The Other Mini. 'Busa Engine Purchased!

[poolmike]

And I think I'm going to keep it.

I picked it up at Mid-Atlantic Terminal today. The delivery boat is in the background.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/9210/65mini004pi3.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5245/65mini006ru7.jpg

Now it is home.

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/5858/65mini011kc1.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7025/65mini012dp3.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/766/65mini013eo0.jpg

Bolted the 12" MiniLites 11-04-06. It cleans up nice now.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/3452/65mini001nj6.jpg

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/316/65mini002nk9.jpg

It's only running on one cylinder due to beat plug wires and a wasted distributer cap, But I drove it around the block anyway. I'm going to do a compression check tomorrow and a complete tun up this week.

[sisforsurfing]

Awesome, Mike!! Glad to hear it. I was almost worried it was going to be a giant headache, good thing that was avoided.

And sweet that it runs, even if rough. Slap those monster 14's on there!! hahaa

[TROLL]

weeee awesome. was that ship transporting new and used cars? from where to where? i dont see how the subies fit into the story, unless thats just a main port for automotive importation?

[Gorilla Unit 33]

wow congrats on the new mini.

[poolmike]

That ship brought all kinds of cars from NZ and Austrailia. That port in particular was mainly automotive. It was a sea of cars/trucks/farm equipment/etc. There were literally hundreds of STi's and hundreds more WRX's. I'm assuming a fresh load from Subaru. It was an interesting trip.

[TalonTsi97]

awesome, i like it better then your other one but wish it had a wider body on it. Im really happy this all worked out for you, i have seen other people run into major problems importing a car.

[poolmike]

awesome, i like it better then your other one but wish it had a wider body on it. Im really happy this all worked out for you, i have seen other people run into major problems importing a car.

Well, there was a HUGE breakdown in communication between Customs and my Customs broker. But it all worked out. However, I don't have it titled and registered yet and I am going to the Notary in a few minutes to get that nightmare started.

The story will continue later. I will post up some details about importing vehicles and how I hate dealing with union workers.

[BlackBulletTSi]

sounds awesome mike

[S4toSTI]

Can't wait to check it out soon. If i don't see you at a meet soon i am gonna have to come to the house to see it. Anyword on the other ones?

[poolmike]

AARRRGGHHH! The seller only supplied me with a 'copy' of the original certificate of registration from NZ== useless! I cannot get a title without the original. So I have to contact the seller, who is difficult to get ahold of, to try and settle this:furious:

[Evo8kid]

aw mike, why didnt you put the mini INSIDE the sprinter?!?!? that was my favorite haha

[poolmike]

aw mike, why didnt you put the mini INSIDE the sprinter?!?!? that was my favorite haha

It is ~2" too wide. I *might* build a platform for it to get it over the wheelhouses:lol:


I contacted Broadway Title Service in Alabama. They solve the 'no title/lost title' problem. I have to sell them the car to be titled in AL, then they sell it back to me with the proper Bill of Sale, Certificate of Registration, etc. Then I should be good to go in PA. It costs around $130.

[S4toSTI]

Well 130 to have this all buttoned up doesn't sound too bad to me.

[Dave]

glad to see its in decent shape! i keep toying with the idea of bringing in an aussie falcon someday

[SilverTurboRidin]

wow mike looks awesome dude!!!! Best of luck with it

[poolmike]

Well 130 to have this all buttoned up doesn't sound too bad to me.

Its my only option. The bastard seller won't call me back or respond to emails about the location of the original title. Even if he does send it to me, it would take weeks for the state to send me a title and plate. Without the title, I have to apply for a 'R' title, which takes MONTHS to get approved if at all.

So, hopefully Broadway Title is the answer. I had the bill of sale notarized and I'm sending it out today.

[S4toSTI]

So basically for the time being your just gonna use the other minis plate cause even if they run it all it will say is mini and what do the cops know about british cars.

[CleanNeon98]

nice rims..my fav type...saw a couple over in london :)

[KawBoy]

Sweet, glad you finally got it

[poolmike]

Well, today's compression check found 130psi in all for cylinders:banana: So the engine is tight. It is only firing on one the #2 cylinder due to a smoked distributer cap and rotor, wasted plug wires, and a stock coil. I'll be placing an order for plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and a Petronix electronic ignition to replace the original points.

[Honest_Bob]

Sweet, you allways have all the cool goodies. The mini looks like it would be fun to drive.

