a bit offtopic, but its definitely pro-touring.
 

Bought a 1970 Austin Mini with the intention of giving it some love, and eventually making it my fulltime daily driver. This will be a very barebones pro-touring styled build, with a british flair.

As I picked it up... The previous owner went overboard blacking everything out so I'm slowly restoring some of the trim using aircraft paint remover. So far so good.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5622.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5623.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5630.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5650.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5621.JPG
Interior is in great shape, and I'm using my Motorola Droid as my NAV and internet radio...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5607.JPG

I started restoring some of the trim starting with the grill...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5659.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5664.JPG

Definitely happy with some stainless back on the car... Headlight buckets, wipers and rear tail light lamp/badges are next.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S1...0/IMG_5679.JPG


I'm dropping in a Yamaha R1 motorcycle engine in it. 0-60 times are around 4 to 5 seconds depending on traction and gearing, terminal speed is about 125 in 6th. Anyones whos every ridden or driven a classic mini knows what a deathtrap and how insanely fast they are at track days, in rallies, and autox. They have an insane amount of grip and are very predictable. 160hp or so and revs to 11k
http://www.pro-motive.co.uk/resource...e+top+copy.jpg
http://www.pro-motive.co.uk/resource...e+2007+001.jpg

Some Video:




I also plan to either restore it to 1960s Monte Carlo Rally style, or keep it modern. But with an R1 swap. Total sleeper.

Either way the things a total deathtrap. Bikers give me a thumbs up everywhere I go. Its a FUN car. Anyone interested in a ride should hit me up. Its so much fun.

VERY COOL Dane!!! Great choice for an engine too! A 'busa engine is a bit too much in the power department for that. What a riot! If I am ever down there I will take you up on that ride!:thumbsup:

I always liked those! Have fun with it!

Great find! I love those cars! That one looks mean in black. I think you are on the right track with having some contrast.

I have had one ride in one. Felt like a go kart! What tripped me out was driving into the middle of an intersection and a quick half turn of wheel and left turn completed. No lifting or brakes required!

Jon

awesome. love the R1 swap!

Very cool. I would love to own a classic Mini even though it's a death trap in more ways than one.

Even though the Pro-Motive kit is a couple of thousand dollars less than the Z-Cars kit, I have would have a hard time keeping it FWD, especially considering it comes with an open diff.

A stock A-series powered Mini doesn't have the greatest straight-line traction characteristics in the world. Now imagine putting 160hp through the same front wheel(s).

Also worth noting is that the Pro-Motive kit doesn't even have the option of a reverse gear.

In any case, I would just do the swap myself sans kit, but that's another matter entirely.

Just placed the order for the subframe kit. Once it gets here I'll source an R1 motor locally. Hopefully not from a wrecked bike :_paranoid

can't wait! :D

There are lots of Hayabusa Swaps out there, but they are RWD conversions. I already have a RWD monster ;)

This things going to be a riot once its all sorted. And my daily driver :lol:

They ARE go karts. No joke. I have NEVER flown down mullholland, topanga, or latigo canyon so damn fast in my entire life. This car makes my camaro seem like a land yacht :lol:

Its a different breed, a great car for getting around los angeles just as long as you don't get clipped by an SUV. I park it in the shopping kart aisle :lol:

I ordered the Quaife LSD for it.
http://www.nolimitmotorsport.com/quaife/

A stock 302 powered camaro doesn't have the greatest handling characteristics either does it? ;)

The pro-motive guys sorted out a custom mechanical reverse solution a while back. It reverses the entire drivetrain. Yes. 6 speeds in reverse. :bow:

Should be a real fun project, and I think a liter engine is suited well to a mini. Around town in low RPMs it will be docile and bogged down (much like the stock motor) and then in high RPMS an absolute rocket.

Yup, exactly what I meant. The power in a FWD configuration will get out of controll in a hurry with that.

As mentioned in one of the posts above, what are you doing about reverse? R1s obviously don't have it. Is there any option for it some other way?

I like the shopping cart parking! You could put that car almost anywhere I can put my ZX6.

I saw this thread and my very first thought was Gixer or R1 MOTOR!!!! Scroll scroll Holy Crap hes doing it!! Absolutley awesome.

My best friend has a perfect R1 engine and tranny sitting waiting for something. We might have to look for a Mini. Hmmm.... :D :D

Can't wait for this...

