Current owner doesn't seem to be the one who started the swap, all he knows about the engine is that it's a vtec B16.
Taking a look with my mechanic buddy/partner in crime/voice of reason tomorrow evening.
Anything other than standard things to look for on an older car? (AKA rust)
Good luck. If he doesn't know much about it, lowball him, you're gonna need the extra money to fix the unknown.
That seems like a steal. The VTEC subframe alone is almost that much. Finishing will take some research, but should be doable. What you may be able to do is find a Clubman (square-nose) front clip as those fit over the VTEC engine with fewer modifications than extending the standard (and by most opinions - more attractive) nose clip.
I'd lowball him as well, but be sure to have the full asking price in cash with you. At that price it won't last long and I wouldn't be surprised if he's got guys lined up to look at it if you don't buy it.
Looks wrong from this angle; like its bent.
Out of curiosity, what is something like this worth when done? Cause you are going to have several hundred hours and 15k into it by the time you finish it.
Do it! These things are animals with this swap. Then you can save up for the turbo!!!
In reply to NOHOME:
Completed and running examples typically have asking prices in the upper $20-30K range. I don't think I've ever seen one sell for under $20K if it's sorted and looks half-decent.
The body looks ok to me, although it looks like later doors (roll-up windows) on an earlier shell/body. I'm pretty sure a '71 would have tail lights with built-in reverse lights. Of course, "mutt" Minis are not uncommon at all.
It seems that a high percentage of people who build or buy a VTEC Mini end up selling it shortly after, usually at a great loss. There are some folks who love them, but most seem to move on to something else. The extended noses are flat out ugly (IMHO) and ruin the look of the car. The only Honda swap I would consider is a D series which can fir under the standard bonnet. I've always wondered if the Fit engine would also go in there without the extension, but I've never seen one done before.
That car has Mk1 tailights, which are not the correct lights for a 1971 car. Roll up windows with the vent windows and external door hinges point to an Australian or South African Mini. Of course, the car could just be a bitsa car made up of various parts from various years.
I would only enable you to go buy this one if you have previously driven a VTEC Mini and think that is what you really want.
In reply to Ian F:
Reverse lights didn't coma along until the Mk4 cars - they started about 1977 or so. 1971 should have the larger square taillights, but without a reverse lamp.
There are lots of buyers guides for Minis in general (short version: rusty rust rust). Check the Mini Mania website.
I would much rather spend the money on a stock Mini.
I'm not sure if that's truly a '71, not only for the taillights mentioned, but the rear window looks wrong, too. I can't remember what year it got wider - '68? '69?
Minis are odd little beasts. While I would like to have more power in my car (and especially taller gearing for more relaxed hwy cruising), I'm not sure I'd want VTEC levels of power. My car is scary enough to drive with 50hp (or whatever a high-revving 997 puts out).
In reply to Ian F:
No E36 M3! My 1380 has enough to make me giggle. And it's not even dialed in right. 
1380 is the better car. The Vtec ones are great but you can only get so much tire into the car without serious massaging.
Datsun1500 wrote:wearymicrobe wrote: 1380 is the better car. The Vtec ones are great but you can only get so much tire into the car without serious massaging.This is 100% true. When I put a Zetec into a Datsun Roadster, it was fast as hell and fun, but got boring quickly, so I sold it. I think a Vtec mini would have the same issue. I would love to own one for a week or so, but then the magic has worn off. My 1380cc mini is not as fast as a vtec one, but it's a lot more fun. Going 100 in a mini with a "stock" motor screaming is better then humming along at 100... It's the whole "slow car fast is more fun then a fast car slow" thing
I have some pretty serious vintage mini owners here at work and the VTec cars are astonishing in a straight line at the track but the 1380 and hopped up cars are just as fast around the track.
looks like a trap, but a very interesting car. It wouldn't hurt to look at it, if the owner was interested in trades I would be game.
Do it, dump that gutless B and drop in a torquey F.
Some information here: http://www.superfastminis.com/index.htm & http://www.superfastminis.com/GARCIA.htm Make sure you watch the videos. Looked at on at the Mitty a few years ago and have wanted one since!
So, look for rust, make sure I really really (really) want a ridiculous tiny RHD Vtec'ed car.
Taking a look tonight, bringing a bonafide mechanic buddy with me.
Yes, check for rust very carefully, from my own experience[1] they can rust just about anywhere with the possible exception of the glass.
