Okay. I don't own a classic but believe me when I tell you I have actual dreams at night of owning one. I also admit I am enthralled by the cycle engine and vtech conversions people come up with. That said, I'm wondering if anyone is anticipating the possibility of putting the new 2011 euro Fiat 2 cyl turbo in one? Is this heresy? They sound like awesome engines.

 

"TwinAir", I mean

 

Hmmm, not sure. There's such limited space in these classic Minis that only very select engines will fit. I say buy one, buy the Fiat engine, and let us know how it works out.

I can't imagine how much one of those Fiat engines run, but it's surely going to be about double the cost of the Mini on it's own.

Jeff

 

Sounds like a capital idea! I'll be sure to post pictures and lots of questions if it ever becomes reality...From pictures the new Fiat engine looks pretty tall, which I assume would factor negatively in a Mini retrofit as well. It'd be sweet if it would magically fit in a Mini or even an old Fiat 2cyl wagon. Just dreaming I suppose. As for the engine running 16 grand, that sounds pretty steep. I guess I'll have to wait until people start wrecking their Fiats, and source one from a salvage.

 

get a subscrpition to MiniWorld

if you can imagine it, some one has, or will put it "in" a Mini

{IMHO some people wrap a Mini body around their motor of choice .... hmmmmm like American 'Funny Car' of old}

I know of someone who wrapped a MK1 body around a custom framed 300ZX (Nissan) motor.....

if that's your thing . . . . .

Others have put big motors in the back . . .

do you read MiniWorld or Hot Rod?

 

I don't really fall into either category, but I love vintage cars, especially small ones. I guess it's a case of wanting to have my cake (small excellent design, relatively basic, no computer, old school) and eating it too (efficient, new, low maintenance high mpg engine).

 

It's not a speed freak thing for me, in other words.