Building the perfect mini, in Vancouver B.C.
The classic mini is iconic, historic, and offers a driving experience that is totally unique. Upon that basis, we at Steveston Motor Co strive to enhance and preserve that experience with care and attention to detail this chassis deserves.
The subframe
Our recipe begins with the our exclusive subframe designed to fit the Honda D16Y8 engine in to a classic mini. It retains the original suspension geometry and the progressive rubber suspension cones responsible for the iconic handling characteristics of the classic mini.
The heavy-duty three piece subframe, paired with the lightweight aluminum Honda engine, means the overall weight and distribution remains unchanged, retaining the famous mini handling.
Feature list:
- Three piece design for ease of access during maintenance, including a removable skid plate.
- Air conditioning compatible.
- Black sandtex powder coat for durability and an OEM motorcycle finish
- Retains full range of OEM alignment specifications.
- Compatible with OEM suspension components.
- Exclusive side mounted radiator design for a vintage and OEM look.
The Engine package
Partnering with Chikara Motorsports, a world renowned engine expert in the Miata world, we have developed an optimized formula for a power plant to use with our mini builds.
Our engine cores are the Honda D16Y8, sourced from 1996 to 2000 civic Si, Del-Sol, and Acura EL’s. The engines are disassembled to their component form, cleaned using an ultrasolic hot tank and then inspected for wear. Once we deem them worthy of a rebuild the process begins.
All of our engines builds are fully blueprinted and use the highest quality components. The pistons and connecting rods are bespoke to us and developed specifically for our engine package. The final compression ratio achieved is 10.5 to 1, which through extensive testing we have found to be the perfect balance of power and longevity.
All exterior surfaces of the engine and gearbox are vapour honed for a better-than-new finish; freshly zinc-coated OEM or new hardware is used throughout the reassembly process.
Paired with our 4 to 2 to 1 custom exhaust manifold, ITB set up with Haltech standalone ECU, we believe this engine is the perfect match for the classic mini platform.
Specifications:
- Netting a reliable 100+ horsepower per-litre, our drivetrains transform the driving experience of a classic mini
- Individual throttle bodies for power, responsiveness and sound.
- Fully blueprinted rebuild process resulting in a better than factory durability, output and finish.
- Forged Wiseco pistons, custom made specifically for us in the USA paired with top-quality Japanese-made piston rings
- Custom connecting rods load rated at over 150 horsepower per cylinder, designed specifically to require no modifications to the engine block and a perfect compression ratio for a street engine.
AIR Fuel Mixture Control:
Two options have been developed to give your car a personality that suits your needs:
EFI ITB (electronic fuel injection with individual throttle bodes)
- Smoothness in operation for a more refined driving experience.
- Throttle by wire compatible, unlocking drive modes and traction control as an option.
- An intake soundtrack unique to cars running ITB's.
- Required for cars that live and travel through changes in elevation.
IDF CARBURATION ("Iniezione Diretta in Fasi" twin two-barrel, downdraft carburetors)
- A raw and vintage driving experience though the sound, smells and a powerband that rewards you in pushing the engine to it's limits.
- Period correct, without the drawbacks. We work with a local legend in carb tuning wizardry to offer you this uniquely SMCO package.
the aesthetics
We take inspiration from function and simplicity. Playing with high quality materials and experimenting with new manufacturing techniques, we keep it looking period correct while hiding modern comforts and connectivity in plain sight.
While we have developed a signature style in our floating dash and other exclusive furnishings honed and refined over the years, fully custom one off designs is our specialty.
We let the car speak for itself without overt extravagance.
The mini from its inception has been a handling biased car, and we see it as our goal to not only retain that character of the car, but to improve it and push it's development forward.
The Driving Experience
As much as we focus on our drivetrain packages, equal thought has been given to the chassis dynamics.
Tires
The handling starts at the tires. Minis were designed around 10” wheels and we feel the car both look and ride the best with them. Pair with the best rubber available and you can have the classic look with modern performance.
Geometry
The suspension and steering geometry is carefully adjusted to have the optimum roll center, scrub radius and wheel travel. We have even gone as far as specifically developing a bespoke set of dampers with Bilstein UK to achieve what we feel is the perfect handing road mini.
NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness)
Being purpose built as a road sports car, we have used very specific durometers of bushings through out the car to achieve an optimum balance between roadholding and NVH. From our control arms to our engine mounts, each bushing has been carefully chosen to achieve the desired feel.
Gearing
As a road car our gearing is specially designed to be able to get the most from the drivetrain at rpms that are a pleasure to use on the road. We build our gearboxes with custom long first gears and final drives. This lets you put the power down in first and also sit comfortably on the motorway. All gearboxes receive carbon fiber synchro rings for the ultimate in performance and durability.