[poolmike]

I got rid of the old, busticated side entry distributer cap and far from reliable points/condenser ignition....

http://img469.imageshack.us/img469/231/65mini002ba5.jpg

The old points set up..
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6619/65mini003rz8.jpg

Then new Petronix electronic ignition installed

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3139/65mini004ie5.jpg

New cap, wires, plugs, and coil

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5606/65mini005gz4.jpg


She's running like a top. I still have to get some 1/8" copper tubing and bend up a vacuum advance line for the distributer.

I drove it around the block and all went well until the headlights burned out. Apparently I forgot to rewire them when I converted it from positive ground to negative ground:roll:

[ITSTOCK]

Those things are awesome!!! How hard is it to make them legal to drive over here?

[poolmike]

Those things are awesome!!! How hard is it to make them legal to drive over here?

It is totally legal to drive...once I get the title and get it registered. PennDot Sucks!!

[ITSTOCK]

EDIT: Nevermind, those things are a pretty penny.

[poolmike]

A good solid workable Mini can be brought over for less than $6000.

[vr6exy]

wow, i love it.

[04 Turbo Spec]

that car always make me chuckle, i dont know why :lol:

[sisforsurfing]

Nice work Mike! Glad to hear it's running well.

[poolmike]

This one makes me chuckle even more than the yellow one. It has a smaller engine, straight cut gears that whine real loud, and that hydroelastic suspension for that real Mini 'bounce'.

Waiting for the title is going to be soooo painful. I just got the notice in he mail today stating ' you *should* receive your completed paperwork by
02/07/07':cry:

[auk113]

nice to see your making progress.

P.S. i always chucle when i see mike get out of one. if you knoe mike you know what i'm talking about

[StreetEG]

Fully built honda D16? 160whp weight 11 lbs. Noiiiiiccceeeeeee

[poolmike]

Finally, after 5 months since I paid for it, I OWN IT!!

I received the paperwork from Broadway Title Company, the Bill of Sale, Alabama registration, and the papers with the Alabama title laws. I took it all to the notary, and got it all wrapped up.

Now the fire is lit to get it road ready for Spring!

[zerioustt]

Finally, after 5 months since I paid for it, I OWN IT!!

I received the paperwork from Broadway Title Company, the Bill of Sale, Alabama registration, and the papers with the Alabama title laws. I took it all to the notary, and got it all wrapped up.

Now the fire is lit to get it road ready for Spring!


congrats!! def cant wait to see it on the road...gl with it!

[delspool]

i bet thats a relief that its all over with lol

[BMS]

Sweet, wat r ur plans for it.

[poolmike]

Sweet, wat r ur plans for it.

At this point, it is going to get a quick resto/mod. All of the metal is good, but it need some paint and updating. The floors need to be stripped and rustproofed. After that, I will paint interior parts and insulate the floor, roof, and doors. Then, repaint the exterior in Old English White with some Cooper S stripes.

Meanwhile, I am on the hunt for a 1275cc engine to build. The old 850 just isn't up to the task.

[SpoolinDSM]

drop a srt-4 motor in that bitch

[poolmike]

^^ Hell No.

[wgknestrick]

cough, cough, do this

http://www.zcars.org.uk/videos/winmedia/black.wmv

[Renegade_]

What motors could you fit in that car anyway? I highly doubt engine clearances would allow a larger displacement motor to be swapped in unless you do subframe and chassis modification. Width-wise you couldn't swap a boxer motor in either because they are too wide and no doubt hit the wheel wells.

[wgknestrick]

What motors could you fit in that car anyway? I highly doubt engine clearances would allow a larger displacement motor to be swapped in unless you do subframe and chassis modification. Width-wise you couldn't swap a boxer motor in either because they are too wide and no doubt hit the wheel wells.

http://www.zcars.org.uk/mini/index.htm

[ozthunder]

Ls1 ;)

[dt98gsr]

Wow, sorry to hear it took so long to get everything finalized. In the end I'm sure it will all be worth it, that is a very cool car you have there.

ITR B18C5 swap in minis is actually pretty common from what I understand.

At some point in my life I would love to get a ride in an original mini.

[poolmike]

How 'bout I just get a 1275cc MINI ENGINE, supercharge it, and drive it.

[zerioustt]

How 'bout I just get a 1275cc MINI ENGINE, supercharge it, and drive it.


sounds like wheeeeeeeee!!!!


haha its not meant to be a monster..i say just outfit her with the best suspension for it.

