better suited for the job (in fact they will be understressed carting the much lower weight of the Mini around!)
Getting a decent 5 speed in an A series Mini is also expensive - if you want high power and a reliable 5 speed gearbox that doesn't scream with straight cut gears, you will be spending a lot of money. The fact that this sort of money buys you a bulletproof Honda high-rev screamer with gearbox is very appealing to many.
I'd love a VTEC mini, but I'd have to find some way to hack the final drive to allow 10 inch wheels. Most of the 16v conversions use 14 inch wheels and I hate big wheels on Minis.
The engine swaps are much better if you want high power, since their gearboxes are much better suited for the job (in fact they will be understressed carting the much lower weight of the Mini around!)
Getting a decent 5 speed in an A series Mini is also expensive - if you want high power and a reliable 5 speed gearbox that doesn't scream with straight cut gears, you will be spending a lot of money. The fact that this sort of money buys you a bulletproof Honda high-rev screamer with gearbox is very appealing to many.
I'd love a VTEC mini, but I'd have to find some way to hack the final drive to allow 10 inch wheels. Most of the 16v conversions use 14 inch wheels and I hate big wheels on Minis.
Deadly Dog said:
I read somewhere of a company in England that can fit a range of Honda VTEC engines under the bonnet of a Mini (the proper Mini that is, not the oversized mutation from BMW). I believe even the 1.8 Integra engine can be squeezed in. <br> <br>Any info on this engineering establishment gratefully received. <br> <br>>>> Edited by Deadly Dog on Thursday 7th February 13:25
But if you did this, it would become "not a Mini" just like you say the new one isn't.
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