Wheels, MX5 hubs, bigger brakes, coil over location, steering rack and column placement all played a part in the decision.

As soon as I changed to the MX5 hubs everything else required change.

I think the lower control arms will be ok too. If anything, the upper arm and coilover mounting points will require a lot of work.
The track has been widened to the max for engineering and the offset of +25 of the wheels means the hubs are out further than the original mini. Still no room for coil overs if mounted in the normal mini location though.




The rear lower control arm mounting point heights from the ground vs the front should be similar to the MX5 however as you mentioned, the track and other components have changed so not sure if it really matters other than wanting it to handle properly on the road.


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_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

Just throwing it out there - I know all Mazda suspension would be good for servicing / parts availability and you already have the bits -
but have you looked at the front subframe / suspension from an MG TF?

No I haven't. why do you suggest the MG TF?

_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

It's kind of a scaled up version of a mini subframe - springs running off the top arms into little towers.
The MG is also mid engined, so I'd have thought the geometry and spring rates of the stock parts would be a nice place to start.
Some people have also used them as the basis for engine conversion subframes too - so I'm sure an arvo of digging would let you know how much body chopping would be needed. Even if you just used the arms and hubs in a custom frame the parts are fairly compact compared to the MX5 ones, and all the space you save in the front is a plus!

I'll have a look into it. ideally I would like to reduce the many different makes and models of components installed into the vehicle with this build even if I have to custom make a subframe to suit as it just gets to hard to maintain down the track. Although there is not much to maintain when it only gets driven on weekends.

_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

After careful consideration I decided to go with my own built subframe.

The majority of the front subframe is done. The car is now set up with front and rear independent suspension using MX5 control arms. Fully adjustable camber and caster. Upper arms are angled the same as the MX5 for anti dive too.
I just need the coil overs and some anti-roll bars to finish it off.
The lower radiator mounts from the WRX were modified to get the WRX radiator and cooling fans in.
It’s slowly getting there.

_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

you call this slow?!?!?!?!?!

I'd love to see how fast you do things when you're in a hurry!

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Isolation might be helping. And I’m impatient. Just want to drive this weapon.


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_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

Been busy since my last post.
- Seats rail mounts now done.
- An MR2 SW20 Gear shifter box was purchased and mounted.
- Steering rack mount removed from the firewall and welded into the subframe on a flat piece of 4mm plate.
- Guards and quarters cut and bent up. Even mocked up a cardboard wheel arch to see if it will work. I quite like it.
- Front and rear suspension mounts done ready for coil overs.
- Stiff suspension but will work well when the next torsion test is completed. Ha.

MiniRex now sits on its four wheels and is mobile. Woo hoo. No steering obviously.

_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

You're a machine!

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Rocketship - Under Construction

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"Show me the Mini!"

Machined up some sleeves yesterday.

The mini rack has 1/2” imperial track rods and the MX5 tierod ends are M12 metric. Plus I had a 25mm gap to make up.

Thanks Harley for pointing out that my RHD steering rack might make driving a challenge. I bought a new LHD one to ensure it turns the correct way now that the rack is in front of the wheels and not behind.








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_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

My Wilwood brake pedals and master cylinders also turned up so I managed to get another “bracket” made to hold it in place and line up the collapsable steering column. The bracket works as a mount for both. Still needs some minor touches once the lower supporting intermediate shaft goes in.

_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255

Coming along very nicely.

Took off some paint and a heap of filler. The previous owner loved this stuff. It seems that he used it for small dents and even to cover up surface rust.

_________________
Website: http://www.dutchysmini.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dutchysmini/

Previously owned the Red VTEC Mini (B16A)

Project currently on the go:
1961 Morris mini
Engine conversion - WRX EJ255