[poolmike]

I flushed the cooling system, pressure tested the heater core( it blew apart:bigeek: ), installed a 2 chamber Flowmaster. I have to go get one more exhaust clamp, then it will be ready for its first North American ride :mrgreen:

[poolmike]

Well, I have been driving the $h!t out of it for the past few days. It really runs smooth, rides and handles great, and gets around 40-45mpg!

Yesterday, I drove to Morristown MINI for the R56 roll out party(fun car, I beat the crap out of one:mrgreen: ) After that, I went with some folks from NEMINI.org to Clinton Station Diner for 'The World's Smallest Burgers'. Good Times!

Today's journey led me to some slush covered dirt roads in Upper Bucks for some mild rally style driving. The car is definitely fun.

[poolmike]

I still have to pull the bumpers and a few little things, but she's almost ready for a paint job.


http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/5799/miniteardown006es1.jpg

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/5416/miniteardown005rp9.jpg


Nice solid floors!


http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/7173/miniteardown004vq9.jpg


http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/8144/miniteardown003ke1.jpg


Solid trunk/boot/whateverthef...theycallit....

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/2068/miniteardown001mj2.jpg


And I guess this is the original paint code?? I have to research this color.


http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/7996/miniteardown002pi0.jpg

[Honest_Bob]

Are you gonna get it painted in the origonal color?

[BluMeanie]

Heh...bored at work. http://www.minimania.com/web/DisplayID/481/SCatagory/Paint%20Codes/DisplayType/Technical%20Information/ArticleV.cfm

[poolmike]

I don't know. I have been searching Mini forums everywere, trying to find a pic of one in Arabian Grey....No luck:( I am seriously considering Meadow Green(old ford truck color) with an Old English White roof.

[poolmike]

Heh...bored at work. http://www.minimania.com/web/DisplayID/481/SCatagory/Paint%20Codes/DisplayType/Technical%20Information/ArticleV.cfm

Thanks for the link Suzie. I have been thru that one a few billion times trying to find a picture.

[CHAOS]

definitely looks like a solid platform... minor sheetmetal work and youll be in great shpe.

[TROLL]

i think the mini is good as is for now... get the truck back together! :)

[poolmike]

I just don't have enough cash for the truck, not to mention I changed my mind on my axle choice....time for Rockwells!

Anywho, the Mini goes first being that it will require less cash. I'll be cruising this Summer!

[AMF Racing]

nice project!!! co-worked of mine has one, and is doin a full ground up resto in a old triumph :)

[poolmike]

nice project!!! co-worked of mine has one, and is doin a full ground up resto in a old triumph :)

Cool. Is he local??

[teh DIRT]

I love that car. If i could drop an awd drivetrain in it I would get one in a heartbeat.

[Barry'z (NJ)]

Mike will you marry me?

lol... J/K but I definitely love the toys you keep posting, very nice!!

[poolmike]

I love that car. If i could drop an awd drivetrain in it I would get one in a heartbeat.

Pete, where there's a will (and a big fat wallet) there's a way. Those gears are still turning. Maybe, someday, an all-wheel subiepowered Morris Minor will roam thru TST.

[StreetEG]

d16z6 + boost? come onnnnn do it

[twistedlanes]

those things are small........ I changed the rear brakes on one that was imported, in class about two weeks ago. It was a brownish green color with a plaid interior, no reverse and a leaky wheel cylinder . Pimpin, oh and I'm told it was only about three grand for the whole process, no idea on the specifics.

[poolmike]

The Mini just got a healthy dose of Aircraft Stripper. If you listen close, you can hear the paint peeling off. So far, it goes in this order....white,red, white again, then a purple color, then the original Arabian Gray, then primer. I should have ordered a whole skid of stripper.

[TROLL]

wow... repainted that many times? geez. well, glad you're sticking with it and hopefully she'll be repainted and getting put back together soon.
bryan

[poolmike]

I've killed the few remaining brain cells I had with paint stripper fumes, but the paint lives on. I'm down to the primer in most areas. I have only run into one area of concern...the right headlight area is all filler. A new fender will be ordered tomorrow. Not bad for 40+ years.

Now it's time to decide on a color.....hmmmm what'll it be????

[Ender81]

Arabian Gray, can't beat an original color and it's not a bad looking color for the car.

