Hi guys... I am from Norway (the cold north) and up here all Mini enthusiasts ever talk about is Mini Vtec and Swift conversions. What I want is to make heads turn with a Mini Starlet GT conversion, but I realise that it is easier said than done. My Mini is a "roundie" and I understand that the tricky part is making the subframe for the engine. Is it possible to buy ready-made subframes anywhere (I've heard Mendozamechanics mentioned...)? Does anyone have drawings of subframes that would work? Could I use the same subframe as one made to fit a clubman?

Welcome Thale,

There is a fella on here who has posted a few pics of his GT Starlet subframe to fit in a roundnose. He goes by the name of minimetoy. You could do a search a check 'em out.

How did you come across ausmini?

JC

_________________
But he's thriving and striving and hugging the turns.

Thale,

That would be me! PM me your postal address and I'll send you a disk with some photos to get you started, If you decide to keep going with it after that then I'll be only to happy to help out with dimensions photos and advice.

Dan

Hey,
I don't mean to jump in on the thread. Minimetoy, just wondering if you got the GT engine to fit without modifying any body panels. I've been working on the problem for a while and i can't get it to fit.
Cheers,
Pierre

Any body panels?

You will at the very least have to cut the drivers side inner guard and part of the passenger side inner guard. It is possible to retain the firewall and the look of the car visually externally.

_________________

Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

sorry, thats what i meant. Does the car still look stock from the outside?

Dan's will, bar the bonnet scoop, but you could get around that.

_________________

Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

I only had to cut out my inner guards. the drivers side inner guard will need to go and the passengers side will only need half removed pending on the position of your turbo. Also you will have to move the turbo over the top of your gearbox which means making custom manifolds.

Have a search back through the forum for some photos of the installation.

Dan

Or.... you could leave the turbo in the standard position and do some more "corrective" surgery...