A mad, bad Mini project

[rjbcar27]

We were probably drunk.

I really can't remember how it all started but that's normally a good guess for projects like this.

After conceiving of the idea, my mate Nik was told by numerous people that 'It can't be done.' And that's the worst thing you can say to him - it only hardened his resolve. So before embarking on the project, we decided that it's so insane, we should film it. So we have.

We're taking the full engine, gearbox and running gear from a ST185 Toyota Celica GT4 and transplanting it into the Mini. There are obviously one or two little problems to overcome, but that'll be part of the fun.

There will be a few surprises on the engine side a bit later on, but for now we're concentrating on getting the Mini to a state where the transplant can start.

I have no idea how frequent the updates will be, we both work full time and it's a weekend thing only so it may take some time, but we're hoping to produce one of the fastest Mini's on the planet.

If you fancy taking a look at our progress, have a butchers at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hCPODjJO7s

[rjbcar27]

benters said:

great video. . humour and some genius stuff going on. . .bookmarked and waiting for the next episode.

Thank you very much!

[rjbcar27]

benters said:

the jig is awesome. . .these things always get me thinking of what i could try to do to my everyday Lupo. . .V6 rear wheel drive could be fun !!
when can i get my next 'bad mini' project fix ??

Well, episode 1 went live only on Saturday and the end of it is about where we're at right now. I guess the next one is around 4-6 weeks away. I've got to wait for enough raw footage to be able to edit together a decent video. Take a look at the other 2 videos on our channel. There's the 5 minute 'trailer' that goes into a bit more detail of the project and then the outtakes from filming the trailer!

[rjbcar27]

Thanks very much for the great responses guys! Really appreciate it.

Please feel free to share the video far and wide!

[rjbcar27]

Hi Scranny,

That's a hell of a thing you've got! When ours is finished, fancy a trip down the strip?

[rjbcar27]

Scranny,

We're hoping to have it rolling by Christmas and then a full strip down, shell dip and paint, clean and paint everything then finished by the spring ready for shows!

[rjbcar27]

Thanks again guys. Episode 2 is scheduled for upload to YouTube on Friday!

[rjbcar27]

Here we go guys. Episode 2 of Project Binky. I hope you all enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VKegYsSRG0

[rjbcar27]

Patience is a virtue... Don't worry, we're working on it. Christmas time hopefully for episode 3.

:-)

[rjbcar27]

Steve_W said:

See your videos got a mention in the latest Mini magazine - nice one.

Is the next chapter nearly ready or have your web service suppliers servers melted under the increased traffic? ;-)

We're editing episode 3 right now. Hope to have it to you within the next week or so.

Thanks,

Richard
Bad Obsession Motorsport

[rjbcar27]

Here it is everyone, this is the long awaited Episode 3 of Project Binky.

Hope you all enjoy it and thanks for watching!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksbtdPgQM00&fea...

[rjbcar27]

Everyone, we're recording a Q&A session on Wednesday all about Project Binky, so if anyone has any burning questions you'd like answered, please let us know by email to [e-mail]. Time is of the essence so be quick with your questions! We'll answer as many as we can and we'll get the video out within a week or so.

Cheers,

Richard
Bad Obsession Motorsport

[rjbcar27]

Here's the Q&A session we recorded a couple of weeks ago. (Hungover...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIwZ3igJVMI&fea...

[rjbcar27]

Steve_W said:

Lovely stuff; really enjoying following this.

BTW, what are you doing with the Mini's original wheels?

Thanks Steve.

Most of the detritus from the original Mini is spoken for unfortunately!

[rjbcar27]

robemcdonald said:

Fantastic project. I really like the the thought process and attention to detail. I have always had an idea about putting impreza running gear in my Alfa sprint. This has given me real insight into how approach that sort of project. Sadly it has also highlighted the skill gap in engineering and fabrication skills.
I appreciate it's a crude question, but how much would you charge a customer for a similar project? (I will start saving)

Rob

Thanks Rob. The cost of Binky is not something we like to think about too much in all honesty, but to give you an idea, up to now - and it's no-where near finished - this is what we're up to:

Labour - 550 hours (ish, you work that bit out..!)
Steel - £300
Panels - £1500
GT4 - £1000
Mini - £Cheap
Plus all the consumables; discs, welder tips, wire etc.

That's just to where you saw it at the end of Episode 3. There's an absolute shed load of bits to be thrown at it over the next few months so the bill will increase exponentially.

That paramedic for Nik's wallet is on standby....

Cheers,

Richard
Bad Obsession Motorsport

[rjbcar27]

benters said:

Guys, once you have made the beast, is it going to be sold, or used as a showcase for the company ? be great to see it either way

It's going to be Nik's daily run-around for a while!

We're aiming to show it over the summer after finishing it, maybe the odd magazine feature if we're lucky. Then, who knows...?

[rjbcar27]

Altrezia said:

My mate does the photos for most of the classic mini rags, happy to pass on his contact details if you need an 'in'.

That's really kind of you, thanks. When we're a bit closer to finishing it, I'll let you know.

[rjbcar27]

Pixel-Snapper said:

Guys get in touch with Jon (Jonbetts) on theminiforum.co.uk he is a writer for Mini Magazine and did the feature on my Van. I'm sure he would be interested in covering binky

Thank you sir!

[rjbcar27]

Just to keep you up to date, the final edit for episode 4 is happening right now with an expected upload to YouTube on Monday 24th Feb! (Hopefully)

I'll post it here when it's ready! :-)

[rjbcar27]

Here it is guys, Episode 4

Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93JcDqxAOK0