[TROLL]

the color the car was isnt arabian gray... sounds like it had about 4 newer coats on it.
i do like some sort of creme color, or green sounds good... i dont know, i think it'll look great in a lot of colors. want to post photos of some of your favorite classic minis?

[Ender81]

Yeah it was painted over but the Arabian Gray is the first coat after the primer so it's the original color the car was when it was bought new. That's what I meant.

[MuddyREX]

I think a nice deep hunter green would look awesome.

[poolmike]

Arabian gray is just plain boring. There is NOTHING that can be added to it that would make it even remotely attractive. I don't know where the British got their paints, but there were so many dull Minis back in the day.

I really want to go with Meadow Green (old Ford truck color) with an Old English White roof. I'm just afraid of dark colors showing the flaws in the body. The other factor is this...I plan on using the car as a promotional vehicle for the pool business, so it will get some blue vinyl lettering on the windows. So, maybe Old English White all over would be good, with the proper chrome accents, done up with all the rally stuff like a roof rack and a bumper load of spot lights would look nice. It is a painful decision.


Meanwhile, I'm going to strip some more paint off:bigeek:

[MuddyREX]

So, maybe Old English White all over would be good, with the proper chrome accents, done up with all the rally stuff like a roof rack and a bumper load of spot lights would look nice.

I approve of this decision.

[Honest_Bob]

done up with all the rally stuff like a roof rack and a bumper load of spot lights would look nice. It is a painful decision.



YES YES!! Rally stuff = good. :mrgreen:

[poolmike]

It's getting closer to being completely stripped. I'm down to most all primer.

Here are some pics from earlier this afternoon.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9820/miniteardown001nk0.jpg


http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3940/miniteardown002eh0.jpg

This fender has to go!

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4428/miniteardown003sa9.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9613/miniteardown004xy0.jpg



More stripping tomorrow. Now I understand why body shops charge so much $$$$$. This is just painful.

[AMF Racing]

wow that is a lot of work. coming along nicely though, its gonna be sick when your done!

[Buster]

Is this the one that you just picked up or the yellow one?

[uurxin]

is that old bondo i see everywhere or is my mind playing tricks one me.... you should have just gotten the car media blasted.. save a bunch of time.. idk about $$.. but yeah

[AMF Racing]

is that old bondo i see everywhere or is my mind playing tricks one me.... you should have just gotten the car media blasted.. save a bunch of time.. idk about $$.. but yeah

looks like different stages of paint/primer to me. some parts just have more crap taken off. could be wrong though.

[poolmike]

There is a lot of filler in the right front fender, I already ordered a new one. The rest of the car has some filler over some dings and scratches, also some old lead repairs. Media blasting would have been easier, but I didn't want to find out the hard way that there was nothing under the paint.

[poolmike]

Now that my busy season is winding down, I realized this car is still in my garage, with no paint on it. My buddy Scott is picking it up next week to do the body work and prep it for paint. If all goes well, it should be done by Spring '08. Pam decided on a light green exterior with a white roof and pearl interior.

[Shawn@R/Ttuning]

Good luck Mini's kick ass.

[poolmike]

Time to blow the dust off this thing. I haven't touched it in over a year now.

I just payed for a '07 Hayabusa engine and brain. I should be picking it up tomorrow afternoon or Friday. This swap is going to cost me big $$$, but I really want to do it.

This will probably require selling the wagon for some funds. I'll see what happens.

[teh DIRT]

wow, i thought a honda K20 into an older mini was cool. Busa engine is definitely cooler. If you ever need a hand let me know, would love to help.

[poolmike]

Thanks for the offer Pete. I will let you know when things start to happen. Zcars is sending me all of their info and two dvd's...one that explains the kit install and the other is of the actual cars out on the track.

This car builder needs a bailout fast!

[S4toSTI]

Dude you bought it no fing way.

[poolmike]

I bought the engine...the cheap part. I still need the funds for the kit.

[S4toSTI]

Yeah i know but its a step towards a mini with a busa engine. Dibs on first in car video and photoshoot.

[sisforsurfing]

Yeah, wow, that's really awesome Mike. Congrats on the motor, between this and the truck you'll have total opposite ends of the badass vehicle spectrum.

[upperguy]

Thanks for the offer Pete. I will let you know when things start to happen. Zcars is sending me all of their info and two dvd's...one that explains the kit install and the other is of the actual cars out on the track.

This car builder needs a bailout fast!

