A mad, bad Mini project

[rjbcar27]

We were probably drunk.

I really can't remember how it all started but that's normally a good guess for projects like this.

After conceiving of the idea, my mate Nik was told by numerous people that 'It can't be done.' And that's the worst thing you can say to him - it only hardened his resolve. So before embarking on the project, we decided that it's so insane, we should film it. So we have.

We're taking the full engine, gearbox and running gear from a ST185 Toyota Celica GT4 and transplanting it into the Mini. There are obviously one or two little problems to overcome, but that'll be part of the fun.

There will be a few surprises on the engine side a bit later on, but for now we're concentrating on getting the Mini to a state where the transplant can start.

I have no idea how frequent the updates will be, we both work full time and it's a weekend thing only so it may take some time, but we're hoping to produce one of the fastest Mini's on the planet.

If you fancy taking a look at our progress, have a butchers at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hCPODjJO7s

[CooperS]

rjbcar27 said:

We were probably drunk.

I really can't remember how it all started but that's normally a good guess for projects like this.

After conceiving of the idea, my mate Nik was told by numerous people that 'It can't be done.' And that's the worst thing you can say to him - it only hardened his resolve. So before embarking on the project, we decided that it's so insane, we should film it. So we have.

We're taking the full engine, gearbox and running gear from a ST185 Toyota Celica GT4 and transplanting it into the Mini. There are obviously one or two little problems to overcome, but that'll be part of the fun.

There will be a few surprises on the engine side a bit later on, but for now we're concentrating on getting the Mini to a state where the transplant can start.

I have no idea how frequent the updates will be, we both work full time and it's a weekend thing only so it may take some time, but we're hoping to produce one of the fastest Mini's on the planet.

If you fancy taking a look at our progress, have a butchers at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hCPODjJO7s

Sounds good!

[benters]

great video. . humour and some genius stuff going on. . .bookmarked and waiting for the next episode.

[rjbcar27]

benters said:

great video. . humour and some genius stuff going on. . .bookmarked and waiting for the next episode.

Thank you very much!

[benters]

the jig is awesome. . .these things always get me thinking of what i could try to do to my everyday Lupo. . .V6 rear wheel drive could be fun !!
when can i get my next 'bad mini' project fix ??

[rjbcar27]

benters said:

the jig is awesome. . .these things always get me thinking of what i could try to do to my everyday Lupo. . .V6 rear wheel drive could be fun !!
when can i get my next 'bad mini' project fix ??

Well, episode 1 went live only on Saturday and the end of it is about where we're at right now. I guess the next one is around 4-6 weeks away. I've got to wait for enough raw footage to be able to edit together a decent video. Take a look at the other 2 videos on our channel. There's the 5 minute 'trailer' that goes into a bit more detail of the project and then the outtakes from filming the trailer!

[benters]

will do. . .its cracking work your doing there so keep at it. . .

[phumy]

Come on guys ypou cant keep us in the lurch for too long, havent you produced part 2 yet, its been at least a coupe of hours since youve posted the first bit. Great stuff and hope it all comes off as planned, just dont leave it too long.

[Altrezia]

What a cool video

[RussellG]

I love this idea, I once stumbled upon a mini with a Nissan Sunny GTIR engine and running gear transplant. Look fairly standard apart from a suspiciously higher than normal ride height & big wheels. I have joked loads of times about using the 3.0 petrol engine from my old 3 series bmw (new car due next month anyway) as a power plant for my next mini.

I will be following this thread with great interest. Keep up the good work

[dave87]

Looks good - nothing that interesting ever starts with a good idea does it?

[Skyedriver]

Lad around the corner from me is fitting an M3 6 cylinder motor into the front of an imp shell.....

Project currently on hold while he fits a V6 into a Ford Pop.

Edited by Skyedriver on Tuesday 20th August 08:33

[Pixel-Snapper]

Fantastic idea subscribed here and there for updates.

Love a good build thread.

[Pixel-Snapper]

Just watched the video over a cuppa.

That grinder trees a bloody great idea.

[Olly RM]

Utterly fantastic and truly a funny video. Cracking editing and a serious level of engineering skill/design/psychosis/vision.

Look forward to more of this, shared it on my Facebook too. To think, I'm chickening out of a clutch change on our Cooper! Lol.

[rjbcar27]

Thanks very much for the great responses guys! Really appreciate it.

Please feel free to share the video far and wide!

[scranny]

Great video and a great project too, i cant wait to see how this comes on.
Ive seen a few mad minis in my time and have a mad one myself, this is up there with them though.

Check out the build threads here. http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/index.php

And heres my effort of madness .

http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t...

Will be keeping a close eye on this, love it.

Regards andy...

[rjbcar27]

Hi Scranny,

That's a hell of a thing you've got! When ours is finished, fancy a trip down the strip?

[scranny]

It would be rude not too. Ha

What sort of time frame are you setting yourself?

I done a 12,7 @ 115 last time, if yours is gonna be 4wd that should be possible with less power than mine.

[rjbcar27]

Scranny,

We're hoping to have it rolling by Christmas and then a full strip down, shell dip and paint, clean and paint everything then finished by the spring ready for shows!