a bit offtopic, but its definitely pro-touring.

[rogue]

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.






Interior is in great shape, and I'm using my Motorola Droid as my NAV and internet radio...



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




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




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



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.

[70rs]

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!

[NOT A TA]

I always liked those! Have fun with it!

[Roadbuster]

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

[Flash68]

awesome. love the R1 swap!

[Karl Buchka]

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.

[rogue]

Originally Posted by Roadbuster

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

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

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

[rogue]

Originally Posted by 70rs

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!

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

[70rs]

Originally Posted by rogue

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

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.

[MSTSFabbed]

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....