VTEC Mini's

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Which Wire Harness

steve — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:43:43 GMT

Author: steve
Subject: Re: Which Wire Harness
Posted: November 19 2008, 01:43 PM (GMT -8)

we are at that point too and have found a source for custom made harnesses using the most popular and tunable honda system, the OBD-1. This harness will allow use of the Honda ECU and will include circuits for engine sensors, injectors, a custom fuse box, fan, fuel pump, and honda gauge cluster, ignition switch, and running lights. we will have a price soon.

there will be an option for chipping the ecu to allow pre programed tuning maps to be used which will add power by changing the ecu settings to take advantage of free flowing exhaust and intake systems as well as elimination of smog equipment. Also, VTEC controll, rev limit controll, etc. This will normally free up another 20+ HP.

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Zcars Project Begun

Zmini — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:56:24 GMT

Author: Zmini
Subject: Re: Zcars Project Begun
Posted: November 19 2008, 08:56 AM (GMT -8)

Oh have fun! Thats my next one

If you need help let me know.

http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forum...cd&showforum=89

You know of this site right?

Introductions :: RE: New Member

nono1345 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:06:30 GMT

Author: nono1345
Subject: Re: New Member
Posted: November 18 2008, 04:06 PM (GMT -8)

I agree 100% with these responses too!

I'm new to the group here, but just starting a conversion myself within the last year or so, I can really relate to you.

If I had ANYTHING I couldve done over again at this point in time, I wouldve just ordered a new shell from Heritage...and started there.

http://vcascianelli.blogspot.com

For Sale :: RE: Complete Sheetmetal FE Assy For Classic Mini

Quickcarnut — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:31:11 GMT

Author: Quickcarnut
Subject: Re: Complete Sheetmetal FE Assy For Classic Mini
Posted: November 18 2008, 11:31 AM (GMT -8)

send a link

Build & Work Logs :: Which Wire Harness

Quickcarnut — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:29:54 GMT

Author: Quickcarnut
Subject: Which Wire Harness
Posted: November 18 2008, 11:29 AM (GMT -8)

at that point!!

so which harness has everyone put in ? how many circuits are needed

as I have no wires in my van

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Zcars Project Begun

Irishdude — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:08:23 GMT

Author: Irishdude
Subject: Re: Zcars Project Begun
Posted: November 18 2008, 12:08 AM (GMT -8)

Just found a mini and bought it.. Hopefully will be coming on wednesday.. Then will be looking to do the Hayabusa kit, I have alot ot live up to in this build.. Can't wait

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Green Monster Build

N. J. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:39:33 GMT

Author: N. J.
Subject: Re: Green Monster Build
Posted: November 14 2008, 04:39 PM (GMT -8)

Speaking to Lance's post about checking simple things first. I recently managed to wear the shoulders off my Falken Ziex 175/60/13's with some fun driving while underinflated (28 PSI on tires it turns out are rated for max 51PSI).

I inflated to 34 PSI to wear the centers down while I look for suitable replacements. It was then that I noticed a distinct increase in the tendency to pull left.

Shortly after, I was adding small shims to stop the brake pad rattle that has plagued me from day two. When I pulled the left front wheel to put the shims in place, I found the shock just hanging from the top mount, completely clear of the bottom mounting bolt.

Aha! SO that wasn't a rock I heard passing under the car a couple of weeks ago!!!

Yeah, it tracks a LOT better with the shocks bolted top AND bottom.

Now she's down for a torn right front CV boot. I caught it right after it happend...hardly any grease thrown about.

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Green Monster Build

magic robots — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:55:33 GMT

Author: magic robots
Subject: Re: Green Monster Build
Posted: November 14 2008, 02:55 PM (GMT -8)

Thanks for the input guys!

Meno, what exactly do you mean by "symmetry"? Making sure the subframe isn't off at an angle or something? Is that possible when it's bolted with those giant bolts on the firewall? I'll definitely measure around and see if there are some weird differences.

Regarding the corner balancing; yes -- I sat in the driver's seat the whole time, and the fuel tank was a bit more than half full; which is how I figured I'd start it at performance events.

