HONDA VTEC CONVERSION

[Mike]

The Honda VTEC is a popular alternative Mini engine with huge power and reliability !!
Most conversions require a lengthened front end (see below) but it has been fitted in the standard length Mini.
Handling is altered with this conversion as the track of the vehicle is widened by the specialist subframe that must be used.(SAE conversion widens track by 90mm per side.)
SAE use Standard Mini suspension and hub assemblies (less lower arms and shock absorbers) thus reducing building cost and allowing you to use brakes and wheels of your choice.  
Adjustable rose jointed lower arms and tie bars giving you full adjustment of camber and caster angles enabling you to achieve ultimate handling for road or track use.  Coil over shocks are also used.



More here:

http://www.watsonsrally.co.uk/

http://www.saeminivtec.co.uk/mainframe.htm

http://www.plmini.com/

http://www.vtecmini.co.uk/

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj3LmIuovYQ

[Westy]

NON VTEC conversion currently on eBay

£350  

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220068501743&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=012

[stevie]

I was thinking of doing some conversion on my car so i joined the 16vminiclub forum a while ago. Lots of ppl on there who really know there stuff. After listening to ppls complaints and reviews on there the only kits i would be tempted to buy would be the allspeed or the go mini kits. I have never heard any bad words against these kits.

[stevie]

Just remembered z cars also do a rear mount vtec frame.
And z cars frames are v v good although slightly expensive  

[jdmini]

minimania in cwmbran will do the conversion too. i think he said it's about £5k all in all

[stevie]

I know the bloke who runs minimania.  

they use he go mini frame I think its made by some guy called brian cambell

That frame can fit in a standard round nose to.

My mate used the watsons kit and cost bout 6000 including engine + ecu.
ouch!!

[mini_Jay]

Excellent Honda Vtec conversion diary :

http://www.theredmini.co.uk/vtec/vtec_frames.html

[john]

Can you run 10 inch wheels with a VTEC conversion as i have only ever seen them with 13 or 14 inch alloys?

[stevie]

all depends what kit you use or how you do it. I think the allpeed kit use the mini suspension, hubs etc so ne mini wheels will fit. other kits such as the watson use metro suspension so will need wheels that fit around metro brakes

[Mike]

I have only ever seen them on 13 or 14 inch wheels but when Wiggy rang Watson Rally last year they did say they would be able to retain his 10 inch alloys.

[stevie]

i know watsons were making a new kit. iv only seen theyr old one. so with ur new 1 u mite be abe to.
i should imagine theyr quite hard to drive quickly with 10s on.
I seen a guy i used to work with in newquay. hes running a b16a2 (civic vti) on jenveys and can spin it in 5 in the wet even with 14 inch wheels

[Jools1071]

I just found this on Youtube - a VTEC mini going round Knockhill. Well worth a watch - first for the glorious sound it makes going past,  second for the lap where he out accelerates a Lotus Elise, and lastly.....

....just towards the end of the clip he comes out of a bend with a Ferrari 360 Modena on his tail.....



.....and the Ferrari can't catch him 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj3LmIuovYQ&feature=related

I would SO love to do one of these 

[irishstick]

love it mate, allways good to see a mini out in front, almost as fast as mine! lol

[Jools1071]

I'm really glad I came across it - I knew they'd be quick, but blimey!  Up until now I thought "na, why bother when you can supercharge an A series?"

Like a man wearing a special shoe, I stand corrected 

[PhilM]

I've tried to get onto the SAE website but can't for some reason. Does anyone have a phone number for them?