1.4T into a classic Mini

[DaveeHogan]

I will be pulling the original engine out of my Rover mini cooper and putting a 1.4 t ecotec from a 2015-2017 sonic. I own a 2017 sonic that I bought brand new and have already toyed with it. I haven't seen anyone put a ecotec into a classic mini yet so I figured once the project goes underway I would document it. It will remain right hand drive and go from the stock 62hp 1275 engine to the ecotec with 140hp. Here are some photos of the Mini that will be going through the transplant / my pee colored sonic haha.

I'm pulling the engine towards the end of November then will be sourcing an engine and tranny to start mocking up a subframe.

 

[JTee2017]

Get ready for lots of wire harness changes. NO=ot to mention incompatibility issues.
Interesting to see how this turns out and if it is even worth it.

 

[joe.mcclain.10]

Should be interesting. I once saw a mini with a small block chevy v8 in it. Might take a bit of work, but could be done....

 

[DaveeHogan]

Definitely can be done, is it the best swap? Not even close. most people swap honda B series engines but I've never been a huge jdm guy so I wanted to do something that hasn't been done yet. It won't be some monster race car as the 1.4 isn't really meant for that. But a car that weighs nearly nothing with 150ish Hp should be a nice weekend warrior. Plus the price of parts and mods is too nice to pass up. Much rather be able to go to a parts store to get chevy parts than wait for shipping from the UK.

 

[zomby woof]

G13 was a very popular swap too, but the 1.4 is probably a better engine in almost every way

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Welcome from Seattle!

Should be a cool swap, I'd suggest wiring the new engine (and trans) up completely standalone from the car. Fortunately, this shouldn't be hard as I doubt there are tons of electronics on your Mini!

 

[DaveeHogan]

I've been keeping up prices and what not of the LUV/LUJ engines but been seeing the LE2 for way less and less miles on them. They have more HP, weigh less so just wondering what you guys think. LE2 or the LUV/LUJ for the mini?

 

[DaveeHogan]

Just received my engine today, will start sourcing a transmission then clean everything up to start mocking up fitment.

 

[macdiesel]

Just received my engine today, will start sourcing a transmission then clean everything up to start mocking up fitment.

Look forward to the progress. Which engine did you go with?

 

[DaveeHogan]

I went with the LE2 based off of price. I snagged one with 20k miles for extremely cheap and have the 6 sp manual trans coming sometime next week. It's going to be an extremely tight squeeze, may have to convert to a full tilt front end but we shall see. Trying to keep the stock look of the car if I can. Once the trans is here I can start painting both the engine and trans then mock up where mounts will need to go then start buying all the rest of the bits I'll need to get it goin.

 

[macdiesel]

Makes sense. Should make for a fun swap. Love those old minis. Never realized how small they are until I passed one on the highway.

 

[Scumbagsleeper]

Can't wait to see more! I'm getting ready to do the same thing to a Chevy Sprint (weighs 1500lbs) I stuck with the LUV + manual for simplicity. I wanted the LE2 + manual trans but thought the direct injection may get a bit complicated. Also when I go E85 I can just swap injectors on the LUV. The direct injection would need a secondary fueling system if pushed hard enough. If it was going to be totally stock it would be hands down LE2 for the extra cc's and less weight. (edit - also forged crank on the LE2)

Edit - Ended up finding a 2018 cruze for a donor so I am actually going the same route as you haha

 

[DaveeHogan]

Yes I've got the trans and engine sitting in my garage. I'm sourcing a subframe from the UK since the original subframes in the mini don't work too well with side sitting gear boxes. Slow process but it will be pretty fun when it's all over. Will also be making the front end a flip forward. Think like a semi truck. Will make working on it once it's installed much easier.