I do have an LSD: off an Integra Type-R.

NJ: This is a repeatable behavior which I have noticed on lots of different driving surfaces; small roads, highways, on/off ramps, large empty parking lots, etc. I'm trying to be as scientific as possible! Problem is, I just don't really know what I'm doing!

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Green Monster Build

sachilles — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:30:37 GMT

Author: sachilles
Subject: Re: Green Monster Build
Posted: November 14 2008, 02:30 PM (GMT -8)

Good advice Meno...check everything first.

I also have to ask, was it corner weighted with you in the driver seat(or equivalent weight)?

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Green Monster Build

Meno — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:16:04 GMT

Author: Meno
Subject: Re: Green Monster Build
Posted: November 14 2008, 09:16 AM (GMT -8)

I struggled with a similar issue also - after months of listening to the bravado of self proclaimed experts it was Don of Mini Mania that diagnosed the issue correctly. I had been blaming alignment and steering rack issues for the diabolical lane jumping and chalked it up as torque steer. In my case, that was wrong.

The subframe separated at a key point in the semetry. One might think any smuck would have noticed but due the color of the subframe and the bushings, no one (4 sets of professional eyes plus many phone conversations with M/T) noticed the 1/2 inch of separation until Don began pulling measurements off of the subframe. Voila! After all of that time and money on R&D (replaced phantom grip with a Quaife LSD, used 1/4 inch steel plates to immobilize the steering rack, installed a new Italian quick turn steering rack )all to learn the subframe failure was causing the issue. Once fixed it tracked better than it ever did so the additional work didn't go utterly wasted...which is the silver lining I suppose.

So that was my issue and you may have something TOTALLY other but the one bit of information I learned which seems to be common sense as I look back is to check primary issues first --> symmetry then alignment then mechanical features.

Hope this helps and good luck with your fix.

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Green Monster Build

N. J. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:54:42 GMT

Author: N. J.
Subject: Re: Green Monster Build
Posted: November 13 2008, 04:54 PM (GMT -8)

Items for your consideration...

LSD?

Torque steer? (right turns fighting the tendency to pull left; left turns going with the flow)

Amount of crown in road where you're making the evaluation. (a deserted parking lot would be nice).

Corner balanced with you and "x" fuel load in it?

Introductions :: RE: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....

Rocketcoffin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:44:26 GMT

Author: Rocketcoffin
Subject: Re: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....
Posted: November 13 2008, 07:44 AM (GMT -8)

I am in Boise, ID. I was not aware there was anybody out there making a sub frame kit besides mini tec. I will definitely check them out - thanks!

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Green Monster Build

Tavis1 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:02:20 GMT

Author: Tavis1
Subject: Re: Green Monster Build
Posted: November 13 2008, 07:02 AM (GMT -8)

HHHMMMMMMMMM........... This is an interesting problem. So there was no change when you had the car balanced or aligned? Do you have LSD?

Introductions :: RE: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....

steve — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:03:12 GMT

Author: steve
Subject: Re: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....
Posted: November 13 2008, 01:03 AM (GMT -8)

Welcome aboard. Where are you located? I would like to mention that we have customers using our frame kits for D series motors as well. Please compare quality and prices. See Alexander/ Ramco in the Sub Frame section and pics in our Gallery on this site.

Cheers.

For Sale :: Complete Sheetmetal FE Assy For Classic Mini

theminimark — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:11:42 GMT

Author: theminimark
Subject: Complete Sheetmetal FE Assy For Classic Mini
Posted: November 12 2008, 03:11 PM (GMT -8)

Hi, Please see my Mini Mania "cars for sale" ad about the complete sheetmetal nose for classic Mini. This could make your project a whole lot easier, and you might not have to go fiberglas.

Best regards,

MSH

Introductions :: RE: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....

Rocketcoffin — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:59:16 GMT

Author: Rocketcoffin
Subject: Re: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....
Posted: November 12 2008, 02:59 PM (GMT -8)

Yeah, I felt the same way about my 85 rx-7, so I threw a turbocharged v8 in it, now I have too much hp....

