can post some pics of your elbows or a close-up of the intake runners.....I am really considering D series for my next project but not certain on the intake issues.
thx,
mau

 

Thanks for the info!

 

elprofe-

Minitec swapped out the first intake (rubber hose angled connections) with a one piece, one-off prototype (see picture in post #127 of this thread). I think they have plans to produce them. I have no idea how well the "hacked/reconnected" intakes work. My one-piece runs well, looks good, and has "tons" of clearance. It appears to be a long term good fit. Oh and to clarify a comment I made a few posts back about smoking the tires in the first three gears... this is while the car is in motion. I haven't or won't attempt any drag-race style launches. I can't imagine the possible damage, clanking/clunking that would occur with abrupt Vtec launches, even with the little D series. With 10"s, it loses traction while in motion once you approach the Vtec engagement. I can only imagine the structural stress caused by the powerful B or K series with the bigger tires. The new subframe & 10"s allow for a tight turning radius and (I think) pretty stock feel other than the obvious vibrations and quicker responses due to the MT components.

 

That's like Daryl Dawkins refusing to dunk because he's afraid of the rim breaking.

D, have 3-4 Red Bulls, crank up Twisted Sister's "We're Not Going To Take It" and witness the full power of the force! You sound like Scotty for crying out loud. Sheeeeeshhhhh...

 

Meno--

I know. I'm being a weenie. but there are so many itsy-bitsy flimsy parts on a classic that make me question how far can I trust my life with these micro components-- Such as:

The friggen Mountney steering wheel! Brand new, and at $225 including hub, is so flimsy and poorly constructed. What a piece of crap. It really, really should not cost more than $25.00 USD! Is this typical of British manufacturing? Gawd, let's hope not. It featured a factory MOUNTNEY stick-on horn button nameplate and another MOUNTNEY sticker glued to the bottom center spoke. Both fell off within 2 weeks. Cosmetics aside, the cheapo horn buttom assembly pops out of the boss and lands in my lap once a week. Fastening the wheel to the boss are philips, yes, philips head sheet metal screws!

Let me guess, does Mountney also fabricate chicken coups? I've never had a steering wheel begin self-destruction within two weeks. To any Mountney loyalists out there, I'll make you a "good deal" on a 3-spoke silver 12" leather Mountney. Like new condition, only has 2100 miles use. It's short little spokes flex, squeeks and creeks, but you won't hear it if you're driving a MK1! If a 12" MOUNTNEY is a flimsy piece of junk, let's hope they don't make 14 or 15" wheels .

 

Hmmm... how much? because, I personally like my battered, well-worn Mountney wheel and wouldn't mind replacing it with a new one (but I admit that I pried off my stickers ASAP for looks). I've never had my horn button pop out, but i've taken it out and nothing's holding it in but friction, so... it might be different if i mounted a horn in there, but I still have the stock stalk-mounted one.

I did try and shop for different ones, mainly to see if I could get one with a flat bottom to maximize my thigh room (I have the steering columb drop-bracket and clearance is tight). but shy of having a center boss custom-fabbed, the choices are limited. Of course, if you can fabricate aluminum then you're in likfe Flint...

PS - that chicken coup line was classic. But hey... these ARE Minis... lots and lots of parts are like that.

 

thx for the explanation....not sure about the post number but there is no pic.
It may be blocked since i am at work.
cheers,

 

I guess my vision of "good" steering wheels has been tainted since childhood, having "grown up" around the likes of Momo and Racemark. Since Mountneys are so ubiquitous in the mini world, I thought it would be a nice match, but I'm having a hard time accepting how flimsy such a tiny wheel could be. I'm not kidding, a typical go kart wheel is more sturdy. Truthfully, I don't care about the mountney stickers and I have enough mechanical aptitude to fix the self-ejecting horn button. I could actually go to the hardware store and replace those silly sheetmetal screws with something a bit more automotive, like hex head. Sheesh, my cheapo Formuling France steering wheel, circa 1980, was solid, didn't flex and had recessed hex head fasteners for the hub. Anyone remember Formuling France? I didn't think so. I'll need to research how to get something good, like a basic Momo, to fit a Mini. ImagoX, IF I find something tempting, I'll send you a PM.

 

mono/sparco adapter is sold by various mini retailers.
www.heritagegarage.com

 

Definitely brings a tear to my eye whenever I see it. A while back someone posted some photos of it and it made me miss it even more. Apparently there's somewhere on the internet where it's still posted for sale, because I get at least one email a month about it.

 

amazing to see all three together

 

2phun-

sorry to see your seller's remorse. I have very fond memories of my 71 Datsun 510 and later my 71 Datsun 240z and tend to get pretty nostalgic over them. Both were pristine and heavily modded street cars... Oh, those were the days. Rather than being another middle-aged guy reverting to the same toys of yesteryears, I chose the MINI which led me to the mini pick-up. Decided it would be safer, less expensive and possibly more fun than buying my ultimate teen fantasy car--a Porsche 930 Turbo. As much as I lust over Porsche's engineering and design, I couldn't bring myself to owning such a beautiful car that all too often brings about "you *****" sneers. And the mini pick-up? Wow, nothing but smiles and exhuberant enthusiasm from everyone who catches a glimpse. Frankly, I'd rather be driving this silly little "clown car" that makes everyone smile, laugh and take photos than my adolescent dream machine that provokes envy and speeding tickets (and... did I say ENORMOUS mechanical expenses?).

 

I think you need to put up some nice pics of the P'up from around the city - there are plenty of nice locations in Mission Hills for instance! I happen to know a really good photographer................

 

sounds like you are really enjoying the mini experience Good job!

 

You should bring it up here to Kansas City North and I'll bring BB out and we can take pictures of the two of them together.

 

count me in too!

 

ttt for a great car......any winter pics?

 

I have some winter photos in this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2596916

 

I kinda laughed a little at that, on thinking how much time and effort and $jing you've got tied up in the lil' pup! Worth it, though - you've made about every person posting to this thread smile, and you've no doubt got a wicked grin on your face too. Sounds like and exciting drive as well.

As I put money aside to get 3 kids to get through college I'm thinking "well, when they're through..."

 

dixon you will!

It's never too late to enjoy them adult toys :-)

 

Yes, it's a ton of cash that I've wrapped up in the Pup, but the "ENORMOUS mechanical expenses" comment refers to what I would be spending had I bought a Porsche 930 turbo (one of my adolescent dream cars that remains on my imaginary bucket list) and tried to keep it going. A quick viewing of 930 turbos listed on Ebay shows that the "entry level" pricing for one is about the same as my finished Pup. The plan, the hope, the dream, the FALLACY, is that I'm done spending money on the Pup, because it has this reliable Honda engine/drive train. It's only 20% British... and guess what, that 20% is still nailing me... I just noticed that the gas tank is now leaking. That should be a quick, free fix. had that been a 930--- THOUSANDS! .

We all know that Vtec Minis are very reliable. Just ask Meno.

 

oh, the suffering...

 

Here's a winter (oops! it's not winter for two more days) pic that I took earlier this week. I shot it night before the warm weather came in and destroyed the snowy scene.

 

Hondas are realiable, but not custom built Mini Vtecs....it's a whole different animal. It's more like an old school beattle "always underneath it!"

 

Exactly. What works in theory doesn't always mesh perfectly with reality. Before becoming a charter member in this group home for wayward Vtec addicts, I already figured there would be nuances that would need to be dealt with from within the half-breed society... What Honda mechanic would go near a Vtec held bondage between the fenders of a Mini--or conversely, what proper and proud British mechanic would touch a trashed, abused, morphed stepchild... as Meno says, "the horror!"