Hi theres a lot about subframe modification on this forum, but basically thats all it is modification. Was wondering if anyone has gone the route of just making a new subframe from scratch. Sort of along the lines on the one of the back of Vizards book.
I have been thinking of conversion for a long while and money might keep me from it a while longer but it is the route I would like to take. Going this route I hope I can convert to any discs to fit 12" wheels and run my own fully adjustable suspension based off of early 70's formula ford set-up i.e. double wishbone. Spoke to my dad the other night and he reckons he fabricated his suspension in a day, front and rear. So yeah a bit of a pipe dream but if anyone has advice on fully custom tubular subframes, it would be appreciated.

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If it squeaks and leaks, then its sure to be a mini

Building a dream one nap at a time....

http://spaces.msn.com/members/derbydog/

Minimark, I was considering going down this route, that is no cone towers nothing. But given this is my first outing I thought I wouldn't stuff around with the suspension. When you go down this route the level of complexity skyrockets and the margin for error gets a lot smaller.

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225hp atw on 14psi. 1/4 Mile no idea. Take one 1971 Mini Clubman, one Starlet GT Halfcut, Simmer over a warm MIG Welder, and Voila Minstar! www.mpdesign.id.au

Minimark,

Echoing Ministars comments as well. Just like to add that you need to get is certified too.

This could just be made a bit more difficult if the certifier has no basis for comparison so to speak.

However, light-weight aluminium upper and lower wishbones (ala rally spec STi) and coil-overs does sound nice. Mmmmm.........

Andrew

Andrew maybe we combine our efforts on the next one!!!

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225hp atw on 14psi. 1/4 Mile no idea. Take one 1971 Mini Clubman, one Starlet GT Halfcut, Simmer over a warm MIG Welder, and Voila Minstar! www.mpdesign.id.au

Thanks for your input guys and I agree with your comments. Unfortunately if i did get started on a conversion my instict would be go the whole hog. If I go this route then the custom suspension will be a must. With most conversions I have read on here taking over a year, if it takes that long then might as well go the whole hodo everything. Would get my old man to do the suspension as he knows what he is doing. Actually is very simple design that allows for a multitude of adjustments. Am actually more interested in the designs of custom frames to hold the motor. Everything would have to be engineered, and I would find one and go through it from designs to completion. Also looking into some motors that might not of been done yet
I'm not after great horsepower. Well not yet anyways.

_________________
If it squeaks and leaks, then its sure to be a mini

Building a dream one nap at a time....

http://spaces.msn.com/members/derbydog/

I agree that this would be the ideal way to do it but my concern would be more with setting it up and fine tuning it then building it. I would have thought it would take a lot of trialing to get it right. And lets face it the basic mini handles pretty damn well IMO.

Matt,

What about a Daihatsu Sirion GTi engine, or is that not exotic enogh for you.

Apparently the Sirion dashes fit straight into a mini.

Yeah - lets combine on the next one. We'll call it the "AngelStar" JV.

Interested??

Andrew

Well as your moving a little bit closer, hire a shed halfway in some town bring the Mig and a few other goodies and a race against the clock...

Yeah before I went the starlet the other engine I had my eye on was a K3-VET which is the Sirion GTVi with turbo (Jap only I think). This engine is even more advanced than the Starlet as it has Variable valve timing which generates about an extra 40 newton metres...Same basic horsepower at about 135bhp. But think of the possibilities. Only trouble is I couldn't source one should have another look hey...

Andy like the name very Sci Fi sounds like we should go for a run around Saturn...

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225hp atw on 14psi. 1/4 Mile no idea. Take one 1971 Mini Clubman, one Starlet GT Halfcut, Simmer over a warm MIG Welder, and Voila Minstar! www.mpdesign.id.au

Matt,

I'm game if you are.

What about a rotary with RWD - now theres an option??'Good work on the shed. A man needs his shed!!!!

I am still stuck in limbo until QLD Transport gives the green light.
No word yet and its coming up to 3 weeks.

Andrew

Geez that's bit rough 3 weeks and still no word...Still mate maybe you can sort out a few of the other issues with the shell while your waiting. Can you give them a ring.

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225hp atw on 14psi. 1/4 Mile no idea. Take one 1971 Mini Clubman, one Starlet GT Halfcut, Simmer over a warm MIG Welder, and Voila Minstar! www.mpdesign.id.au

yes,

Gave them a ring and they said it is in the pile but the ginger-beer has not got to it yet.

Very frustrating!!

Andrew

Don't want to heap crap on your creativity. But I think if you build your own suspension and subframes front and back the authorities will decide the car is a "new car" as none of the original cross-members remain. So you will have to comply with current ADR regs - a lot of hassle and expense....

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Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

hey Matt,

I had a look on the mini forum UK site last night.

The guy in there who is doing the Hayabusa conversion (F1 Mini) is using fabricated upper and lower control arms with alloy hubs and F1 style coil-overs.

If the poms can do it we can do it better.

I have been thinking along the lines of a Suzuki Cultus conversion - awd and turbo to boot!!

Never even considered that. Cheers. Well the old man has sort of retired and is talking about rebuilding his formula2. Already offered to give him a hand with the spanner work. Hopefully it wont take him too long then I can try to convince him to help design a full new chassis with cage. If I can t get it registered with the authorities might as well with cams, worse comes to worse a cool burnout car. All I need now is some engine ideas. FWD under 2.5litres and turbo'd?

Cheers guys

_________________
If it squeaks and leaks, then its sure to be a mini

Building a dream one nap at a time....

http://spaces.msn.com/members/derbydog/

Nissan Skyline RB25DET
Subaru RS / WRX hybrid EJ25 block, EJ20 heads etc
both 2.5L with MASSIVE torque & power
- so much so that both cars use AWD to get the power down

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Too many cars, and too little time.