As this is my first post just would like to say this fOrum is great, in twenty minutes on here ive found more info on viable engine conversions than in nearly 6 months of my crappy searching.

Right so since i was 15 i've wanted a mini, orginally it was a clubman or cooper s, then i got stuck on the idea of an engine conversion, then i got stuck on the idea of a twin bike engined 4wd monster, then i got stuck on cash.....

Now i am finally able to get the cash for a conversion and have been gifted a 1975 rolling chasis. ( i cant get the casH for a twin engined beast though ) However i am still keen on a 4wd system just as i think it would be the best way to transfer the 200hp or so that seems to be achieveable with the 4EFTE relatively easily.

Right so at http://www.cars-directory.net/specs/toy ... et/1994_5/ i noticed that there is a 4wd version of the starlet ( the EP85) that also uses the 4EFTE motor, my question is has anyone heard of this conversion/ done ths conversion/ tried this conversion and ended up penniless and crying in a darkened room cursing anything larger than a cat?

Any help appreciated.

Ross,
Perth WA

Anything is possible with the right amount of money - but i think the main issue is trying to fit the 4WD box in - it's just so tight as it is with the FWD box that trying to fit the 4WD box in will most likely require major surgery to the towers and firewall just to make it fit.

I've never seen where the prop shaft comes out but that itself would be another issue trying to line it up. You'd need to fabricate a new tunnel and then you would also have issues with the exhaust and where to put that.

If you are starting off concerned about money then i wouldn't even bother to attempt it. It will just end in tears or never happen at all.

4WD would be awesome no doubt - talk to tricky as he is attempting a Honda AWD conversion. Don't dismiss FWD though as there is still a lot of development to be done with the mini chassis in trying to get the power to the ground and things will always be improving.

Also put your location in your profile. It will help us point you in the right direction should you need any help.

<edit> Just saw you are in Perth. Add it to your profile

_________________

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

Nobody has done a 4WD 4efte ... yet.
The 4WD versions were not sold in Aus either, so will be hard to come across a complete drivetrain. If you did, I'm sure it would be possible to mate it to a 4efte without too many hassles. I know Baracade looked into when building his 4efte monster engined LS.

If you look in the conversions section, you will see a couple of boys over East are making up Honda 4wd based conversions.

_________________
Too many cars, and too little time.

I have the cash for the basic conversion and the patience to sit and wait while i earn some more to do the whole thing if it would work.

I just feel that FWD is so limiting when it comes to power delivery in any car, i dont want smoke and understeer, i want it to bog down on its haunches then explode

Josh beat me to it, but yes it can certainly be done given time+money.

Make sure you come down to Manning Park for the BMC day, there will be heaps of minis (and maybe a conversion or two?).

_________________
Too many cars, and too little time.

The who what where when now?

Buy an EVO VII+ for 30-40k

_________________

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

You think that will fit in a mini?

No, but it will fit in a Swift

http://www.redlinegti.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=34719

<edit> pic won't work, follow the link

_________________
Too many cars, and too little time.

BMC Day - Manning Park, Spearwood
cars entering from 10am for 11am start
Sunday 26 October 2008

gold coin donation upon entry. Usually all the mini clubs are there.

_________________
Too many cars, and too little time.

how hot is that thing!

_________________
Here am I sitting in my tin can far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do...



“A turbo: exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens and you go faster.” - Jeremy Clarkson

Now doesn't this sound familiar to a lot of us?

Dicko

Shades of quite a few actually Dicko!

Ahhh, the memories..............

But, if there is a will there's a way. Rosco, you need to firstly define the use, the scope, then the budget and finally the timeframe. Once you have these, then you can look at powerplant and drivetrain alternatives (from most complex to least complex) and then find the line of best fit.

Once you have the conversion specifics nailed, then its time to talk to someone about doing it for you, or doing it yourself, and research who has done it before and how they did it and the mistakes they made, and then when you have finished researching, research some more!

Lastly, talk to an Engineer, get their feedback, and if they are amenable to the idea, simply start!

Cheers,
Tricky

_________________
"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

And if you fancy a drive to talk about it and see one approaching the final (ish) stages Give me a PM next time you are heading to Kalgoorlie! (FWD not 4WD though)

_________________
-James.

Toyota 4EFTE Powered Minivan.
102 Kw @ The Front Wheels....Oh What a Feeling!

Hi Rosco, not wanting to burst your bubble but the 4wd box only came out on the 4efe not the TE, so isn't that strong. But I am sure you can beef it up, but if you are talking 200hp atw then you may just lunch it after a short period. Also a guy on Austarlet has actually sourced a box and is in the process of installing it (but on a Starlet) but at least it would give you a good idea. Guys avatar is Hanimii I believe...

Cheers

Matt

_________________
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