Allthough I do not see myself doing an engine conversion, I do appreciate the effort and engineering you put into these kits. I have a few of your products so am convinced this is top quality
Nice to see another high level player in the game. My car was the second D-series conversion that MiniTec did back in 2008 when they were pretty much the only option. Nice to know there are some good options to pick from if I ever decide to update my car.
If only you had this available 4 years ago. I would have kept my mini. Black with white roof LHD from japan 1988 with 13' allycats, fast rack, chery bomb center exhaust, group 7 arches, mexico chin spoiler, sold on Vancouver island, went to Vancouver. Dreamed of making her fast, never a simple and affordable option available to me. Great job on creating this subframe. And all the other products you make. If life affords me another mini you'll have my buisness.
Really like SMCO and there are some great features packed in here. However, the use of square tube versus round and welded knee joints over mandrel bends is confounding. Hope the next video details the weight and maybe FEA results especially compared to the McGee frame you were using.
Since we've used many other subframes on the market, the main goal we wanted to achieve were consistency, ease of install, and ability to run normal mini alignment specs. The square tubes used in our subframes are not structural. The engine mounts to the upper section of the subframe where it bolts to the car, and the lower section with the square tubes is removable. There will definitely be more videos, including a step by step guide to the install.
Thank you for the clarification, that is definitely an important note about the difference in the load bearing section vs removable section. I look forward to the follow up and keep innovating!
@stevestonmotorco i realy love your channel guys, i´ve watched all your clips now. Just got hands on a mini for 800€ and it´s not even that big of a dirtbox! I´ve always wished that you would make a d16 kit bot never tought that it would happen!!! Sadly i live in germany so i have no chance on getting TÜV on something like that without some papers of the manefacturer of the kit.. anyways love you guys!
Fantastic work SMCO, looks like you've put a lot of thought into this. Is any cutting of the front fenders required to fit this with a D series. I have a square nosed club-man (most minis in Australia are square nose ones) - this is something I'd be interested in doing later on.
Hey if I build a 2nd one, I’ll start here! How do you anticipate sourcing the final drives? The was the hardest part of my d16y8 build. No one makes the 3.25 gear
Looks awesome! Do you have plans to build a frame for the B series? I am currently gathering parts for a B AWD. Would love to support a Canadian company
Re-inventing the wheel? John McGee pioneered the D-series Mini swap & he’s sold over 100 subframes now. His kit is cheaper & fabricated from scratch - no need to send in your old subframe. Plus he’s developed all of the other necessary components such as custom intake and exhaust manifolds, alternator bracket, clutch conversion, etc.
John and other manufacturers make to order and usually have a wait list. This is just anther option to choose from already a pretty limited selection. I think this is great that SMCO is doing this. No where near the same as Mcgees, Minitec and anyone else who makes frames. You should be stoked there are more options now.
@@poida97 Dropping the engine without dropping the subframe is a pointless feature. Advantage is you don’t need to bleed the brakes by dropping the engine only, disadvantage is that you have to pop the driveshafts to remove the engine without the subframe and to do that you have to separate the lower ball joints; arguably a harder job than bleeding brakes. SMCO says it’s a 40-minute job vs. a 6-hour job? That’s baloney. And it’s a Honda engine! How often are you going to need an engine-out service anyway?!
@@Reilly_McNicks SMCO is different than McGee in a way that doesn’t matter. As for wait list, McGee is a couple months at worst while SMCO is taking pre-production deposits and needs your core for an unproven subframe they’ll deliver sometime in the fall…
I really like the SMCO guys I just don’t know why they tried re-engineering something that McGee already perfected. Fighting over the same niche market is NOT good for the Mini community as it makes it less profitable for the people who continue to support us with innovative new products. Why didn’t SMCO create a B-series subframe that uses Mini suspension and actually fits? Now THAT would have been smart, because MiniTec suspension is junk and John McGee has no interest in B-series. Come on SMCO, innovate!
I'm down for one of these subframes, but I may wait until you've got the exhaust and intake manifolds available as well. I'd really like to know exactly what engine that is around the 0:55 mark as I would really prefer to use coilpacks. Would a D17A2 motor also fit as it's a bit later (newer) model with oem coilpacks and vtec?
Are you saying Hondas are now not reliable? Going to be tough to prove. Good news is there are x00,000s of Civics on the road so plenty to choose from and you will never pay too much for this power train.
@Marcel C d16 is good, but you need to search for it and it could be hard to find one in decent conditions. Then you could need some replacement parts for it. Could be a problem because it's old
We did consider the newer Ford 3 cylinder, but supply, parts (old and new), experience in working on them, are plentiful for the D16. We routinely buy $300 dollar engines and rebuild them with new parts for use. The last mini was built 20+ years ago as well, and because it's popular with a huge community of enthusiast who want to support it, age is not an issue, just like Honda engines.