Darren

badass, I would have left it all murdered out though,

mini
 

Do the Busa swap. How can you have too much power?!!! I have an '05 busa with a power commander and Tsukigi Cannon on it and wow hang on! I have it geared a little quicker and man is it a bucking bronco in first gear. That would be fun in a little car like that.

all the parts are poorly kryloned...

Gotcha. are you planning to powdercoat them black?

I've been feeling pretty sick lately so I've had a lot of down time at home. Decided to strip some of the front end of more paint and reveal some more stainless...

With the newly stripped grill.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_4988.JPG
off they come..

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_4990.JPG

A quick scrubbing of the lenses and it appears as if the previous owner has sprayed the lenses with black paint as well... damn.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_4992.JPG

Before trying the stripper on the plastic, I tested it on some scrap plastic first
http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_4993.JPG

Spray down the headlight trim
http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_4995.JPG

Everything ready to wait
http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_4996.JPG

After about 45minutes the paint just slides off with my finger. Pretty cool
http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_4999.JPG

After putting them back on, I think I need to strip the inner headlight trim as well. It looks... cheap, like a rubber gasket or something
http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_5002.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_5004.JPG

Blinker trim and lenses done. The lenses fogged up. I will order some new ones. No surprise there.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_5008.JPG
Pardon the poor image quality, it was nearly dark
http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_5013.JPG

So I have a bunch of parts en route from Minispares. My order from Moss Motors was half-assed and missing half of what I ordered. I ordered a new grill, new grill surrounds, new blinkers, new bumpers, new tail light lenses, new demister vents, all new Austin Mini MK1 badging front and rear and some new shocks because I believe the current ones are blown.

I also ordered replacement brackets for the bulkhead where the upper steady bolts to. Both the upper and lower bracket. I attempted to repair the existing bracket by welding a washer in, but it cracked within a few days of driving. New engine mounts are going in as well, along with the shocks and brackets.

I have noticed driving around that Los Angeles drivers do not notice me, so I've decided to upgrade the lighting to HID. I got these 'projector' headlights and have ordered a 6000k HID kit as well.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_5035.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/IMG_5037.JPG

If the lighting is too 'blue' I will swap out the bulbs with 4300k. Visibility is my main goal here. I want people to notice me so I don't get killed by a big SUV.
http://gothidkit.com/images/slim_bal..._craiglist.jpg

This should get the car driveable for the next month or so while I wait for Pro-Motive to get the subframe kit. I also shipped them the R1 wiring harness for conversion.

I have spoken to a couple shops locally about an R1 motor and finding one is not difficult at all. Finding one without damage on the other hand seems to be quite a chore. I will be going with the 2003 R1 5PW with injection so I can wire in a start button like this:

http://www.burtmanindustries.com/s20...tart_close.jpg

I'm getting excited about this.

Sounds like a very cool plan Dane! Going with the injected motor is the only way to fly. After having injected sport bikes I honestly can not remember how I manahed to live with carbs before. Carbs suck!:D

Well got some new toys. I have a Box FULL of parts including grill, grill surround, bumpers, emblems, mirrors, HID headlamps etc to install tomorrow if I'm feeling well..

Got the new superlite wheels on today. Minimal rubbing and I've decided to do carbon Miglia Style arches at match the width of the wheels even further.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S3...0/IMG_5076.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S3...0/IMG_5077.JPG

Ordering these carbon fiber Miglia Arches tonight. It'll give the car a much more aggressive stance and cover up the front wheels a bit more.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...Carbon%205.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...Carbon%208.jpg

What they look like on the car.
http://i33.tinypic.com/152ht1w.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S2...0/DSC_6582.jpg


You can get every single body panel including the shell of the mini in carbon fiber. A recent R1 styled build based upon the same kit I'm using weighed in at 740lbs filled with gas. Add 170whp to that and slot car handling and you have a serious death trap.

I can't wait this thing out to streets of willow and rip up the ariel atom guys.

Heres a video of a guy in the UK playing around with a Porsche 911...
http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/c...10-07_1459.flv

It's a go cart with doors & a roof!

