Hello From Los Angeles!
Turbo Mini Forums

Well, I am VERY new to the whole mini scene. I've been eyeing them for a while but really never researched them. For the last couple of days I've been really feeling the mini van. I haven't decided which year/body style I want to go with. I work at a body shop and have plans to really hook one up, but I want to get the best looking body (to me of course), so I'm still researching that. Is there a site that I can see every single model van ever made so I can compare them and finally pick one? Also, I'm mechanically inclined to a certain point, but do not even want to contemplate building one from the ground up. So here is my plan, to find someone or a company that I can send the body to once I put the necessary corrections and fixes on it, then I can send it to them to put in my engine, turbo kit, suspension, electrical, etc. So basically, I want a beast with a bummy shell and interior! I considered with the small engine bay going with a Hayabusa engine and turboing it because I ride with some cats that have turbo busa's, not sure thats the best engine to go with or is there a specific engine I should be looking for? Sorry for rambling, just wanted everyone to know where I stand so the help can start coming. Thanks in advance and glad to be here! Also, I do want to import one as I want a RHD version, but does anyone know of any California shops that deal with mini's in this fashion I can completely work hand and hand with?

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Welcome to the forum. I'm in Orange County...so fairly nearby compared to most of the people on this forum.

As for the different varieties of van, there is only one. The steel sided (no side rear windows) is the only kind of van there is. There are a few different wagons though. There is the countryman, which usually has side rear windows and wood trim. And there is the estate, which has no wood trim.

Here in CA, if you plan on having someone else build your car, after you've done the body work, expect to pay $15k for that work easily depending on how wild you want to go. There are only a few places around that know Mini's. Heritage Garage in Costa Mesa is one of those places. They rock.

As for the hyabusa motor, there is a company that sells a kit to install them in the Mini. Z Cars is their name.

When shopping for a Mini here in CA, you have to know your stuff. It is easy to buy a car that you can't register here.

Ralph
Prez, Mini Owners of America, Los Angeles

Edited by Lance Link on 23rd Feb, 2008.

61 Austin Seven; building a 1275 'over the clutch' turbo, R5 T2'd, custom intercooled, megajolt electrified, canyon carver

www.motorlust.com - The Online Magazine for Car Guys Like Us

Welcome to TM. Goodluck with your project. :)

Hi and welcome to TM :)

hi,welcome to the site
im sure youl find what your looking for.

Lance,where i O.C do you live?
i used to live in fullerton....
been meaning to move back.

Moz

I have some friends over in Fullerton. It's a nice place. Though I prefer to be as close to the ocean as I can. So I live in Huntington Beach. It rocks out here. 330 days of sun and warmth a year is hard to beat.

61 Austin Seven; building a 1275 'over the clutch' turbo, R5 T2'd, custom intercooled, megajolt electrified, canyon carver

www.motorlust.com - The Online Magazine for Car Guys Like Us