1973 VTEC Mini

For many years, I have been fascinated with the original Mini. Designed for practically, it has succeeded to be one of the most recognized cars of all time. Although considered to be a classic, I’m the type of person who refuses to let a car sit in the garage. Given that I have the intentions to make a Mini a daily driver, I considered essential upgrades necessary to improve the reliability and performance of the Mini for a modern day commute. Initially my plans were to restore a Mini with run of the mill upgrades. However, plans changed which led to the acquisition of MiniTec VTEC Mini. First and foremost, the engine swap is the prevalent modification on the Mini. It currently has a Honda B18C motor from a 1998 JDM Acura Integra Type-R. To better refine the motor, upgrades were installed such as a cold air intake, larger throttle body, tri-y header, custom free flow exhaust, and a programmable ECU. The suspension was modernized with springs along with adjustable perches instead of rubber cones and 40-point adjustable shocks to fine tune the handling. Performance and handling is one thing, to make a car a splendid daily driver comfort must be considered; it was not disregarded. From a bone chilling A/C to a studio quality stereo, most of the modern day creature comforts have been retrofitted into this Mini. Of course, to get you from point A to point B safely, precautions must be acknowledged. With the stopping power of 4-piston calipers and 9.5” vented rotors, the Mini is well-suited to stop in an emergency situation. To see and be seen, a HID projector system and LED arrays have been retrofitted in place of incandescent bulbs. In conclusion, my desire to own a Mini has turned into a reality resulting in a vehicle that has exceeded all of my expectations. Best of all, not only does the Mini bring a smile and giggle for myself, but to other motorists and car enthusiasts alike; which is especially nice after a hard days work.

Current Specifications:

.:Engine/Drivetrain:.
Honda B18C (swap from a '98 JDM Type-R)
Honda GSR transmission
Toda 9lb chromoly flywheel
ACT SS clutch
Hondata S100 ECU
ITG Maxogen JC62 Foam Filter
JG Engine Dynamics Tri-Y header w/ 2.5" collector
Magnaflow 14810 muffler
Magnaflow 22" resonator

.:Wheels/Brakes/Suspension:.
15x7" Konig Imagine wheels
Nexen N3000 (195/45-ZR15) tires
Outlaw 2800 4-piston calipers
Hawk HPS Pads
9.5" vented rotors
Tilton 600 Series pedal assembly
Tilton 74 Series master cylinders
SRacer Street/Rally springs
GAZ 40-point adjustable shocks
Hi-Lo adjustable rear spring perches

.:Interior:.
AutoMeter Phantom series digital gauges
Momo Race steering wheel & shift knob
Acura Integra GSR bucket seats
Webasto full length electronic canvas sun roof
MiniTec A/C
Dynamat Xtreme & SecondSkin Damplifier Pro
Rhino Lining (trunk)

.:Exterior:.
MiniTec front-flip hood
Mini SportPack flares
Hella/Philips D2S HID projector retrofit
SuperFlux LED retrofit
APR GT3 carbon fiber mirrors
Rhino Lining (underbody, wheel wells, & hood)
3M 20% tint
Yakima Q-Tower & PowderHound/Safari Basket rack system (seasonal)

.:ICE:.
Pioneer Premier DEH-P880RS
Pioneer CD-IB100 iPod interface
Sony MobileES XM-7557
Apple 60GB video iPod
3-way Active Setup (tweeter, midbass, subwoofer)
.:(2) 1" Tangband silk tweeters
.:(2) 6" Dayton Reference midbass
.:(4) 6.5" Tangband subwoofers
Dynamat Xtreme & SecondSkin Damplifier Pro
Big3 electrical upgrade
Deka Intimidator AGSM battery

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Page 2: Engine/Drivetrain
Page 3: Wheels/Brakes/Suspension
Page 4: Interior
Page 5: Exterior
Page 6: ICE
Page 7: Videos