Cool car!

nurburgring mini

this guy has some crazy 'ring videos, of his Vtec honda mini

this is a reversing transaxle and quaife diff combo expensive, but awesome for one of these

http://store.powertecengineering.com...m_DSC_0296.jpg

You mean like... the whole car?? :wow:

already got one on its way from the UK :thumbsup:

6 speeds in reverse :willy:

Correct. The typical Mini weighs about 1300lbs, but you can strip them down and get EVERYTHING in carbon. Even the bumpers.

add 170whp and a 12,500 redline = fun

Been watching, now I'm really jelous!

Love this project. First time I saw Minis racing was at Steamboat Springs, CO years ago when they did the vintage racing through the streets by the resort. Awesome seeing them come through the hairpins lifting a back wheel! I love the conversion to the RI motor. There is a really nice right hand drive "S" for sale by me but it seems they want a bit much for it...or I think they do.

Wes

Cool car Dane. You got me interested to see how this Mini ends up, I'm liking it though. That's crazy that thing could weigh under 1000 lbs and that motor with the horsepower. Look forward to seeing it progress.

Wow!!!

outside the box and awesome man!!!cant wait to see this thing done

then once you have the hang of driving it, there's always

the turbo option

this thing is BAD! Glad to see that someone is doing something a bit different.

I've been a busy guy. Been pretty sick lately so I've been spending my time doing research and gathering parts.

The car is at my audio installer right now getting the following:

Keyless entry with alarm
Image Dynamics Component Speakers
Image Dynamics 10" Sub in the rear deck
Zapco Amp
HID headlamp ballast install
Hella E Code lamps

Should have it back this next week.

I have got the pro-motive kit en route from the guys in the UK. The wiring loom already converted.

Just picked up this clean 2003 5PW engine with 2000 miles:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...00/engine1.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...00/engine2.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...00/engine3.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...00/engine4.jpg

I'm excited as hell to get Pro-Motive #35 up and running. It'll be the 2nd in the USA. I plan to daily drive the hell out of it.

I have the Voltage Regulator and ECU sitting here ready and just ordered the Dynojet Power Commander to tune the A/F ratio for the new airbox and be able to change maps on the fly driving around. Should put down about 160-180whp depending on the map and fuel.

I have had trouble finding a 2002-2003 R1 Gauge cluster in decent condition so I went aftermarket with a Koso Aftermarket gauge unit that displays the following:

http://www.kosonorthamerica.com/fCMS...s/ba011w02.jpg

Its a OK looking unit, with built in dummy lights, odometer, speedo, gear display, neutral display, blinkers, shift light and 7 different color changes... The unit is also capable of calculating 0-60 times, and distance top speeds etc.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...20560849fe.jpg

It'll be recessed behind the steering column in a custom OEM looking dash with just the stereo. I want it hidden as much as possible. The digital dash systems like STACK and Racepak were too high end for a build like this I think.

For the HIDs, I'm using Hella E-Codes for their nice cutoff. Should keep me from blinding other drivers, but provide me a ton of light and hopefully other drivers will see me! I've had issued with people trying to squash me numerous times already.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S3...0/IMG_6138.JPG

Also got The Dynojet Power Commander for tuning purposes, and a Barnett racing Clutch. (R1 swaps in minis are notoriously tough on the stock R1 clutch, they always slip).
http://lh6.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...t_family-7.jpg


Just waiting on the motor and subframe to arrive and then its time to gut a perfectly good Mini. Maybe I can tow the mini to the track with the camaro, track both cars, and tow home :lol:

Most fun car I've ever ridden in or driven, hands down. They're an absolute blast. :bow:

Thanks. Its going to be interesting for sure. I think getting used to the sequential transmission around town and odd clutch is going to take a while to get used to, but once its done, I'll be sure to get plenty of video of it 'surprising' people.

It'll also be strange driving around at 9k RPM. :thumbsup:

I think I may have to roll hoop/cage it as is. And I don't want to, because dealing with 4 points and bucket racing seats sucks in a daily driver...

Don't think its going to need any more power :faint:

This is going to be so badass it's not even funny...

Been sick but some parts came in...

2003 R1 5PW Fuel Injected Motor

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...0/IMG_5163.JPG
Gotta love the tupperware crate...
http://lh6.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S4...0/IMG_5158.JPG

Koso Gauge cluster

http://lh3.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S5...0/IMG_6148.JPG

Dynojet Power COmmander

http://lh4.ggpht.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/S5...0/IMG_6153.JPG

Do you have any pics of this installed in the car? and does this provide reverse for the R1 also?