to keep the price down you have to do your own work, Period!!!!

I have about $12-13K USD into my car so far, that's the price of a built motor/gearbox/subframe/axles, hondata ecm, aftermarket wiring harness for the engine and shell, everything needed for a vtec swap and a complete fuel system, mini-tec rear subframe, coilovers all the way around, roll cage, 9.5 in big brakes up front, clubby front clip and all the sheet metal repairs the shell needed and a paint job, plus buying the car in England and shipping it to the states

ive done all of own work

I don't count the hundreds of hours of cutting, fitting, welding, and prep for paint body work I've put in on labor

but I have the freedom to make a change to my car if I don't like the way something is, I make the change and rebuild it to my liking

mini-tec charges a ton of money to do the vtec swaps, but your shell needs to be in good order, if not then that's how people end up have $50 to 100K plus into a classic mini

Just got back from mini Meet West in Canada. drove up and back in my Ramco Conversion, B-16B 190 HP mini....for the second time!  This time drove 3,100 miles including side trips....Did not win fast time in Autocross this time though -:  The course was the tightest/slowest/ shortest I have seen; 22 seconds long....no advantage for horsepower cars set up for track events.  It was a rough ride on the lowered suspension.  Removed the passenger seat for sleeping on the 10 day trip.  Got 35 MPG average with this high compression big cam version of the B-16 (type-R).  Only prob was a brand new Chinese rear wheel bearing that loosened up by Seattle, so stopped off at Aarons and he had it off, re greased and back on in a jiffy; Thanks Aaron.  The American Racer 10" treaded slicks held up for the whole trip and then some....Probably good for 6K highway miles or more; (I had 4 spares just in case).  Used only half a quart of oil too.  Just need to vacuum out the carpet and I'll be ready to go again.  13,000 trouble free VTEC miles and counting. BTW, this kit can be owner-installed and on the road for under 8,000$ including a JDM import motor and trans.   

Just chiming in for the vtec community. If you feel like tackling the vtec swap as your own project, look to spend somewhere from 2k and up. I did my build on a budget and love it. 

You might want to look at 16vminiclub.com and check out some of the peep's builds. If you don't have the skill level then you might have to just fork over the money or leave a blank check with minitec. 

I have a sohc vtec swap and have driven it daily. Never see an issue with 70+mph traffic or 100 degree weather. 

Take a peek at that forum and see what's your fancy. : )

Got some pictures and videos? if I can't get my engine fixed I might look into doing this conversion. 

I use golf cart wheels as well...not vikings.

I know the Viking 10x7 golf cart wheels have been in numerous discussions for the classic mini ... But on a mini vtec???? I guess it will hold.

His build was over on 16vminiclub and one of the best builds ive seen.Did an amazing job on the car and had helped tons of people including myself.

Dear Santa,

https://youtu.be/p9xFDvuRNQY

love,

Armycook

N j is reading this post and smiling down on us- R I P

Big Al

Scott that is the kind of post we need here more often.  Quick and to the point - thanks.

 

You're a nuisance here, don't you realize that?

Loud??? Ever hear a stock honda civic??? Cars are only LOUD because of the exhaust.Mine is fairly quiet,in fact its quieter now then with the old 1275 junk and stupid mini style exhaust.Around town with only a single thrush muffler isnt bad,was quieter with resonator etc but im preparing for turbo which quiets it down.

I can BLAST down the highway on my 10s in the fast lane behind all the street bikes and fast drivers on a nice night and pass people very easily if theyre goong slower in that lane lol still needs 200MORE hp i think

Boison,im waiting for someone to ask why you wouldnt want to be a nuisance around your neighborhood but you are one on here..you know its coming...3...2....1....

plus, vtec engines are really loud , i dont want to be a nuisance around my neighborhood,one thing about me i really like quiet engine and exhaust, i need to see car move even before i hear it rev.  but its just me.

power wise , vtec is excellent.and the busa as well.

After driving it, I think "aviation money" is pretty much accurate.

The mechanical aspect of the swap is impressive though, but.....$10K for an engine swap. That's aviation money.

listen jerseymini !! 

1.  It is not simple or cheap.  Budget $10,000 or so plus your car.

2. It can be done, using Minitec's stuff, in your garage with simple hand tools

3.  A B16A can be driven on 10" wheels

4.  The car drives much like it did with the 1310, until you mash the gas pedal.  Very driveable. Shifts better.  Doesn't drip oil.

5.  Scary fast at full throttle

6.  You'll probably end up changing other things as well, like headlights, wiring, etc.

 

Not a job for the feint hearted, but worth it in the end.