D-Series VTEC MiniTec Pickup joining the fleet

[dimini]

Big Norm,

go to wikipedia and type in "D series engines" and you will find a concise run-down on the many variations of D series engines. Some of them, such as my d16Y8 series, is Vtec--although not as powerful as the B series engines. Granted, I've only driven one mini equipped with a D-series Vtec, but that was enough to determine that it was right for my pick-up w/10" wheels. The B-series (K's, too) are so powerful that you can't get traction with 13x7s, so it made more sense for me to go with a lighter, less powerful D-series & 10-inchers. I can't wait to drive this baby!

[elprofe]

do you know if the intake has been hacked as per installation manual?
A close up would be appreciated, thx.

[dimini]

Good question, Maurice.

I don't know the answer. I just telephoned earlier today but my call rolled into the black hole a.k.a. voicemail. Sorry, right now I don't have any closeups, and I'm at their mercy for photos--but I keep asking. Updates will appear as I get them.

[elprofe]

thanks for replying and asking. cheers/

[Keith Irtenkauf]

Hi Don,
Your pickemup is lookin real purdy-like! The D-series looks great in the bay too! I think our first Honda Civic Si (1990) had this motor? That car was a tank! I'm still kicking myself for selling it. It was such a great car!

I like the idea of the brat seats in back!

Another idea might be to do some kind of teak decking in the bed? It's a bit sailboat-ish, but I'll bet you'll be looking for a little weight back there to even things up. Ash is always nice (I'm thinking Packard woody wagon). It's something that you could possibly put rubber feet on the bottom of the panels to keep them stable and easily removeable.

Or maybe aluminum diamondplate? They make it in 1/8" thick, easy to work with too . . .

Tell BJ that your friends are demanding more photos!!!

[dimini]

Hi Keith,

I had an '89 SI that I purchased new. It was fun and reliable. Kept it for 8 years. Not too many "ricers" in those days-just folks driving inexpensive hondas. I just checked wikipedia on your '90 build and it looks like you had a pre-Vtec D16A6. Nonetheless, a bullet-proof engine.

I'll try again to get some more pix/info. on the build. I hadn't considered wood lining on the load bay. I've been in the mindset of weight reduction. I'm hoping it tips the scales at 1300lbs. Stock pickups appear to be 1365. I still haven't verified this, but I think the Vtec engine/tranny combo is about 50 lbs. lighter than the OE A-series. We need to do a weight comparo w/MTB2 subframe vs OEM subframe. Hmm, wonder who might know that answer?

[Keith Irtenkauf]

Yeah, our 1990 Si was a pre-VTEC motor. If I recall, it was 108hp. It was pretty quick by 1990 standards. I could beat K-cars and Olds Cutlasses all day long (LOL!). It could out-handle a vette or anything Nissan could throw at it.

Your weight estimates are probably pretty accurate. One post hoc way to check would be to take your pickup to your local recycling center and drive it onto their scale. I'm sure they'll let you do it for free - just for the novelty factor.

[dimini]

As promised, here are a couple of new photos. Instead of using Cooper S front brakes, we're going with Wilwood calipers, master cylinder and pedal set. Not much progress since last update, but we do get a glimpse of the engine bay "under construction."

Elprofe, I think this engine bay photo answers your question about the intake manifold--Looks like the flex-tube fittings, rather than hacking the intake.

Awwhhh... The pain of waiting and the joy of anticipation. I'm really ready to physically own and drive this mini. But-- considering that Kansas City is in the middle of a typical deep freeze winter, featuring ice storms interspersed between 2-3" of salt-infused slushy streets, I'm happy with the anticipation of this rascal being done in spring 2008. No intention of ever seeing snow, (especially salt) or even rain touching this machine.

[Latka]

The truck is comin' along! I think a D series motor will be plenty to power your little monster. Any Final Drive modification? I ask 'cause I was hoping to do a similar conversion and use 10" wheels as well. I know you can buy a 3.47FD out there for the B series (I think it's around $1300 or so), but I haven't seen anything for the D series yet.

I sure hope the roads in KC have gotten better since I was there! I think we chatted once before - I grew up north of the river and lived in The Coves (NW Barry Road / NW Waukomis / I-29 area) from 76 - 84. Last time I was back there I had a hard time finding stuff - I had to blank out all the new expansions and drive like the fields were still empty!

[dimini]

I don't think the 3.47FD B series option works on D series tranny's. I chatted with Minitec a few months ago about higher final drive and though I don't recall the specifics, they mentioned that I could get a slightly higher FD by using a transmission from (maybe they said LX model Civic?) Anyway, I opted out because the other four gears were higher as well, which would adversely affect the lower end torque and compromise my 0-60mph happiness-- all for the sake of just dropping my 70mph revs by 100 or 200 rpm.

[Latka]

You're right - the B and D series trannies are completely different monsters. I wasn't sure if anyone made one for the D - but for the money I bet the stock FD is going to be just fine!

[elprofe]

I hope those flex tubes don't affect anything once it's running.

[dimini]

flex tubes-- ditto!

[ImagoX]

Dimini - will you promise me that if you ever decide to sell that thing, you'll call ME first? PLEASE?!?!?!?

[MINIxB]

The truck is lookin good!

[SPDinNY]

I put a tranny from a DX (non Vtec) into my EX (Vtec engine) and I could get very close to 70 in second. The Ex tranny would get me about 62(ish). I actually liked the DX tranny as it kept me in the Vtec range more.

[dimini]

DX... yes, that's the one! Thanks SPDinNY. I seem to recall the DX as being the "economony" model with better mpg ratings--due to higher gearing. Murphy's Law: I choose low gears for greater torque, yet top out at 55 mph! Ok, that's an exaggeration, but time will tell. I went with the matching EX tranny. Keeping the 10" wheels/tires was essential to me as they suit my taste and definition of what classic minis are about. (talk about warped perspectives... I want "classic feel and aesthetic" of 10" wheels, yet dump the A for the D series. Hey, I never said I was a purist or proper.)

[MINIdave]

Coming along nicely, can't wait till it's on the road!

[2phun]

Now I need to buy a new keyboard that isn't soaked with drool.

[dimini]

02/13/08: Not much going on with the pickup build right now, outside of the head of the goof who's buying it. (that would be me) I would have never imagined the extent of preoccupation/obsession over this tin can! Instead of sleeping, I'm home at midnight hunched over my laptop comparing Autometer street rod gauges vs. Phantom gauges... Reading Vtec posts where hybrid warriors argue whether the hacked intake manifold mod is going to work properly, whether bumpsteer has been resolved, blah, blah blah... My wife laughs at me and jokes that its better than a drug or porn addiction.

Is it?

[Rocan]

i think it isnt a BAD addiction, but this is one you cant turn away from

[meno]

Hmmm...it looks like the fuse box is going to be on the right and the steering on the left...hmmmm. Just different. I wonder why?

April might be too soon. Think bridal season.

[travis 10 incher]

Looks like the steering wheel is too low and far back and that shiny carpet just doesn't work for me.

TTI

[Jahmills]

That is sweet!

[Rocan]

Originally Posted by travis 10 incher

Looks like the steering wheel is too low and far back and that shiny carpet just doesn't work for me.

TTI

i agree, maybe if you put the seat on the roof...