Front end swap advice
Turbo Mini Forums

Hey guys,

I'm at the stage of my R1 mini build where the bodywork is the task at hand, and with everything now installed in the engine bay, I have found that my mini round nose flip front is a very tight fit and doesn't leave enough clearance for the exhaust and cylinder head. Rather than go for a 90mm extended front as I only need about 40mm extra, I have considered fitting a removable clubman style front instead, as this would give me enough clearance (trial fitted a mates clubby front), and I wouldn't be too bothered about changing the appearance of the mini. However, my question is, my mini is registered as a 'Mini Cooper' so obviously should be a round nose front end. If I fitted a Clubman style flip front, would I need to have the car re-registered/re-tested to then become a Clubman? Or is it just a case of declaring to the insurance company that I have a clubman front on my normally round nose mini cooper? When you look at car bodykits, they drastically change the appearance of some cars but it's not an issue as long as the modification is declared to the insurer. If anyone can give me some advice on this I would appreciate it as I don't want to fork out for a clubby front and fit it only to find out it's not permitted.

Cheers
Ben

"If i'm not in action...i'm in traction"

Hey there,

I've always fitted a clubby front to round nose shells and all Ive done is just declared it to the insurance, with no problems.

If you get the one with the removable bonnet also, you will be able to tilt it up at the back if you need more head room for the engine, if you will excuse the pun ! . :)

Cheers

Brocky

Edited by Brocky on 23rd Jan, 2010.

BTW - I took my buddy VTEC Pete out for a spin this weekend, and even though I am running her in, he gave it a name, the "Brocket"...cause I'm a brocket maaannn, nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah....

Build thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=7483

Katy Mini Owners Club Thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=505552

Let's make sure you embarrass at least one VTEC MINI today !

https://www.facebook.com/groups/17557298589...096464253807802

Thanks for the info Brocky, when I offered up my mates 2 piece clubby front there was so much more room available than the round nose front and i quite like the clubman look anyway, it's more aggressive than the round nose. I'll probably go for the 2 piece clubman then, it's more convenient aswell if you just want to do a quick oil check or job on the car rather than having to remove the whole thing.

Cheers

"If i'm not in action...i'm in traction"

Yeh I have a one peice and I think I will be cut out the bonnet sooooon...

Its good to be able to take it all off too but not every time !

Also with clubby you have the front mount option for you rad and intercooler with plenty of space if needed
:)
Cheers

Brocky

Edited by Brocky on 23rd Jan, 2010.

BTW - I took my buddy VTEC Pete out for a spin this weekend, and even though I am running her in, he gave it a name, the "Brocket"...cause I'm a brocket maaannn, nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah....

Build thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=7483

Katy Mini Owners Club Thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=505552

Let's make sure you embarrass at least one VTEC MINI today !

https://www.facebook.com/groups/17557298589...096464253807802

definitely go 2 piece saves soo much messing about, +1 for making the lot removable too easier to work on it

edit missed the end off-

Edited by Brett on 24th Jan, 2010.

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett