Bulkhead box Essential advice
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi looking for some advice on bulkhead modificaions fot the std mini/metro turbo engine to comfortably run in my mini, my worry is this issue with the iva test on bulkhead mods?

I have been going through lots of old posts but most the photos have gone and also conflicting advice so hope you dont mind me asking.

As you guys are the experts what and where do i get the best buckhead box from, i would like to make it look as standard as possible also, from what i have read it needs to be sloped at the base to stop crud build up and needs to be angled for the actuator but as i havent got my engine yet and want to make the mods before i paint the shell im in desperate need for help and advice, so all links photos and advice welcome.

Confessed addiction to everything mini

Jason G might be able to help you supplying a bulkhead box. he makes nice ones

don't worry about iva's for now, if people stop talking about it, it should get forgotten about. if its only a bulkhead box then you'll be fine, but make sure its welded in properly to put the strength back in.

Asked on Tmf just get the iva blah coming up can't see the issue if it's welded in correctly

Confessed addiction to everything mini

Has anyone ever even bothered with a iva?
make sure it is seam welded by someone that knows what there doing and youll be fine.

Why does the car need sn IVA?

In the 13's at last!.. Just

What ever the ERA turbo mini bulkhead mods have been will be safe enough to use now, so need to get hunting for some info on them

Confessed addiction to everything mini

In theory, if you follow the letter of the requirement, you will require an IVA. But the rules were written a bit craply and this type of mod is not exactly what they are trying to stop.

Also as the ERA used a similar mod, it could be considered a standard item, in my eyes.

I think the IVA is a good idea and should stop some propper shit getting on the roads.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

agreed, does jason g have a website?

Confessed addiction to everything mini

ERAturbo.com quote "The Bulkhead at the rear of the engine incorporates a ‘turbo box' to provide room for the body of the turbocharger. This item was fitted during conversion from the ‘City and consists of a heavy gauge steel enclosure welded into position in the front bulkhead. Its top edge is located flush with the top surface of the box-section and a heavy gauge steel plate forms a new top section to the cross-member. Because of the intense heat generated by the turbo, the whole bulkhead area to its rear, including the inside surface of the turbo box, is covered with aluminium faced, heat resisting fabric. Ideally, this material should be in good condition. It is readily available but very expensive to replace. Because this area is covered, it can trap any rainwater running into the engine bay from the rear of the bonnet. In consequence the metal forming the turbo box can be heavily rusted and it has been known to rust through, despite the heavy gauge metal. Careful prodding in this area with a suitable screwdriver, without damaging the heat resistant fabric, will show up any weakness in the metal. "

as long as modifications are strong safe and done in the correct manner should a test be required the modifications will be alright.

Confessed addiction to everything mini

I agree with Wil and Ross - the IVA is a good idea in principle but there is absolutely no clear rules on when it is required instead of an MOT in our kind of cases.

The rules are clear enough if you are building something like a kit car (post '95) but is totally unclear as to what degree of modifications invoke IVA for a modified manufacturer's vehicle.

I've read and re-read the rules several times and still can't find any clarity.

However, the MOT Testers Manual is littered with phrases like "deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength, excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of a load bearing member or its supporting structure" under the "reasons for failure" column so as far as I'm concerned it is up to the MOT tester to decide whether a deliberate modification is unsafe......

I have yet to find out with mine :)

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

I think you have to be more careful doing bulkhead mods with modern cars that have no front subframe to be honest.
As others have said, always seam weld any mods.

will do Jason apbellamy mentioned you may be the man in the know with regards to supply of a high quality bulkhead box....?

Confessed addiction to everything mini

all sold out I'm afraid. :(

Problably be in the new year I'll have some more.