Anyway, I plan on logging it all in a build log, and have built quite a few Hondas and hybrid mongrel cars, so it should be pretty straight forward. What sucks is that now I am doing it all in my garage instead of in a fully equipped performance shop (the place I worked for 7 years went out of business).

Heres a shot of how the mini sits right now -

and here's the car it shares the stable with -

Here's my last d-motor powered car - an 82 civic with a SOHC VTEC motor swapped in that was turbocharged -

When Im done I will have 2 cars with non oem motors in them - guess I cant ever leave well enough alone....

Build & Work Logs :: RE: Green Monster Build

magic robots — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:55:37 GMT

Author: magic robots
Subject: Re: Green Monster Build
Posted: November 12 2008, 01:55 PM (GMT -8)

A suspension realization:

I thought that the car was just generally "sketchy" but have realized something. When turning LEFT, the car is planted and solid. When turning RIGHT, it sketches out and feels like it's going to oversteer all the time; even on long, gradual, slow turns. This is a LHD car, so it appears that the weight of my self is helping the car stay planted when turning left, and when turning right, my heavy ass is tipping the car over and killing the grip.

BUT.

I had the car corner balanced.

I had the car aligned.

What the diggity? I'm wondering if ballast would help, which would suck because who wants more weight, or if I need to adjust the suspension further using the incredibly precise "trial and error" method.

I love learning this stuff, I just wish I knew it all already so I could learn to drive already and stop concentrating on getting the car not to kill me. Although I guess this is a facet of "learning to drive" isn't it? A very important one.

Introductions :: RE: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....

magic robots — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:47:36 GMT

Author: magic robots
Subject: Re: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....
Posted: November 12 2008, 01:47 PM (GMT -8)

Haha your username is frigg'n awesome.

I also look forward to seeing your build log. I had a similar experience to yours regarding feeling underpowered, and now I feel that I have gone too far with my 150whp. The car is a handful! But oh so fun.

Welcome!

Introductions :: RE: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....

Tavis1 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:56:25 GMT

Author: Tavis1
Subject: Re: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....
Posted: November 12 2008, 11:56 AM (GMT -8)

Welcome! I am most eager to read about your build log! I have a '71 Mini that I plan on putting a D motor in so your info would be most helpful! Also if you could tell me what the aftermarket situation is for hopping up D motors would be great! Thanks!

Introductions :: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....

Rocketcoffin — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:19:22 GMT

Author: Rocketcoffin
Subject: 91 D Powered Mini Guy Signing In....
Posted: November 11 2008, 07:19 PM (GMT -8)

Hey all. Glad I found this site, I feel bad posting vtec questions on the regular mini board. Anyway, I have a 91 mini that I bought at a Japanese auction and imported to the US. I drove it around for about a year before I decided the under powered (25 hp to the ground on the dyno at the shop I worked for) carbed motor had to go. I have quite a bit of experience with honda powered cars, and love the reliability and inexpensiveness of the setups. I decided to go with the d-motor swap as I did not want to extend the nose with the flip up kit. I have started pulling everything apart and have also started piling up honda parts (and saving up for the minitec kit).

I plan on putting a build thread together soon to log my progress...

B Series :: RE: Exposing My Cam Gears...Need Help

N. J. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:11:33 GMT

Author: N. J.
Subject: Re: Exposing My Cam Gears...Need Help
Posted: November 08 2008, 06:11 PM (GMT -8)

How would you to use a holesaw to cut a partial hole in these pieces with no pilot hole?

Maybe a floor post drill with some sort of wooden jig to hold the parts steady?

I'd wager it would be easier as described. If I get to that point, it would be easier for me to take the valve cover to work and put it on a horizontal mill.

BTW, I re-furbished the original crinkle red JDM cover from my B18. It's available with the stock plug wire cover and a low-buck carbon fibre one. Post if anyone's interested.

B Series :: RE: Exposing My Cam Gears...Need Help

moparrich — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:43:59 GMT

Author: moparrich
Subject: Re: Exposing My Cam Gears...Need Help
Posted: November 08 2008, 03:43 PM (GMT -8)

couldn't you just use a large Holesaw??