h0nk wrote:
Well I've just been on the phone to a couple of engineers.. One bloke in particular was very informative (but extremely strict!!) He said best bet would be as striped said use as much of the suzuki frame as possible, modifying it to fit the original mini subframe mounts. This would cause the least hassle.
To pass my ute conversion with the suzuki engine he wanted vented discs up front, rear discs (if the suzi 4wd sedan had them originally), a beam from the floor up through the pillar which the seat belt mounts are on through the roof and down to the floor through the other pillar, a full frame around the rear tray from the floors up, and he mentioned a rear strut bar
maybe, as well as emmissions tests if I can't prove the engine is australian.. the list goes on

He seems very thorough compared to the other engineers I spoke to, but most of what he said is fair enough! Looks like I better get off ausmini and get back to working on it.. I'll get some pics up soon if anyones interested.
There are more knowledgeable people on here in this area, but on instinct, I would be getting a second opinion.
This fella sounds over the top....examples, why vented rotors?? why disks on the rear when there is no weight to speak of?? Is he going to mandate wearing a helmet once you install the roll hoop/stiffener thingamey
It sounds like he has no idea about the inherent strength in a Mini body
