Skip to main content

MadaboutKitcars

This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.

Is there anybody out there...

21 Jan 2016, 9:17pm
Thanks again Rich, I will have a go at changing the lot, gearbox included. I have access to a workshop so I can fabricate brackets etc, I just need to know what they roughly look like so I may be on the scrounge for images of particular features 😎

I will stick with the PG1 gearbox cable clutch, although I've read hydraulic is better. I just want to keep things simple for time being - get it running properly and have it pass the IVA. I really want to get this beast on the road for late spring.😜

Alex
22 Jan 2016, 5:07pm
Alex,

Goodluck with the engine, gearbox and ECU swap. The results are worth it in my opinion.

Regarding the IVA - I suggest you get the paperwork sorted out soon and booked. From memory my SVA took a month to come through (Shrewsbury) and then needed a retest 3 weeks later....not many cars pass first time :)

Rich
24 Jan 2016, 5:59pm
Slow progress the weekend but getting there :)

Are the pg1 engine mounts different to the r65 on the 5exi frame? Is there a kit for this or could one be fabricated easily enough?

Thanks,

Alex
26 Jan 2016, 8:06pm
Alex

Yes the PG1 mounts are different, Marlin used to provide them, might be worth contacting Terry at Marlin.

I went down the same route a Rich with the R65 being married up to an 1800 , does make you smile, my car was built as a 1600, took it up to an 1800VVC.

I would make one suggestion if you do go down the PG1 route and that would be to consider a hydraulic clutch as it will be lighter, the only change you need to make to the box is to change the fulcrum are, think an MGF one would suit.
26 Jan 2016, 9:52pm
SDMC001 wrote:
Alex

Yes the PG1 mounts are different, Marlin used to provide them, might be worth contacting Terry at Marlin.

I went down the same route a Rich with the R65 being married up to an 1800 , does make you smile, my car was built as a 1600, took it up to an 1800VVC.

I would make one suggestion if you do go down the PG1 route and that would be to consider a hydraulic clutch as it will be lighter, the only change you need to make to the box is to change the fulcrum are, think an MGF one would suit.


Thanks for the info, I'll have a look how it sits, got a few bits and bobs in the garage and I could probably fabricate something up at work if need be. I guess I just need to site the engine and take it from there.

I know Richard mentioned an air lock with the cooling system - how was this overcome? There is a bleed point on the metal pipe on the k series and there's an elbow just off the radiator top outlet. Is there a particular sequence that is recommended?

Cheers,

Alex
26 Jan 2016, 10:15pm
SDMC001 wrote:
J

Re the engine noise at 104db, are you running a cat, they can eat some sound


I am running a cat yes, it's only a 200 cell one tho so maybe a higher cell count could help. I've considered some kind of flow restrictor as well but it's not going to cost that much to get a new system built with a resonator in there to really kill the sound.

J
28 Jan 2016, 4:02pm
Hi Rich,

Yes still about.

Looking at putting mine up for sale soon. Just not getting time to use it, which is a shame.

Just want to sort out a few niggles (not affecting the running of it).
5 Feb 2016, 9:33am
Evening All

Hi Guys

I look in occasionally but having moved the 5Exi on, in favour of a Classic Mini, its not often.

Its a bit like old times reading the questions from the progressing builds.

The wiring was a trudge and I recall spending days cross-legged in the sun at the bottom of the garden working through it.

Mechanical mods abound to make the car work to my satisfaction.

I converted to the MGF gear change and handbrake, as well as a Rover 400 hydraulic clutch.

I still have a lot of the photographs most referred to in posts I made at the time.


JohnC
6 Feb 2016, 6:50pm
Hi John. I'm still around. Still got you blue 5exi. Hope you are well. Cheers Duncan
6 Feb 2016, 7:38pm
Good to hear from you Duncan.

The Mini is no substitute for the 1800 VVC I know that.


John
6 Feb 2016, 10:19pm
Hi John. Looking to move the car on if you are interested. Cheers Duncan
3 Mar 2016, 9:59am
reiz2001 wrote:
haha "Marlin T16" it was you that beat me to that on ebay some months back!!! :icon_cool: Hope its going well?

Just bought one as of Wednesday - a 1600 K series none registered vehicle as it stands.

Does anybody have any original build documents or manuals that I can purchase?

Many thanks,

Alex


Yes Alex he said he had another bid on the car, its a great car, and is rapid, quicker than my old RPI tuned 3.9 V8 westfield, love it, ive been doing a few mods over the winter, and looking forward to the warmer weather
25 Apr 2016, 9:25pm
Hi peeps
I still about
The kit has been collecting dust for about 5 years
Hope to move it to a better location this year and start doing some work on the build :dance: