Well, I'm really considering a VTec Mini. I currently have an 89 Mini 30 with a 998cc motor and its just not enough juice. Here's my car now:



So heres where I'm stuck... My car is in great shape cosmetically and runs well.

1. Do I sell it and use the money I make from it to help pay for a donor car and the whole Vtec motor set up? Or keep my car, pull the motor and innerds and use my car? It will cost me more in the long run to use my car but save alot of time on body work and paint on a donor.

2. Those of you that have done it, did you do it, have MiniTec do it, etc? Did you piece together all the parts or buy a complete engine package?

3. Getting everything in pieces, and finding the honda motor seems much cheaper, but is it going to be a pain the a$$ to get a box with all this and put it together?


Going with the Ultimate MTB2 package is about $2500 cheaper than buying it with the motor, and I'm fairly sure I can find a NICE B16 or B18 for that much locally, just would like to avoid hassle of putting it all together. My brother is a toyota/honda master tech and I've already talked him into helping me out, so those of you that have done this, is it pretty simple to drop in?

4. I should also probably mention my car is currently RHD. I am not opposed to jumping over to the other seat, but if possible, would love to keep it this way. Is that possible? From what I understand, swapping any Mini to the other side is fairly easy as the shells are set up for either way.

5. Also, I noticed on MiniTec's "Build info" they do some fuel modification. Any idea what it may be?

I suppose the biggest issue now is to sell my car and look for a donor that needs work or end up with $20K invested in my 89 Mini 30 knowing if i were to ever sell it (with a VTec) I would probably lose a bit. Or are quality VTec Mini's going for that much? Hard to say, as you don't exactly see them for sale very often.

6. Finally, an option would be to just take my car to MiniTec since I am very happy with its current cosmetic condition and have them do it for me. Sure, the base line conversion (if you provide the car) seems reasonable but there are all these "extra options". The B series and D series prices are only about $300 difference, so I'm curious from those of you with either Hondas or VTecMinis think about the differences. What options would you go with? This isnt a daily driver and don't ever use AC in my own car, and drive with the windows down all summer regardless of the temp usually, so I'm not concerned with that option.

 

I have a black 1989 998 that I am getting ready to do a vtec over the winter. I finally decided to go for the D-series for the gearing options. Its cheaper and a JDM D15b only makes 30 less hp which can be made up simply with bolt ons.

I compiled this info here for what options are available for engines, trannys, cars, etc. Hope it helps. My tranny will cost about $800 when all completed with the custom gearing, obx lsd, new parts, and labor.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=157982

 

I am going to go with a "D" series as well. The "D" VTEC is actually more practical. I have been doing research for over a year on doing a VTEC swap. With a "B" series you run into some problems. Your either going to have to either lengthen the nose, cut the firewall, or cut the intake up and install silicone hoses to make it fit. If you use the Minitech kit and the MTB2 frame there seams there might be a problem with cooling because as you can see by this photo 90% of the radiator is covered up. This guy had to modify his head light bowl to make it fit.



Another thing with the B-16 and especially with the B-18 series during wet or sandy roads it is near impossible to keep wheel spin under control and that torque steer is VERY prevalent. One owner I talked too who had a B-16 told me about a guy who had B-18 that the torque steer was so bad when in VTEC mode and when he changed gears he also would change lanes! Now corner balancing does help out a bunch but it is still there. In a nut shell the "B" motors are kind of over kill.

Now with the "D" VTEC's it seams to be a finer balance. Minitech now makes a custom manifold so the motor fits with out stretching the nose, cutting the firewall and, well, the intake issue is solved. The owner of this pick up claims he can break the tires loose while rolling in the first three gears, thats still a heck of a lot of power! Like Jeepster said, with a few bolt on's, and I will add, a fine tune, you could make more than enough power with out butchering up the body or intake and haveing a more practical and enjoyable car to drive and something you will not be fighting to keep on the road all the time. Here is a shot of a "D" with the new intake: Oh by the way, I emailed Minitech and they do plan to make this intake on a production basis. He also quoted me $9,850 for the "Ultimate package" for the "D" motor before there Christmas sale, thats engine and all.



I would check out this web site here: http://www.vtecminis.com/ and this one here: http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/in...66187ee54b41fb

 

i currently have the old mtb setup running a jdm b18c. in my opinion, the b-series can be considered to be overkill. i currently have 205whp and it's a bit tricky to get the power down from a dead start. however, since i have "upsized" to a larger diameter wheel, torque and wheel spin is more controllable as gearing is much closer to oem. the other, a more proper but expensive, method would be a change to the final drive. in reality, since the mini is a rolling brick, horsepower is key to performance in the top end. the 200+ whp on the freeway is great to have...i can pull in 5th gear

 

BOISTER - what did you do to get those 15's in?

MiniVespa - IMHO - The best situation is to buy one complete. Your rig is nice and to do this to a nice rig is a bit on the sad side of things. Minitec did mine and the prototype has caused me much financial and mental pain. If you go to www.vtecminis.com a guy by the name of NJ has an entire build diary complete for you to read on the MT-B but much of the information there overlaps the other systems so the read would be good for you.

In tank fuel pumps require a return of sorts is my understanding on the delivery change. If you do the labor yourself you'll reduce your losses but loss is likely to one degree or another. If MT does the build you pay for their profit and cost and that is not going to be recouped.

That's all I have for now.

 

1. Do I sell it and use the money I make from it to help pay for a donor car and the whole Vtec motor set up? Or keep my car, pull the motor and innerds and use my car? It will cost me more in the long run to use my car but save alot of time on body work and paint on a donor. Convert your own.

2. Those of you that have done it, did you do it, have MiniTec do it, etc? Did you piece together all the parts or buy a complete engine package? yes

3. Getting everything in pieces, and finding the honda motor seems much cheaper, but is it going to be a pain the a$$ to get a box with all this and put it together? Depends on how mechanically inclined you are.


Going with the Ultimate MTB2 package is about $2500 cheaper than buying it with the motor, and I'm fairly sure I can find a NICE B16 or B18 for that much locally, just would like to avoid hassle of putting it all together. My brother is a toyota/honda master tech and I've already talked him into helping me out, so those of you that have done this, is it pretty simple to drop in?
YES, and the cause of the illusive 5k swap~!!!

4. I should also probably mention my car is currently RHD. I am not opposed to jumping over to the other seat, but if possible, would love to keep it this way. Is that possible? From what I understand, swapping any Mini to the other side is fairly easy as the shells are set up for either way.
RHD is easier....everything is already there. LHD will require custom master cylinders and/or German style braking bar.

5. Also, I noticed on MiniTec's "Build info" they do some fuel modification. Any idea what it may be? A return line is required.

I suppose the biggest issue now is to sell my car and look for a donor that needs work or end up with $20K invested in my 89 Mini 30 knowing if i were to ever sell it (with a VTec) I would probably lose a bit. Or are quality VTec Mini's going for that much? Hard to say, as you don't exactly see them for sale very often. Mid to high teens unless you do a clean conversion.

6. Finally, an option would be to just take my car to MiniTec since I am very happy with its current cosmetic condition and have them do it for me. Sure, the base line conversion (if you provide the car) seems reasonable but there are all these "extra options". The B series and D series prices are only about $300 difference, so I'm curious from those of you with either Hondas or VTecMinis think about the differences. What options would you go with? This isnt a daily driver and don't ever use AC in my own car, and drive with the windows down all summer regardless of the temp usually, so I'm not concerned with that option. Save your money.

Biggest misconception is that it will be a super fast Mini without compromises.
The other is that it will ride like a miniature honda civic.
Neither is correct but nothing compares to having something very special.
Ride or drive one before you take the plunge.

 

It is an expensive toy. Neither a good Honda, nor a good Mini. Seems like most end up for sale soon after completion. Investigate thoroughly. Drive a few. Talk to owners. Then take out a big freak'n loan if you do it. It will always cost more & take longer than you think it will.

If I were interested in such a project, I'd use your Mini. Why add to the aggro with tons of nasty body work, too? Done to a high standard your car would be quite unique.

 

go for it : ) they are sexy!

 

MAKE it an 09 resolution!