Apply with the gov't, I would buy from you before ford/gm/Chrysler

[TROLL]

sweeeet. you're the man mike!

[CRXed]

You ****in' monster!

[92sileighty]

it's so little! i love it though

[Proven]

Awsome project Mike!!

You have any links or pics of the kit to install the Hyabusa engine? Main reason I ask is Im curious to see how it converts from chain driven to I'm guessing axle driven? A separate gear box tied into the engines output shaft?

[MyCarIsFTL]

She's cute! Congrats :)

[Drifting240sx]

OMFG that is awesome man!!!!!!!!!

[poolmike]

Awsome project Mike!!

You have any links or pics of the kit to install the Hyabusa engine? Main reason I ask is Im curious to see how it converts from chain driven to I'm guessing axle driven? A separate gear box tied into the engines output shaft?


http://www.zcars.org.uk/mini/conversion.htm

It will be chain driven with an electric motor for reverse. The only real problem that I will need to work out is the charging system. The car won't have any electric consumption, but it could be a heavy load compared to a bike.

It will be a learning experience. I know nothing about bikes.

[upperguy]

Forget reverse, I've found that donuts are the best way to turn around:)

[Proven]

http://www.zcars.org.uk/mini/conversion.htm

It will be chain driven with an electric motor for reverse. The only real problem that I will need to work out is the charging system. The car won't have any electric consumption, but it could be a heavy load compared to a bike.

It will be a learning experience. I know nothing about bikes.

You wernt kidding with it not being cheap (the conversion kit). I didnt think it would be like THAT (8100 US if im correct).

I would give TOCC a call (tricked out custom cycles) corny name but he def. knows his stuff when it comes to the busa engine. They built a 4 wheel Hyabusa that I would imagine he would of put reverse on. They might be able to work with you on making you your own kit.

[Vr-4-Life]

just change the firing order and make it spin backwards :lol:

[poolmike]

You wernt kidding with it not being cheap (the conversion kit). I didnt think it would be like THAT (8100 US if im correct).

I would give TOCC a call (tricked out custom cycles) corny name but he def. knows his stuff when it comes to the busa engine. They built a 4 wheel Hyabusa that I would imagine he would of put reverse on. They might be able to work with you on making you your own kit.

I will be in touch with them for sure. They do know their stuff.


I am heading out tomorrow to pick up the engine and possibly a turbo kit. The guy has a load of parts. Should be interesting.

[CarbonIS]

so sick mike!

[cmr076]

you have way toooo many of these things! i want one to keep my newer mini company!

[twastheglow]

I am heading out tomorrow to pick up the engine and possibly a turbo kit. The guy has a load of parts. Should be interesting.

Turbo 'busa motor for the mother****ing win!!!

[poolmike]

you have way toooo many of these things! i want one to keep my newer mini company!

My wagon is going up for sale.......It will need some rust repair as they all do, but it runs great!

[namdoogwerdna]

Turbo 'busa motor for the mother****ing win!!!

QFT, Mike it will be well worth it

[poolmike]

Well, I still have to negotiate the turbo deal. I have no clue what is on the bike or what it is worth.

[92sileighty]

what does the kit come with? has it been used on the busa? how many miles"

[poolmike]

Supposed to be header, turbo, BOV, boost control, etc. It has been on a Hayabusa. I will get details tomorrow.

[92sileighty]

thats good, the fuel system is included in the etc right?

[lownslow95]

a 'busa motor in that car would be sick. good luck with it. you deff build some sick/crazy cars.

[poolmike]

thats good, the fuel system is included in the etc right?

I'm guessing? I don't know crap about bikes. I will get the details tomorrow.

[92sileighty]

I'm guessing? I don't know crap about bikes. I will get the details tomorrow.

lol alright, i'll be waiting for em

[poolmike]

I just got home from picking up the 'Busa engine. It looks good, hopefully it runs good. I got home to find my Ultimate Mini Builder dvds from Z-Cars in my mailbox. I'll be watching this for a few hours.

[CRXed]

Mike I can't picture you, huge guy in a small ridiculously slow mini going to a super fast one.

You better drive it like this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLtMh20qIp8

[poolmike]

I will beat the crap out of it!

This Z-Cars dvd is very detailed. The install would be slightly time consuming, but not difficult. One major problem...the motor seems to sit really far forward to a point where I might have a serious seating issue in a standard Mini. This might be a project for the wagon so I have enough leg room.

[CRXed]

I will gladly take the regular mini!