Engine swaps in Classic Mini's

[Lil' Joe]

Can anyone please tell me what engines are relatively easy to fit into a Mini, and maybe point me in the direction of any threads where this has been done? I know V8's etc are theoretically possible but I want more realistic options, with possible future additions such as turbo's/superchargers too. I am considering things like the Fiat 1.4 turbo unit, or maybe a focus 1.6 duratec.

The last thing is being useless with a spanner I would be after a drive in-drive out conversion, so I guess I'd be getting it de-rusted at the same time Say the Mini is in average condition, can anyone recommend a place to use and a ballpark figure for such a task? I appreciate this is going to be in no way accurate but at least it will give me an idea of what to save for roughly.

Any thoughts or opinions much appreciated.

Joe

[Lil' Joe]

Thanks Dougie, I'll have a read of that later as I'm at work now. May I ask quickly now, does it have a rough outline of the cost, and what engine was used? Feel free to ignore the first question if you so wish

Rob, thanks for the link. I've been in a Vtec Mini, a 1.6 I believe which is why I am asking the question as to what other engines would fit in there. I have always preferred turbocharged cars for the road, NA for the track and as this would be a road car for London, I like the turbo idea. There's nowhere to rev out a Vtec properly in Notting Hill!

Thanks guys.

[Lil' Joe]

XE mini - Damn, that is one sweet lovely looking car and I would very much be interested unfortunately 5 don't have the funds right now. These questions are the beginnings of my research into whats possible/feasible while i do the appropriate saving. Thank you for the offer though, I can imagine you may well be losing a fair chunk of money in the cost to build vs. sale price area. I just wish I had the funds now.

I notice that your mini seems to have been extended a little at the front, is this to fit the 2 litre engine in? How does the heavier engine affect the handling characteristics? I guess this is why I was thinking of a smaller, turbocharged unit although having only experienced a VTEC I would be interested to compare a more torquey engine such as the one in yours and a forced induction unit to see which one I prefer. Yours certainly seems to shift, its a shame the video isn't better quality. Great noise too.

I looked at Watsons, they only seem to offer a VTEC conversion for a drive in-drive out price of £7k plus the car, which seems fair I suppose.
For some reason I feel a 1.6litre turbo unit would be ideal for a Mini, I don't know why?? Maybe a turbocharged Ford Duratec? Does anyone know where I can get figures on what various engines weigh ( don't say Google please, I was hoping for some kind of comparison chart or something nice and easy lazy)

Thanks for all the help guys.

[Lil' Joe]

Just read the full build, just astonishing what you have achieved. I too am not keen on the extended VTEC Mini's look so to fit that 2 litre in is amazing work. As for all the carbon, the hours you must have put in to have such a clean look beggar belief.

Still, at least I'll know who to ask for advice when I get underway with my little effort.

One question, at the point where you originally stripped it and had it sandblasted etc, was it in good/bad/average condition? What I most fear you see is buying a Mini and having it stripped to see that it is basically worthless. I expect some welding and replacing of parts but I've heard some real horror stories of people paying £5k for what looked like a minter only to strip it and find it was barely being held together.

Once again, top work and congratulations on car of the year.