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I started a thread a few years back of my winter project when I refreshed Watson’s engine and bay. Some folks enjoyed following the progress, so I will be documenting this year’s winter project and it is the biggest to date!! A little back story for those that haven’t met Watson, he is a 1975 British Leyland Mini 1000. The previous owner brought him across the pond in 2000, and spent most of the next decade sitting in a garage. He joined our family in 2012, we have enjoyed him and making improvements ever sense. Previous projects have been and refresh of the engine and bay, the front drums brakes were also converted over to discs, and from single to a dual line system. Untitled by Corey Brown, on Flickr So what is this Year’s project? Watson is going manual, it is time for the auto to go!!! Untitled by Corey Brown, on Flickr In a classic Mini this requires a whole new engine, as the transmission is the oil pan. The oil gallies are in different locations from auto to manual, so you got to change it all. Also the manual has a narrower subframe, so that’s got to change too. So what all needs to be done? - pull engine/trans - remove automatic shifter and linkage - drop front auto subframe - give the bay a good cleaning while everything is out - swap all the suspension components over to the manual subframe - install manual subframe - install engine/trans - Switch out pedal box (might need a clutch pedal) - Install clutch master cylinder and plumb to slave cylinder - mount shifter and connect linkage - Cross fingers/toes and turn the key I will try you have weekly updates, so check back often. If you have any questions or want to see something in particular just let me know.

Has anybody from DCMM personally installed the Ian Cull auto-up circuit before? How hard is it for a novice? is the final result totally concealed?

Hello all, I come seeking guidance and a driveway My break-in period is well over with and I'd like to do an oil change. Unfortunately, I live in Arlington and have no place to actually do the oil change. Also, this will be the first time I've personally change the oil in any car, let alone a Mini. I have the oil, filter and most of the tools (I think I just need to pick up a 1/2" extension and drain pan w/ lid for transport to recycling). I do not have a jack or jack stands right now, but AutoZone's got a Duralast 2 ton jack + 2 stands for $40 which I could get easily enough. So is there anyone who'd be willing to loan me their driveway and expertise? I've no problem traveling and can bring a beverage or something else of your choice

Started last night and finished up this morning. Rear fog, Parrott EVO, new switch cover and toggle. The entire process was not nearly as complex as it seemed reading all the tips posted by others on NAM. I'm sure most of you have already done the same things, but it really was fun. Hardest part was trying figure out how to disconnect the cables. Never seen connectors like those before. Jim

http://www.altaperformance.com/products/show/292/Intercooler-Air-Diverter-Version-2-0 Just picked one up for MINInurse and I and wanted to know how hard it is to install. TIA :beer:

I thought I'd begin a thread for do it yourself modifications. This might be a great way to not only discuss the mods we have, but those which are easy enough to do on a weekend under the ol' shade tree. So, to start, I've installed a few mods on my MINI, and a few on others' MINIs. Being able to wrench on your own car is very satisfying, can save some money, and is a great way to learn your way around under the bonnet. Tell us your DIY stories! Pictures too, if ya got 'em

If any one needs help doing this or some other stuff I could help you out. Just wired in my Valtentine 1 today and doing my laser jammers in the next week or two. Been aircraft mechanic for 5 years and beening doing car stereo for over 6 years on and off. Was kind of a pain in the arse until I found a good power source. Jason