Now the Mac#1 is going i feel the urge to get a new project. Classic mini is appealing as it was my first ever car and i know most of the bits can be bought inexpensively.

Problem seems to be finding one at a reasonable price where the shell at least resembles a mini. Also i wouldnt want something run of the mill with std mini engine. What is involved in fitting different engines? Ill have to look for some good sites.

I could really fancy a pick up, but they seem to be a tad rare and pricey. My first mini was TBR 19V, id love to find that one but based on the state of it when i sold it i bet it was scrapped off.

For different engine fitting guides
http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/index.php

You can also go BEC either FWD or RWD are available, and there was the MAC#1 based BEC around a while back (not sure what happened to it).

TBR 19V can't be found on the DVLA search so I'd guess it's been scapped.

Good luck with the search, getting a good mini for sensible money is even harder this year than previously (50th anniversary)

You could put a real engine in it


http://www.spagweb.com/v8mini/

There's an american company mentioned on pistonheads in the last day or so (mini-tec IIRC) tha have just developed a AWD version using honda CRV running gear.

While it's probably good kit and not too badly priced, I reckon it wouldn't be too far beyond the skills of the average locoster (plus additional help here and there) to pull the job off as a DIY buid.

How much does a std mini weigh? Just ondering what power engine would be needed to give similar performance to my Mac#1 - hopefully an engine that would be small and cheap.


Sods law - havent got the cash for my Mac#1 yet but have seen a 1979 genuine 1 owner 26K miles mini for sale in great nick. The relevance of this one to me is that my first mini was a 1979 vintage.

My first project was a mini. I put a 6 point roll cage in it, carbon fibre front end and boot lid, rear beam axle to replace the subframe, coilovers all round and a 1275 fast road engine.

It went like stink, but i sold it. Its only when its on the back of the trailer that you realise that its the wrong decision.

quote:

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Originally posted by DarrenW
How much does a std mini weigh? Just ondering what power engine would be needed to give similar performance to my Mac#1 - hopefully an engine that would be small and cheap.


Sods law - havent got the cash for my Mac#1 yet but have seen a 1979 genuine 1 owner 26K miles mini for sale in great nick. The relevance of this one to me is that my first mini was a 1979 vintage.

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quote:

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Originally posted by DarrenW
How much does a std mini weigh? Just ondering what power engine would be needed to give similar performance to my Mac#1 - hopefully an engine that would be small and cheap.


Sods law - havent got the cash for my Mac#1 yet but have seen a 1979 genuine 1 owner 26K miles mini for sale in great nick. The relevance of this one to me is that my first mini was a 1979 vintage.

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There is no rust on this one, and you get 2 spare wheels in with it.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1975-STIMSON-Safari-Six-Rare-MINI-COOPER-kit-car_W0QQitemZ120453158480QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item1c0b915650& _trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Link wont work so here is the ebay No

120453158480





Nige

[Edited on 2/8/09 by cryoman1965]

[Edited on 2/8/09 by cryoman1965]

linky

Not that I would

If you are over about 5'8" forget about a pick up as even with the seats hard up against the bulkhead your knees will be under your chin. The Domino Pup was a glassfibre pick up but with more leg room built in but I haven't seen one for sale for a long time

I'm going RWD with mine and blagging ideas from this setup. Call back in the year 2035 when its on the road

RWD min stuff

Darren

This might be of interest?

Ebay Linky

Comes complete with a Flinstones reverse floor for IVA reverse too!

Cheers

Mike

May be too late now you've bought a mini, but totalkitcar are reporting a new fibreglass pick-up shell based on the minus.

http://www.totalkitcar.com/news.php