"Here
are some pictures of my car before I started and one once I had
cut the front end off. The car had only been rebuilt for one year
before I was bored with a mini engined turbo. The brakes are now
complete and I am still awaiting some parts from AMT in order to
get the engine started. This part of the project is going to take
the most time as I am using an injection system instead of carbs
and turbo charging."
How much is it costing?
"At the moment I can't
break it down. You already know what the frame costs. My car so
far has set me back at least £10,000, what with the first build
up and now currently going through it's second. I have already sent
you a photo of when it was on the road with a modified metro turbo
set up."
What spec is the engine?
"The engine
is a standard Vauxhall Calibra turbo engine, for now. This is just
to get it on the road then I will rebuild my other 16v engine from
a Cavalier GSi 4x4."
What is AMT like to work with ?
"AMT's work is superb,
it has the quality you could wish for. Unfortunately though he is
always very busy dealing with loads of customers orders and this
results in long waiting time for parts. This is the only draw back
but the products are well worth the wait."
Have you driven a Hybrid mini before?
"I had to park my
friends once. But that was it. Unfortunately he has since written
that one off, (that's the green clubman on www.theclubman.co.uk).
I had been out in it a couple of times and it was great fun."
What front end are you going for ?
"I am going to use
a steel clubman front end along with a Zeemax style front bumper
in order to gain some valuable space. The bumper is on order."
What are you doing about the brakes ?
"I am currently fitting
4 pot calipers and vented discs on it to get it on the road but
I am always looking for big brake conversions but I am finding it
difficult as not many companies do this without spending large amounts
of cash. My friend the purple monster is trying to see if he can
get some stuff machined to fit 10" discs with the 4 pot calipers."
How easy does it appear to be in terms of mating an "alien " engine
to a mini ?
"Due to the subframe,
drive-shafts, pedal box (this includes clutch pedal) being supplied
by AMT the main headache has been over come very easily. I have
not started to do any wiring yet so I will have to wait before commenting."
What do you think about the weight distribution and the drive-shaft
angles ?
"Although the engine
is a lot heavier than an A series, it should not be a problem with
the right suspension set up i.e. the correct poundage springs. This
is something I can only guess at the moment though."
How easy it is to fit the subframe ?
"Fitting the subframe is
quite simple although you must follow the instructions about setting
up the top arms. There is one A4 page on fitting the subframe but
no pictures. With the road frame which I have you need to supply
your own top suspension mounts. I have made mine but I noticed Richard
(richspec) has used the spax coilovers and fitting kit.
What do you think of the AMT kit ?
The kit is superb as it comes
with modified top arms rose joints drive shafts engine mounts and
brackets and bracing bars. Most of the parts also come plastic coated.
It is well worth the money. It may not look a lot in the photo's
but when you see it up close you can really appreciate the design
and work that has gone into it.
What do you need to do now to finish the project?
I'm waiting for a modified Cosworth
injection manifold in order to fit the Vauxhall engine. I have yet
to see this product but if it is as good as the rest of their (AMT's)
work I will be impressed, and also a tubular stainless steel turbo
manifold to house a Garrett T3 turbo. Both parts are supplied by
AMT. I am also waiting for my front bumper which I mentioned previously.
How can people contact you about your project?
Via the Mini-Mania message, ask
for Muppet as I am always looking at this to see what people are
talking about.
