I’m going to jump right into my Art of Speed coverage with some spotlights of the cars that impressed me the most. And first up, it’s a Mini 1275 GT with a JDM twist.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in Malaysia, it’s to never make any assumptions when it comes to cars. This Mini, and the cars that will follow it, should give you an understanding why.
As the owner told me, there isn’t anything new with the car, apart from the color. He actually built it over 10 years ago with his father, but doesn’t usually show it at events. The massively widened Mini used to be black, but all the effort and work that went into creating its custom FRP fenders was actually hard to see and appreciate in that colour. It was nothing a few coats of candy green wouldn’t fix, though.
What sets this Mini apart is the fact that it’s running a hybrid engine of sorts created by mating a Honda B20 block (sourced from the US) with a B16B head from a EK9 Honda Civic Type R.
The head still runs its stock Type R spec cams, but an aftermarket intake, larger throttle body and custom exhaust have been fitted to make the most of it and the engine’s larger capacity.
According to the Mini’s owner, the custom 2.0-liter DOHC VTEC package generates around 220hp, which I’m sure would be pretty explosive in a lightweight package like this.
So there you have it, a classic and recognizable British platform mated with Japanese parts and created thanks to Malaysian ingenuity. Stay tuned for more from Art of Speed…
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: speedhunters_dino
dino@speedhunters.com
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The front reminds me of a Renault 4L (with those lines, quite different from a Civic; also, the message edit function isn't working properly). Quite a unique Mini, almost looks like an alien car, some mean green buble. Really cool. Plus, I guess by those flags, names and numbers on the windows that it's actually getting some track time, that thing must be fun to drive
Yeah it sounds like the owner has been driving it properly for years
Honda B20 should be available from Japan via cars like Stepwgn eh? Not to mention CR-V from local too.
"created by mating a Honda B20 block (sourced from the US) with a B16B head from a EK9 Honda Civic Type R."
I own a USDM 95 Nissan 240sx, which is available in Japan in a similar (albeit slightly different) configuration. However, my car is not a JDM vehicle or sourced from Japan. It was built and assembled in Japan, but shipped for sale in the US and purchased originally in Seattle WA.
Point being... an items place of design and manufacture does not dictate it's place of origin.
Well, the car is from Malaysia, and Japan are usually where most Malaysian sourced the parts from... kinda wonder why that B20 block is "source from the US" when even local Honda CR-V has that engine too.
now feature a mini k series swap after this
My mini with a "K" series . Well kawasaki zx10r . Mid engine rear drive.
Oh damn! Where you based?
Vancouver bc. Car was not built from a kit. I fabricated and machined all parts on this beast.
Ima do something like this...well kinda. K20, awd trans from Element, custom front/rear subframes. +Rotrex +K pro. Goodbye $$$$$
But cheers to all VTEC minis B/K/D, whatever
Quite the project!
I'll contact you guys when I get done....in 20 years
My mini with a "K" swap. Kawasaki zx10r mounted mid and rear drive.
Zcars custom setup?
Nope, fabricated everything from scratch.