Hey guys,

I'm not (yet?) a GTM driver, but a Mini driver.
I have done some researches, but didn't find anything about the handbrake in the Mini based coupes. How does ist work? Could you give me maybe some pictures? Is it possible to use 10" Wheels?

The reason why I'm asking: I'm thinking about a front engined rwd Mini, but it's impossible to find a way to get a handbrake and 10" wheels. So maybe you could give me some advices?

Kind regards

Basically you take the Mini rear brake back plates and modify them so that they will fit over the front hubs of a drum braked Mini. You can then fit all the rear brake internals. The operating cable system varied a lot on the different models.

Sure RWD can be done, but why?
There was long ago a Mini Oldsmobile/Rover V8 in the boot with a gearbox in the front driving the front wheels, lots of wheel spin, I heard of a 4WD drive Mini with Suzuki transmission and engine, and I have built a 2x1.4 Twinny Mini many years ago.
Z cars do a rear engine mini conversion using a Hyabusa engine.
John

There is no rational reason to convert a Mini to rwd. I like the idea of a really fast rear wheel driven Mini. I’m driving a 90bhp A+ at the moment. It’s a lot of fun, but sometimes I wish I would have even more power… So I thought about a Honda or Bike conversion.
But as I’m looking here around, maybe a tuned GTM would be an alternative. Especially as I’m familiar with the A-series.

So a GTM layout with a 1380 in a mini (sprint) body, job done.
John

John,
I remember that rear engine FWD abomination -- didn't it start with a Jag 6 cylinder in it? There are lots of RWD modifications including a guy in Kent who's squeezed a Sierra 4x4 under a shell -- BUT are they really Minis? I don't think so.

OP,
Rear brakes -- drums as mentioned above or 10" discs with a supplementary hand brake caliper -- something from Willwood etc. You'll need to fabricate the necessary brackets to the upright. Alternatively Peter designed a system for the Rossa -- Alan Brittan (Rossaspares) on this site may be able to source the parts -- you'll need to check compatibility with 10" wheels.

Steve

If you want to fit mini drums on the rear there is a GTM manual on here from Ken555 showing the modifications needed to fit rear back plates onto Mini front hubs, or Discs with a hand brake actuator as Steve said, or a hydraulic handbrake, which I have on my GTM as I'm using Toyota front discs and calipers adapted to fit onto mini drum brake hubs, I will dig out pictures of the back end of my twinni mini when it was being built if it gives you some ideas, at least that was all mini (apart from brakes) just it had bits where they were not supposed to be
John

http://www.badobsessionmotorsport.co.uk/category/projects/project-binky/

For more 4x4 mini ideas have a watch of Project Binky as linked above - I wonder if they'll ever finish it...

If you really want extreme see Allan McDonald's 2lt 4x4 Mini Evo using Mitsubishi Evo turbo engine and transmission seen at most British hilllclimb rounds, though not much (if any) Mini as even the body is fiberglass.
John

Harrying Radcliffe of British Vita fame built the Mini-Buick, he said it was incredibly fast but the handling was a bit like throwing a sledge hammer handle first!

My Twinni mini rear and cage

Nice solid work there John -- probably need a bit of tank tape round that battery to hold it down.

Steve

No battery fitted at that time, it was fitted on the passenger side just behind where the seat would go if it had one.
Now if our friend who wants to make a mini special could arrange transport the twinny is here minus its rear engine and front (rear) subframe for a very reasonable sum??
John

Here is a photo I tuck of the Rossabitz demo setup, you can see the backplate have be turned 90deg...

Can't see you fantastic photo..