[1] One of the classic Minis I owned in the UK led my mechanic to utter the famous words "your battery needs a new car".
wearymicrobe wrote:Datsun1500 wrote:I have some pretty serious vintage mini owners here at work and the VTec cars are astonishing in a straight line at the track but the 1380 and hopped up cars are just as fast around the track.wearymicrobe wrote: 1380 is the better car. The Vtec ones are great but you can only get so much tire into the car without serious massaging.This is 100% true. When I put a Zetec into a Datsun Roadster, it was fast as hell and fun, but got boring quickly, so I sold it. I think a Vtec mini would have the same issue. I would love to own one for a week or so, but then the magic has worn off. My 1380cc mini is not as fast as a vtec one, but it's a lot more fun. Going 100 in a mini with a "stock" motor screaming is better then humming along at 100... It's the whole "slow car fast is more fun then a fast car slow" thing
Funny- this is an interesting character study- when I put the 4age in my Midget, I fell out of love with it. Fast as hell, and more, but lost that special thing..... and/but I know if I get another midget (sold my car after 25 years of ownership this fall) I'll probably put another 4age in it. They need 150hp to be "alive". What the hell is wrong with me?
Just got back from taking a look.
Surprisingly, it makes noises!
My buddy's thoughts are that between the fatty walbro and the FPR on there, it's running way rich, otherwise it sounded like it wanted to fire up.
Rust wasnt too bad, a holed up area underneath the right rear, some small rough areas, some more places that had been obviously bedlined over, and the passenger side of the floor pan had been cut out and replaced with a poorly sized plate... bolted down.
But very little by way of full-on holes.
The engine mounting solution was... interesting.
Instead of supporting the front around the edges, there are two supports that go under the engine and exhaust... taking several inches off of the ground clearance.
(Sorry for lack of pics)
I'm wary yet interested, the guy is going to track down an alleged rear bumper and full set of exterior trim and get back to me.
Bonus fun fact: it's close/light enough to my house that with one not-small friend I reckon I could push it home in under 15 minutes... maybe as little as 10.
As for 'the competition' I'm told that I'm the only one who has thus far arranged to see it, though I'm also apperently the only one who hasn't tried to trade guns for it.
Teh E36 M3 wrote:wearymicrobe wrote:Funny- this is an interesting character study- when I put the 4age in my Midget, I fell out of love with it. Fast as hell, and more, but lost that special thing..... and/but I know if I get another midget (sold my car after 25 years of ownership this fall) I'll probably put another 4age in it. They need 150hp to be "alive". What the hell is wrong with me?Datsun1500 wrote:I have some pretty serious vintage mini owners here at work and the VTec cars are astonishing in a straight line at the track but the 1380 and hopped up cars are just as fast around the track.wearymicrobe wrote: 1380 is the better car. The Vtec ones are great but you can only get so much tire into the car without serious massaging.This is 100% true. When I put a Zetec into a Datsun Roadster, it was fast as hell and fun, but got boring quickly, so I sold it. I think a Vtec mini would have the same issue. I would love to own one for a week or so, but then the magic has worn off. My 1380cc mini is not as fast as a vtec one, but it's a lot more fun. Going 100 in a mini with a "stock" motor screaming is better then humming along at 100... It's the whole "slow car fast is more fun then a fast car slow" thing
You are a "project" person perhaps? I know that is my case, I would rather be realizing a "Wonder if I can..." scenario than out driving and worrying about arrest and breakdowns.
I have an MGB GT that kept me busy for 36 years or so figuring "If only I do this "one more modification" it wont be such a piece of E36 M3 and live up to its looks". Well, I ran out of things to do and unless I do a drive-train swap figure the car is now stationary art.
So what would the plan be for the car? Daily? Racecar? Weekend Toy? If it were me I would end up buried $ in it as I tried to make a moderately rough example perfect. Could be rowdy as a mini rat rod!
Rear bumper, no problem. They're available.
As for vtec vs A-series, the amount of sheer character in the original engine is huge. I love mine, it's a snorty little thing that brings a lot of extra life to the car. But I won't pretend that a Honda engine wouldn't be faster. And if something happens to my precious 1293, I'll have to do some real soul searching about rebuilding it versus dropping in a modern power plant given the costs involved. I'd love to keep the original, but the roi is not great.
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