This from the latest BMWCCA magazine (don't remember the name):

"For Sale
2004 RRT VTEC Mini
RRT built, RWD VTEC 285 hp.
Mid engine MINI, coil over shocks, 10" Wildwood brakes, 13" alloy wheels,
Custom Paint and interior, 1790 lbs. Will outperform a 911 or Corvette in every category, 38 mpg.
Took 2nd place in SEMA show."

RWD? VTEC? 285 hp? 1790 lbs? Mini/MINI?
Is this a bunch of baloney or is it some monster hybrid inside a circa 60's Mini shell?

 

... you can see the pic's at this site :


http://racetec.net/vtecmini.htm


I've got mixxed emotions about this sort of thing ... there are few enough Classic shells left in the world - do you remember there were only about 10,000 of the originals imported to the US? - that making screamers like this (no matter how 'fun' ) just seems like a waste ...

 

Maybe to young to remember. Many Minis had there engines moved to the rear for racing. They were beasts on the track. Hard to beat even by a Corvet,Morgan,MG, BMW etc. in the 60's. they were the BOMB. I was in one with a professional driver out on the track, scared to death almost wet my pants. Lightest car, 13" wheels and a rush I still remember well .

 

But Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her Honda...

 

Pretty sweet. Anyone know their Honda engines enough to know if they're using an S2000 engine? Being that it's a naturally aspirated 280hp RWD. But really wicked if they could fit a supercharger under there someplace. Then that thing could hang with McLarens, Enzos, and Saleen S7s. Imagine that. Pulling up to a McLaren in an old Mini and wasting it. Laying down pink slips first though.
Cheers,

 

Some nice pictures of a mini frankenstein.
The $34,400 280 HP RRT version does 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds!
I'd bet that is pretty scary to witness from inside the car.
Probably loud too.

 

Don't worry...shells(like that one) are readily available.
That is a Rover shell.(probably)
Note the absent side hinges for the doors and the side
marker lights and tailights.

 

thats a B series motor out of a Prelude or integra probably

 

GoMini Honda VTEC powered Minis

 

That motor, the b16, is out of a honda civic si, and it looks built as it costs 10k. The honda s2000 has a 2.4 L motor that makes 240hp at the crank. The b16 makes about 175 stock. And if you look at their site, they will make them with lighter weight bodies, and have turbo and supercharger options for more power.

 

i normally prefer classic cars...well, classic. but there's certainly something to be said for a solid 200+ hp mini!

i...want...one...

 

Sorry to nitpick, but the S2000 has a 2.0 liter motor from 2000-2003. The new 2004 model S2000 has a 2.2 liter, not a 2.4. There is a 2.4 liter stroker kit, however esentially nobody goes this route. Most people go with the Comptech or Vortech supercharger kits, which put down about 320-335 hp at the wheels.

 

The prices on the Vtech Minis seems enormously overpriced. They really should be about half of what people are charging. Look at other motor swaps, so much more can be had for so much less. It's not like an old Mini in good shape without a motor or transmission is going to cost much. Especially when you have around 50 years of production Minis out there to use the frame from.

 

check out gomini .com the do vtech converions FWD 175-250 hp. That kinda power in a 1500 lb car would kick ***. I have a classic with the 1275 in it. And I love it. It doesn't have the top end but it can take off pretty quick. Now when I win the lottery I will buy one of these just to say I got the thrill.

 

Isn't that what I wrote three or four posts ago?

 

Yeah you did.