I just have to say...thatme being a 6ft 3" tall guy. I only have the seats in my saloon as far back as the stock mounts will allow me to go and I am comfortable driving hours on end int it. But I would agree with there is more room in a saloon then a truck. Now that I own a truck as well...I am going to build a custom benchseat to put in it. have seen it donw in a few other trucks and they seem to offer more room with that option.

 

I was priveledge to sit in dimini's P'up, and yes, my 6'3" frame would be uncomfortable in that in long periods as time as well. Would be cool to have, but if I was building my 200hp AWD barn stormer, it prolly wouldn't be a P'up. lol

 

Here's a pic of Don on the back straight at Heartland Park, Topeka this spring, just to show he really did run it there!

 

looks good!

 

Very nice. How did yer lap times compare to other MINI's? How much does it weigh btw?

 

They don't time our laps on Touriong Laps, but it was plenty quick!

I think I remember that it weighs just under 1500lbs....

 

I still haven't got to see it yet

 

I think the real reason Mini rebranded the pickup in later years as "Mini 95" is because 95 minutes is the maximum amount of time you can spend in one of these without going bananas!

Awww. I want a classic clubby, too. There's a really, really nice one for sale in Texas! Good thing I emptied my slush fund on the pup.

 

Hey Folks, regardless whether there's snow (or not) it's that time of year again!

Wishing everyone good health, happiness, and a set of 10" tires for stocking stuffers.

 

Good pic! Was a little embarrased saying hi next to you in your clean MINI, mine was filthy! And that's AFTER the wash! :(

 

LiLReD1-
Yep, the midwest salt/brine & grime is pretty bad. I hand wash my '06 JCW about once a week at the neighborhood carwash and that seems to keep it in pretty good shape. Your clubby is looking great. I like the ride height!

 

Very nice pic!

 

It must have gotten fatter with the Vtec because originally they were somewhere around 1370 lbs.
I think you have gained a little weight. Man there's something you don't say to the wife and live to tell about it.

 

Happy Holidays from Red Riley and Kreacher the (Xmas) Elf!

 

TY sir! Spent enough money on it, I hope SOMEone likes it, lol.

 

Must be the air conditioning!

 

yep, in the quest for cool comfort, the p'ups a little plumper than OE stock. Let's not forget the luxurious leather seats, door cards, dynamat and carpeting--it all adds up. And, I think there is a slight net gain in weight with the D-series vs OE lump/gearbox. I think the typical (if there's such a thing) k-series swap adds about 200 lbs.

 

And prolly for good reason to gain whatever traction is possible.

 

I remember the Formuling France steering wheels! I put a 12" one on my '89 Honda Hatch Back Si, with jackson racing suspension. I painted the inner spokes white to match the white paint. It was a very cool wheel. Although, it did fold up when I ran the Si into the bank, through the call box and over the 405 freeway. Come to think of it, the car folded up to. That was a sad day!

 

I had an '89 Si, too, and loved it. That ownership sealed the deal on the concept of owning a Vtec-powered Mini.

And speaking of... my P'up is running great and now has 8K on the odometer. Just bought a new set of Mamba wheels w/Yoko AR32s. They are fabulous tires and very smooth, quick response and needless to say, sticky! Bought them direct from MWS at an unbelievably low price--nearly half off US prices.

I've had issues with AC and still do. Hose fittings at compressor tend to vibrate loose.

I've experimented with different control arm upgrades/updates, and the handling is vastly different than when I picked it up at MiniTec in 2008. It no longer has harsh torque steer, no longer smokes the tires in 3 gears. Translation: power is now transferred more evenly and it goes forward faster rather than spinning tires.

Truly a fun toy and MiniTec continues to be there for support when needed.

I'm still very happy with the D-series engine and 10" tire choice (and all the other choices).

Vtec builds tend to receive a fair share of criticism from classic owners on various forums with a reputation of short term ownership. I'm happy to say that I have no intention of selling mine.

This thread became inactive because I'm spending my time driving and playing with MINIs/Minis, rather than talking about them.

Cynmini-

I see that you also posted an update about Meno's K-series. He sold the car, but I never asked who bought it. It's probably been a year since I last spoke to him. My guess is that he doesn't visit NAM anymore.

Any other happy Vtec owners out there?

 

Thanks for the update. Do you know who ownes the Supercharged VTEC All-Wheel-Drive 2.0L Mini Clubman Estate?

 

Glad to see you still have it and are still enjoying it! If/when I do something like this, I'll be giving you a call to get some specifics.

 

It's no garage queen... I now have 8500 miles on the clock and enjoying a new set of Mamba wheels w/sticky Yoko tires.

Finally the 100F temps of August are behind us in KC and I'll be enjoying the next 90 days before the P'up gets tucked in for winter.

CynMini- Saw your reference to 300 HP AWD classic and I agree with others that such a beast is an expensive and amazing engineering feat. None of these Vtec conversions are "bolt-on" or plug-n-play conversions. Those doing the work themselves are shall we say, "handy" in the process of auto engineering and mechanicals.

 

Absolutely stunning.

 

Very clean and not over done I love it!