hi guys,
sorry i have been really busy with work and travels. Not much time to contribute things here.
about the tuning book - you can get some info from "Tuning the A Series Engine" by David Vizard. There is another book as well but I cant remember the name and the author. I will need to check it when I get home.
Yes most definately VTEC is the way to go. Having broken at least 5 gearboxes and a numerous engine rebuilds in search of power on the A & A+ series engines, I think VTEC must be the best cost option for ultimate power & reliability. Contrary to wat DF9818 said, you dont have to cut the firewall. If you look at the Watsons VTEC conversion subframe or even the likes of Z-Car and allspeed, they all do not require cutting of the firewall. ON the shortnose mini's they do however require the extension of the front end i.e bonnet and fenders.
If thats your kind of thing then I suggest looking at
www.16vminiclub.com for more information. Conversions using engines from Honda, Vauxhall, Daihatsu, Toyota or even Suzuki has been used and discussed. There is even a guy with a 4.2 v8 in the mini. Ford V8's the older wans are 2 valve per cylidner hence 16v and still able to join their forum...heheheh.
gharith,
broke a drivetrain component (could be driveshaft or something in the gearbox) on the way back from Nilai 3 the other day. Havent looked at it yet!
On another note, a lot of minis here in Perth. Need to go and check out some local mini shops...who knows a nice 5 speed straight cut close ratio gearbox with a salisbury type LSD might be available for cheap money....hmnnn I wish!
fastclubman
