Built up weights were measured at:

Front left… 120Kg xxxxxxxxxxx Front right… 134Kg

Xxxxxxxxxxxx Front axle total: 254Kg

Rear left… 139Kg xxxxxxxxxxx Rear right… 172Kg

Xxxxxxxxxxxx Rear axle total: 311Kg

Grand total: 565Kg (with fluids and 5 litres of fuel in the tank) with a front rear split of 45/55%

This was using my bathroom scales method as per the (preparation section), so take this figure with a pinch of salt. But as a comparison figure it should be accurate. The mini is 47kg lighter than when it started, and now has 160bhp compared to the A-series’ 40bhp….. that’s 283bhp/ton. Even with me at the wheel it is still just over 250bhp/ton.  Now compare that to Porsche 911 Carrera  S (997); 355bhp in 1475kg that’s 241bhp/ton and would set you back a cool 69,000 pounds. Which is best bang for your buck?? My Mini doesn’t come anywhere near the Porker’s top speed, but where can you do much above 100mph without loosing your licence or risk an accident anyway? As for the luxuries… my 130bhp tdi VW Passat has the aircon, CD player comfy seat etc. The VW Uber Barge also keeps me calibrated to “normal” road speeds, so the Mini feels fresh and fast every time I jump in it.

The Specification Detail:

Engine

Yamaha R1 (2003) Fuel Injection

• Liquid-cooled four-stroke transverse four.
• Capacity: 998cc.
• Bore x stroke: 74 x 58mm.
• Valve gear: DOHC with five overhead valves per cylinder.
• Compression ratio: 11.8:1.
• Power: 152bhp at 10 500rpm. (with bike air box) with Pipercross sausage filter – 160bhp??
• Torque: 105Nm at 8 500rpm. (with bike air box)
• Induction: Mikuni electronic fuel injection.
• Ignition: TCI digital.
• Starting: Electric.
• Clutch: Hydraulically actuated multi-plate wet clutch.

Transmission

• Six-speed constant-mesh gearbox, sequential shift
• Primary reduction gear 68/43 (1.581)
• 1^st (2.500), 2^nd (1.842), 3^rd (1.500), 4^th (1.333), 5^th (1.200), 6^th (1.115)

Final Drive

• Chain driven rear differential
• Limited slip differential

Chassis / Body

• 1988 Austin Mini shell
• Zcars roll cage / engine mount / rear suspension mount
• Fibre Glass wings, bonnet, boot lid, wheel arches
• Polycarbonate rear window and rear/side windows
• Laminated front screen

Wheels & Brakes

• Front: Austin MG Turbo vented discs and 4 pot callipers
• Rear: Ford Sierra solid discs and callipers
• Wheels: Minilite 13x7inch
• Tyres: Yokohama A539 13R 185/50

Suspension

• Front: Standard Mini setup with Adjustable TCA, Protech coil over shock absorbers
• Rear: Zcars trailing arm system, anti roll bar, Protech coil over shock absorbers

Fuelling

• Tank: Zcars /custom long range tank (40litres), front mounted, foam filled
• Pump: Bosch (Rover V8) injection pump feeding Ford Focus filter
• Injection: Yamaha/Mikuni electronic FI system.

Interior

• Instruments: Yamaha R6 dials
• Seats: Mamba high, fixed back seats
• Carbon look dash panel
• Zcars gear shift
• Custom / removable aluminium bulk head