HI EVERYBODY I'M NEW TO THIS WHOLE MINI THING. BUT I'VE ACTUALLY WANTED A MINI FOR A WHILE AND I CAME ACROSS THE IDEA OF CONVERTING A MINI COPPER INTO A VTEC MINI. THAT KINDA GOT ME EXCITED AND MADE ME DECIDE I WANT A MINI. I'M NOT IN THE POSITION TO CREATE A VTEC MINI YET, BUT I WAS WONDERING WHERE I COULD FIND JUST THE BODY OF A MINI. AND ALSO ANY ADVICE ON WHAT ENGINE TO USE OR WHAT KIT TO USE WOULD BE HELPFUL TOO. THANKS. I posted this in the 1st gear forum but thought I could get more help on this one.

 

check out www.superfastminis.com lots of info there

 

Thanks i have checked out that site a lot while thinking about the conversion and i have based most of my costs on their prices. Do you know of anywhere else that makes conversion kits?

 

There are a few VTEC Mini owners here on NAM who have true love/hate relationships with their Minis. They have a character very different from an A series Mini, and quirks all their own. The best thing to do if considering one is to read some of the threads following their experiences and see if that's for you.

A couple that come to mind...
Meno's K series
Mitemini's work in progress
Dimini's pickup work in progress
Franknmini
Wee Beastie

By the way, I believe the Wee Beastie is currently for sale. Seems I remember Elprofe may have one for sale as well.
You'll also find a few purists who consider putting a Honda motor into a Mini one of the seven deadly sins. Don't let them get your feathers ruffled. The great thing about Minis is you can do whatever you want with yours.

 

Zcars in the UK makes an awesome conversion...rwd even. But you'll pay a hefty price due to the currency conversion.

 

Some have called this venture a British Jones Town...the red punch seems to be the favorite drink. Come have a drink...the first one is free.

 

Hey 2phun thanks for the help.

 

Contact XANTHUS (in FL) on www.sunshineminis.org who owns the WEE BEASTIE. It is for sale but he is also a good reference to find out about the process. He's a great guy and helpful. Also, contact N.J. (in GA) on www.minimania.com message board. He has a VTEC and can advise. They both can give you the details of what you're getting into. Expect to spend 50% more than you think it will cost. Projects such as these always have their idiosyncracies. Expect it to take at least a year to do.

You don't say if you've have you ever driven a Mini? What are you looking for out of a classic Mini? What are your expectations?

I would advise finding a local Mini club and talking to the members about classics. MOALA (Mini Owners of America-Los Angeles) is likely your closest. www.moala.org Ask to ride/drive some of their cars. Most owners will be more than helpful. Try out a modified 1275cc or 1380cc A-series Mini. It may be all the fun you're looking for at half the price and aggravation.

Remember, the final VTEC project will not be the same experience as a Mini. But if you are certain, since you are new to Minis I suggest you buy your VTEC already completed.

 

I second minmad 's advice

 

you can save s some by buying one already done.

 

you can also check out http://vtec.minimania.com/Welcome_to_VTEC.cfm
lots of good info there.
Tamer

 

here too:
http://www.16vminiclub.com

 

Drive one of each and then you'll know. Wait a week or two afterward before pulling out the wallet because the rush of the Vtec will impair judgement.

Also, if you buy one complete (like El Profe's, for example) then you will omit much of the home based R and D.

Whether 1275 or Honda, the car does require you to engage it far far far more intimately than a new MINI or Honda so get that concept out of your mind if it does exist. Even the vtec projects that have the bugs all worked out must do some "nut and bolting" from time to time to keep it safe...it's closer to a race car than it is a sweet, cute little Mini.

In LA you have plenty of contacts to give you the low down in person not just the abstract like this forum.

In summary, El Profe has often given great advice in this forum in the form of a rhetorical question: Have you driven one?

If you have ears, then listen.

Best of luck,

Meno

 

There is a company that build diferent types of kits for mini and vtech engines. You should Check minitec.com and you will see]

 

Here is an article you might find useful:

"Putting a Honda VTEC engine in a standard roundhouse Mini"

Good luck!
Ken

 

Keep in mind that doing it in a standard round-nose makes it a more difficult task without extending it.