Page viewing: Subframe Kits
Subframe Kits NOTE: All comments/observations are based upon my own personel opinions
   
Company
Good/Bad points
My Rating
Watsons This c ompany has the most experience in fitting VTEC's to mini's. Initially developed for rallying application, frame based upon Metro subframe which increases track and requires a clubman or extended round nose. Tried and tested conversion but would benefit from some basic instructions included with the kit.
4/5
Allspeed Engineering Allspeed can supply a kit to fit a VTEC, 2.0 or 1.6 Vauxhall engine into your mini, the frames are completely custom built and customers always have positive things to say about this company. Yet to hear of a completed mini using this setup.
4/5
SAE Heard lots of negative comments about this kit. Based upon Metro subframe which increases track and requires a clubman or extended round nose.
2/5
RingMini Fitted to left hand drive mini's, may be a problem fitting to right hand drive mini (diff hitting steering rack). Fits under a standard length round nose.
3/5
GoMini Company in the USA, their latest frame retains the standard mini hubs/brakes/wheels and does not increase the width, still requires an increase in length.
3/5
M L Motorsport Uk company that is going to be supplying the GoMini subframe kits, they have experience building VTEC mini's using the watsons frame.
3/5
P & L Heard lots of negative comments about this company, uncommon VTEC conversion. It appears to be unclear which VTEC's can be used with this conversion.
1/5
 
My Opinion
 
Watsons is the tried and tested option, the subframe is Rover Metro based and requires an extension to the front (if using a round nose).
The main advantages to this conversion is the drivability, no torque steer and very mild road manners when driven normally.
 
The Allspeed kit also looks very interesting, it retains the mini suspension/dimensions but requires some creative thinking if you want it to fit into a std length round nose.