Hey guys,
This is all happening alittle quick-the window of opportunity to pick up a whole GT starlet turbo is closing quick. Its going for a song so I thought it would be a good project for one on my vans. The vtec clubby is going sweet and thought another winter project could be good. I usually hang around the 16vmini club, but seeings as ausmini is the mecca for 4EFTE builds, I've been doing quite abit of research on here before the starlet goes.

Just a small clarification-like most of the engine transplants, is it the diff housing to steering rack in the mini that dictates how far back the engine can sit? I cant see any bulkhead modification for the rack or intake manifold in any of the build threads I've read-but I guess this may be due to regulations about this sort of mod in aussie?

(ok -it was 2 q's)

Cheers

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If you idiot proof the world, only idiots there shall be!!!!!

From my experience it is aligning the driveshafts with the standard mini hubs. And by rotating the engine forward you can move the engine back to align the driveshaft to hubs, which also helps clear the intake from the firewall. You will find that with the driveshaft pods fitted the engine can only be moved back so far before fouling on the lower control arm mount.

If you were putting in a layshaft mounted on a bracket off the block (see Mearcat build) then you would want to have the engine's left/right position so that the driveshafts are as equal as possible.

Im sure the others will give you their experiences also.

Just to add to that: Many Aus engineers prefer not modify the firewall.

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-James.

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

As Rob has said, the driveshaft CV cups can only go back so far before it fouls against the lower control arm mount but you can't keep the engine vertical at this point since the intake manifold will so the whole engine has to be tilted forward slightly (not much).

In my build thread (page 6 - http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=60133&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=75) you will see that I have rotated the engine forward around the driveshafts to allow the intake manifold to clear the bulkhead. More info with pics on this is on my blog too http://mearcat.blogspot.com/2010/10/finding-final-position-for-engine.html

There is NO need for modifying the bulkhead for the 4E engines in a Mini.

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-Alan
I blame my dad for my love of minis. I think I was conceived in the back seat of one
I also blame my Dad for me being 6' 1" - not really the optimum height for driving a Mini.

Cheers for the prompt replies guys, going to view the starlet tomorrow afternoon all going well.

Cheers, Glenn

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If you idiot proof the world, only idiots there shall be!!!!!

Well, a "good condition, checked over by a mechanic" GT starlet resulted in, severe knocking when idling, oil light staying on, even when revved slightly (oil over filled too), bubbles in radiator, plus sediment from one of those leak stop blocks........ oil dripping everywhere, so I left it there where it sat....... nevermind. Good thing tho is that it was the first 4efte I'd seen so took a while and had a good poke around it, plus with the limited reading I've been doing on here, I think I'll keep a keener eye out for a wreck/front cut.
Cheers
Glenn

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If you idiot proof the world, only idiots there shall be!!!!!

Definitely try and get a front cut or wreck and prevent the frustration of trying to source minor individual parts that you won't get from a short/long motor.

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-Alan
I blame my dad for my love of minis. I think I was conceived in the back seat of one
I also blame my Dad for me being 6' 1" - not really the optimum height for driving a Mini.

yeah, good advice-my honda transplant was a create motor or complete package deal, but even when purchasing like this, unless you are able to actually have the engine running before purchase, theres always a chance for less-then-honest-folk to take you for a ride. Front cuts are rare here in NZ for the 4efte, but they do come along-think I'll stick to the test and try before I buy policy and keep an eye out for a complete donor car.
Cheers

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If you idiot proof the world, only idiots there shall be!!!!!