Cutting the bulkhead
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi All

I am fairly new to turbo charging however I understand that I need to cut the bulkhead in order to accommodate a T3 turbo (Thanks for the photos they are great help in showing what needs to be done). The only issue I currently have with this is that I cannot weld.

I have therefore been ringing around several mini garages in order to get quotes for the work to be undertaken. However each quote has been vastly different. (The car has the engine dash, heater and all of the required parts removed for easy access to the bulkhead).

For instance I have been quoted up to £400 from one specialist due to the fact that the Avon Bar bulkhead box I have is not substantial/ big enough to replace the material removed from the bulkhead and offer up enough clearance for the turbo (is this true? If so what would you recommend).

Other specialist I have been implied that the cross member can be simply cut and the box seam welded in place (generally between £150 and £250 depending upon the prep work done by me before hand and afterwards).

Do any of the above prices seem reasonable?

where are you located mate as im sure theres people here dotted around that could help

Edited by wolfie on 26th Sep, 2005.

Where are you located? I'm sure somebody local to you would do it for beer money.

The box is easy to fit, its only a cause of buzzing round after if you fit it nice and tightly.

A few pop rivets on the seam are good for holding it in place whilst welding, then just grind them out and weld up the hole

I'd say £100 would do it. It doesnt need to be a specialist at all, just a good welder.

Sorry thought I had put my location in the profile when I signed up. Currently located in Crewe.

Thanks for the help. If anyone on here could help it would be greatly appreciated . However I still concerned by about the Avonbar box not being strong/big enough?

Avonbar box will be fine. I'd say the place that told you it would not work were just trying to get some more £££ out of you.

we all use the avonbar box mate its a well made bit of kit although it does need carefull positioning and a small modification to souit the indevidual car

sounds to me like the garage that quoted you and said the box was not strong enough wants to give you open wallet surgery

once the box is in and the subframe is strengthend and solid mounted its just as strong as tested by the twins

Thanks guys at least that has put my mind at rest.

lol for 400 i would come collect the car weld box in then deliver car back and still make a tidy sum

id say if your confident you could do all the prep ypurself cut the hole clean all around the hole to accept the box then just take it to any good welder and they could weld it in in about a couple of hours.

the avonbar box if just fine to use as has been said BUT every1 on here does recommend you have the seams of the box seam welded as they are only spotted.

for the prices youve been quoted have you considered buying a mig welder and learning to weld yourself, always handy to do when you own a mini.

no longer a series, but still 1.3 turbo.