Send me an email with a phone number I know where one is.

I'm also part of that elite group of owners as well!!!

You're right Hugh. I just like to rub it in when I have a chance.

Another option is to just go with the A-series 16V twin Cam from KAD...Could be fun to eh?

Lets say hypothetically, I went with A-series 16v twin cam KAD. What transmission would be best?

and like I said, "a few seem to get it right and love their creations!" You, NJ (RIP), and Thorty out in Calif are about the only ones I know of that actually finished the cars and loved them. Brian, you must admit, that many of them are either given up on during the construction process or the owners are not satisfied with the final product. I have seen lots of them show up for sale like this and they (the owner/builder) get less than half of what they spent, but more importantly, less than they would have if they had just sold the Mini in the first place. But, folks still want to try it and love throwing money at it. Good for them. Hope he has success, but only time will tell. Good luck!

11 years and still going zoom.

I don't want a stock mini engine cause I thoroughly love computer controlled fuel injection and all that it offers plus the bullet proof nature of the Honda engine and it's transmission. I love the mini body and it's pint size nature and it's simplicity and merely looking to improve it's technology. Each project is to the regards of what the builder wants to achieve. 

I'm not looking to do a mid engine as I prefer to keep it FWD but rather looking for the back half supported like a full normal roll cage with additional sectioning to mount modified tubular radius arms attached to the lower cage rail eliminating the need for the rear subframe and having coilover attachment points. 

My feeling is I'll have to configure something from the roll cages out there for the mini and fabricate the modified rear section myself. If I use my CAD software (Fusion 360) for the tubular arms that would work good or save myself and buy them from the UK. Good thing about using the software is that I can identify stress and function points and stress test it in that environment, then 3d print it to create the correct jig so I don't go into it blind. Ultimately, if I cannot find anything that satisfies what I'm looking for I'll either fabricate it myself or utilize stock components and that's gonna have to be perfectly fine with me. 

The other thing I could do is buy a full cage like AGI's Roll Cage based in Australia or Safety Devices and modify it to what I need.

There was a thread from someone in CA who caged their mini pretty well in NorCal that looked awesome so I will go back into the interwebs to see if there was mention of the cage builder. I don't think they posted on Mini Mania.

I'm aware of mini tech and their products but due negative personal experience with the company, I'd prefer to stay away.

The great thing about the UK is the abundance of aftermarket mini builders/companies which offers a variety to purchase from compared to the USA where we have a select few and they over charge absurd amounts for product cause they can due to the lack of competition. Other option is buying from the UK but end up paying import duty and high shipping but you get the parts you're looking for.

only one I know of is Mintec
//www.superfastminis.com/MIDI%20KIT.html

Everyone else has custom or gets the zcars kit from the UK

There was a guy who did a mid engined K series turbocharged bazillion hp show car from a zcars kit and he was in LosAngeles area as I recall. I think he brought in 2 kits and tried to sell the second one after his first one was far enough along. But I'm not 100% on that.

There's a guy in San Diego who took his 970 cooper S that he had as a kid in HS and split it, widened it, and put a turbocharged hyabusa in the back. I think he did all of his own work, though.

Ask around for unfinished projects like this one.
https://www.miniguy.com/vehicles/zcarsvtec/

So, what kind of MK1 are you fixing to throw a bunch of money at? Hopefully not a Cooper or S. Vtec conversions usually cost lots and the owner either quits unfinished or sells (at a huge loss) within the first year. A few seem to get it right and love their creations, but there are many more who don't. My advice is that if you want a Honda, buy a Honda. If you want a Mini, why put a Honda in it? You can have a ton of fun in a real Mini!

Hey Mini Mania Community,

I wanted to inquire with everyone to see if there is any one in the US (particularly California) who has or knows of anyone or a company that makes a full or partial space cage (Rear end only) for our Austin Mini's - especially an MKI. I've see a lot of stuff in the UK for autograss and I know Fortech Racing made one for racing and a bunch of stuff on other forums. I wanted to have one under my MKI for street and autocross use. I'm located in Paso Robles, CA and if anyone knows something and/or cost let me know.

I want to utilize the stock bulkhead subframe mount position as I will be using a McGee Vtec subframe. I'll also be looking to use tubular rear arms as well. 

I still can't seem to figure out how to post pictures in here, so I apologize but will try to get something up soon but in the meantime here are a few links to what I'm referring:

//www.turbosport.co.uk/showthread.php?t=172359

//nissanroadracing.com/forum/chassis/non-nissan-vehicles/3549-austin-mini-spaceframe-project

//www.sleafordminicentre.co.uk/autograss.htm

https://www.7ent.com/pages/fortech-racing.html


Let me know your thoughts all as I'm open to hear what you all have to say - thanks!!