vauxhall 16v, pro's and con's

[vodkakid]

I just want to sort the interior myself, ie roll cage custom dash stuff like that.
Andy

[jeffriesmullet]

i saw that suzuki very nice indeed

[vodkakid]

What sort of performance can you get from the a/a+ engines then??( for 7k)

[jacko lah]

vodkakid said:

Yeah it would be my daily driver.

I think you need to get some insurance quotes.

I think that you'd be better off (practically and financially) with a standard mini 1000 on a TPTF daily driver policy and a beast on an occasional use, agreed value, full comprehensive policy.

[vodkakid]

Im already in the 20+ insurance group, i cant see it being more than what i pay now.

[plotloss]

£7K is going to get you a good A series engine. However these engines were never meant to be quite as stressed as serious modification makes them.

Around 130bhp fairly reliably if its done well by someone very familiar with the A series.

[vodkakid]

just out of intrest who would insure a vtec/ vauxhall conversion

[Richspec]

Lots of questions here, bit late tonight but quickly
Insurance - Herts and Flux (avoid!)
K20, isn't that the type R, thought the S2000 was different again?
Vtec frames, Watsons, avoid P+L, SAE don't have a good rep
All conversions need a longer front without compromising things, clubby needs least altering.
AMT is the Vaux frame supplier.
Vtec conversions cost LOTS more than XE, mainly due to dearer engine.
If you want big power (reliably) then your dreaming if you want to use the A series, only reason to keep it is originality. Your choice
My car.

www.mini-performance.co.uk/images/holding/dscf0298.jpg

www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/holding/Distington_2004_We%20Won!.jpg



>> Edited by Richspec on Friday 20th August 01:23

[vodkakid]

Hi Richspec
who do you use for insurance??
and what do you think of the allspeed conversion?
cheers
Andy

[Richspec]

I'm insured with Herts as are most people in the 16Vminiclub.
I've never seen an allspeed conversion in the flesh, however it looks ok to my untrained eye! Rob Hall is a member of our forum and has had many years to develop the frame in the heat of competition so i would say its a safe bet, i've never met an allspeed owner so can't pass on any owners experience either way.
The 1.6 allspeed frame looks a clever piece of packaging too, especially as it goes under a round front.

Have a look on 16vminiclub.com, answers to all your questions will be there somewhere, but remember to use the 'search' function!!

Rich

[turbodave]

Andy, You've said you're not well versed on minis, or engine conversions... Why not do yourself a favour and buy a ready finished one - then you can further modify it yourself later to suit your tastes...

www.16vminiclub.com/forums/
(click the 'for sale' link)
Or keep an eye out on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2486003342&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
As an example...

[vodkakid]

Cheers Turbodave, not a bad idea but i want to give it a go for myself (plus i'll be in safe hands with my old man about!)

[turbodave]

www.16vminiclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1556

Can't go wrong with this kinda mini

[RickApple]

£14k for a mini? fair enough its a great car, but think of waht you could do with that much cash - you're talking used elise or impreza. With that much weight over the front wheels and the power, arent u going to be talking huge tire costs, not to mention insurers having kittens? Ive been to Oulton Park recently watching Sollis in his Miglia, a very fast car. But would it be any good on the open road?? I'm not takin the piss here as I'm the first to confess i know naff all about VTEC conversions, but it sounds pricy to me....