Well I thought I'd start a thread for my car which is being built by MiniTec in Royston, Georgia. It's the first to use a K series Honda motor (K20A2). It's a 1970 Mini Equinox; one of the ugliest "special" editions ever released from the isle. The build has been slow :impatient but quite interesting since Norman (the engineer of the outfit) has been designing, modifying, and redesigning parts. This forum has been a great source of info and inspiration...my thanks to all from whom I've learned and "stole" ideas.

 

Here's the latest digs from Royston - Norman designed a different shifter since the K20A2 was a cable shifter. This is how far he is with the new design along with a peak at the new exhaust manifold.

 

wow the work is impressive, the only thing that concerns me is having that 400 degrees farenheit pipe so clos to my feet! thx for sharing.

 

I love the purple equinox. Why do you think it is so ugly? Any way nice conversion.

 

gonna be one fast beast. lookin good. if you ever need any information about k20's in general or swap ideas, check out K20a.org. Good site.

 

The astrological signs all over the interior seemed all too Cyndi Lauper.

Stylish?

Tacky?

To each their own...

 

Wow Meno,
It's looking terrific. I really like what Norman came up with for the shifter support, very clever. It's going to be in a good position too.

It's also interesting to see a photo of the donor. It looks like it was not only in very good shape, but the door lines up nicely too.

The MT-K subframe is a work of art! I think a tube frame looks better than the "Weider weight bench" square tube on my B-mini.

May the gods of torque steer and opposite lock smile upon you friend, you're gonna have your hands full . . . of steering wheel.

Can't wait to see it completed.

 

Thanks for the info on the K20 conversion as i've been wondering how it's coming along. I've driven in a civic with a K20A and to think of that same engine in a Mini is crazy! You better buy a spare set of front tires

Any idea of how much more the K20A conversion is over the standard B-series?

 

My daily driver is an '03 Civic Si. I can't imagine what sort of beast my Mini would be with that engine in it. I love your car - keep the photos coming!

 

I see Norman changed the Brakets for the flip front per my request

Is he useing a Painless type kit to wire up your new beast?

 

Not sure what the rate is going to be...for the base package I paid $26K but I noticed the build price went up to $25,500 since I signed the contract November 3, 2006. Perhaps as the guinea pig I got a discount or my timing was just right - no idea.

Norman stated he's received quite a bit of interest so far and that usually factors in to the price. I'd imagine once he knows how much this little rat cost (displacement of R&D burden, additional labor & parts, demand) he'll post the price on the website.

 

Don't know but I'll ask...

He is using a different A/C configuration though...thanks Dragon!

I may beat your MiniTec furthest distance record - the customer who picks up the car and drives the thing all the way back home (instead of shipping) - California is a wee bit further from Hazard County Georgia than Arizona. Advisable?

The delays have timed well with better weather so the risk seems less - adventure or stupid?

 

I saw the A/C is the condensor still under the rear subframe? Looks great. This will deffinately be my next VTEC project.

When you go to Royston to pick up the Mini DO NOT I repeat DO NOT check out the GA night life out there

I think that was the scariest time of my life. And all I wanted was a couple of good draft beers.

If yu see a plase that looks hoppin STAY AWAY. it's not a bar

That will be a long drive though. I sure hope to see this mini at the next AMVIV.

 

True however I've been told it's a different unit - one that was designed to be mounted in the capacity available (can you tell I've never actually seen it?). Apparently the prior unit didn't do well on account of needing to be vertically mounted.....? Don't know...just repeating information and hoping for best. Remind me in July - I'll be REAL clear then.

I'm looking to have a beer at the Boar's Nest.

Keith indicated the smell of poultry was strong in them hills...

I'm just hoping I won't be met with, "Boy, you gotta purdy mouth."

 

Oh you will for sure


If your in SoCal than I would really like to hear how the AC works out there. I could not get the AC to work out hear in AZ. Just not efficient for 120 degrees.

 

I'd hope they are using a new painless type wiring harness in your build as trusting the original harness with the new accessories and all would seem a bit risky. As to driving the Mini all the way back to California, do it! You'll probably only do it once and you'll have memories (and pictures) that will last a lifetime. Just make sure they drive it around for a week or so to make sure you dont get any "surprises" goin' back to Cali....

 

Just Awesome.

Good luck with it, I am very envious. Peter

 

Some progess...but not that much

It has eyes now




Well definately not of Frankenmini caliber but a place to sit...

 

Hey you got to start somwhere Nothing a good seat cover can't fix.

Looking good man. Hopfully Nrom will be finished with this beast before the dragon and brinbg it down there for one of his test runs

 

Meno,
It's looking good! Greetings from LAX airport (on my way back to Detroit tonight).

Your wiring harness will be/is all new. The Prince of Darkness will be exorcised in a bizarre but effective ritual in back of mini tec by Norm dressed up as Colonel Sanders (or Frank Perdue if it's not too serious a haunting).

 

Hey I talked to Norm yesturday. It sounds like Norm is going to set this new frame up for all VTEC motors that are used. He really likes the new shock set up. A lot more adjustable.

 

There's some good progress this week - reportedly the motor started but the car has not been driven yet.

 

Keith - I had to look up the Frank Perdue reference...very nice.
Having lived nearly all of my life in the west, Frank wasn't in my sphere of reference.

Hey are you on the dyno this weekend? If so, update us with results. I may have an opportunity locally to do so for $75.00 if I'm not too late to sign up already.

Street Rod Wiring kit...the brand name I've already forgotten...sorry.

As to driving the rodent back...the verdict is a 90% "yes". I'll be clarifying with the wife tomorrow. If so I want to hit Monument Valley for some pics - perhaps even the dragon...but then I can't stop to see my Mom and being that she's old world, that may not be worth the headache(s). There's a forum for road trips that allows downloads and I'm hip to camera equipment and could dig the photo session pit stop on the road.

NO STEREO for three thousand miles is going to be interesting. 10 trillion bottles of beer on the wall...

 

I went with a different exhaust look - it looks almost obscene...

 

The car looks really clean and love the Black and Tan look.

Thanks for the updates/pics and keep 'em coming! Your going to be driving one damn fast mini soon. You might want to watch some videos of NASA rocket launches to get a feel of what your in for