I was reading through an old issue of GRM last night (when I should've been studying Cell Bio...) and I found the article on GoMini's VTEC-Mini, or the MT-B or whatever they call it. I've been thinking of having a fun daily driver lately, and while that one isn't super cheap, it got me thinking about something similar. A stock classic Mini would be a load of fun, but while I try to ignore it the whole British engine thing is still there. Has anyone driven one of these hybrids, or can anyone relate any stories or anything? I know D has been building one for awhile, but last I heard he was still working on the front frame. As for the title, on the oddest chance anyone can compare the driving experience to that of an ITR, that would be much appreciated, as maybe I'd make it the track toy instead of the daily driver (slim chance, but maybe).

 

no insight for you but I wonder what happened to Project Mini?? I forget who was working on that, D or someone?

 

Been a while since D updated us...... I hope Charley didnt get the best of the we-todds

 

I saw an old mini on TV with a B18C5 in it, I forget what I was watching. I think they threw in some aftermarket parts and it was around 2 something maybe like 230 something horsepower, I dunno I forget. They also said they planned on supercharging it. It was a show about a car show or something. I dunno I just figured I'd post it.

hmmm, actually maybe it was a civic type R engine. I'm not sure.


Modified by Charlie R at 10:53 PM 8/14/2004

 

Don't know about the Minis, but I've got a first gen. Civic that weighs in at around 700kg (1500lb) stock. Light + small wheelbase + short gearbox = great turn-in and fun at low speeds. It's the only car I've been able to redline 1st and 2nd before hitting the local residential speed limit (35mph). Feels like a Honda . I'd be surprised if a Mini wasn't the same sort of car, though. If you've got the time and money to build it properly then I'd say go for it.

 

The thing I like most about the idea of the Mini is the fact that it's a bit unique. Original engine or not, I don't EVER see a classic Mini rolling down the street. As far as power, one of the things specified in the article was that with the amount of power being put down (chipped ECU, exhaust, header maybe, B16B) they were having big problems with traction. Given that, I think more power isn't really necessary. In case the question comes up, they were on 13" A032Rs, without an LSD though.