We run our alternator between the engine and the firewall, so there is room in the wings for a compressor. We do not have plans right now to add an AC kit yet, but it's definitely feasible. We're doing a build in the summer with a plan to run most of the AC system in the trunk.
That’s super cool and super interesting because down here in Florida it’s like life or death without A/C and A/C options in the mini are super few or non existent lol
![Eminem - Temporary (feat. Skylar Grey) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZaK9Wi5ho0o/mqdefault.jpg)
Bloody Awesome. Love the drop out the bottom and jack up feature. Very creative and well engineered
Such an amazing creation.
This is it, my ultimate dream. Kanjo joyride with D-swapped mini.
This looks very good. Well done everyone at SMCO.
This is revolutionary and nice innovation.
Wow, that's amazing! Nice work. I feel like the world just got a little better.
A friend of mine did this with an MG1100 in the early 90s. I owned the car for a few years. It was great.
Allthough I do not see myself doing an engine conversion, I do appreciate the effort and engineering you put into these kits.
I have a few of your products so am convinced this is top quality
Nice to see another high level player in the game. My car was the second D-series conversion that MiniTec did back in 2008 when they were pretty much the only option. Nice to know there are some good options to pick from if I ever decide to update my car.
This is a piece of art! Well done SMCO!
Well done guys. looks a properly engineered piece of kit.
If only you had this available 4 years ago. I would have kept my mini. Black with white roof LHD from japan 1988 with 13' allycats, fast rack, chery bomb center exhaust, group 7 arches, mexico chin spoiler, sold on Vancouver island, went to Vancouver. Dreamed of making her fast, never a simple and affordable option available to me. Great job on creating this subframe. And all the other products you make. If life affords me another mini you'll have my buisness.
Wow this is incredible and thoughtful engineering at its finest 👌🏼
You guys always find a nitch and fill it. This time, it was just an engine bay. Great job!
Awesome, looks great.
incredible work gents!
this is exactly what I'm looking for! thank you
Nice engineering. Absolutely sure it provides new feel from Mini 🤝
I still remember your first vtec build, that escalated quickly!
That is awesome. Now you need to create one that holds an electric motor.
Take my money now. Brilliant job guys. And some great R and D
You guys should make a video of the engine removal with the top part of the subframe being attached. Would be interesting to see how it's works!
well done - looks amazing, quality design
God can't do all the work. Well done lads. 👍
Really like SMCO and there are some great features packed in here.
However, the use of square tube versus round and welded knee joints over mandrel bends is confounding.
Hope the next video details the weight and maybe FEA results especially compared to the McGee frame you were using.
Since we've used many other subframes on the market, the main goal we wanted to achieve were consistency, ease of install, and ability to run normal mini alignment specs. The square tubes used in our subframes are not structural. The engine mounts to the upper section of the subframe where it bolts to the car, and the lower section with the square tubes is removable. There will definitely be more videos, including a step by step guide to the install.
Thank you for the clarification, that is definitely an important note about the difference in the load bearing section vs removable section.
I look forward to the follow up and keep innovating!
That’s some sweet engineering!
if only i had a mini. Someday. someday.
Damn , you guys are doing great work!
It almost seems like an original subframe but modified
That’s because it is!
Looking forward to the full kit with engine
@stevestonmotorco i realy love your channel guys, i´ve watched all your clips now. Just got hands on a mini for 800€ and it´s not even that big of a dirtbox! I´ve always wished that you would make a d16 kit bot never tought that it would happen!!! Sadly i live in germany so i have no chance on getting TÜV on something like that without some papers of the manefacturer of the kit.. anyways love you guys!
PLEASE PLEASE MAKE A REAR WHEEL HONDA SUBFRAME KIT. I WANT TO DO REAR WHEEL BURN OUTS!
Fantastic work SMCO, looks like you've put a lot of thought into this. Is any cutting of the front fenders required to fit this with a D series.
I have a square nosed club-man (most minis in Australia are square nose ones) - this is something I'd be interested in doing later on.
Once you have a RHD version available I will be very interested in buying. However will you be able to ship them out internationally?
Very impressive. I am inspired 👊🏼
OMG! That looks sooooo good! 🤩
DAMNNN! Want one!
Can you do a D16 swap and keep the a/c on the mini?
I have this same exact question. I've never seen a swap with AC but very much want to do one
Can't wait to see the prices
Hey if I build a 2nd one, I’ll start here! How do you anticipate sourcing the final drives? The was the hardest part of my d16y8 build. No one makes the 3.25 gear
Looks awesome! Do you have plans to build a frame for the B series? I am currently gathering parts for a B AWD. Would love to support a Canadian company
Amazing job ❤
Great work 👍🏻
Re-inventing the wheel? John McGee pioneered the D-series Mini swap & he’s sold over 100 subframes now. His kit is cheaper & fabricated from scratch - no need to send in your old subframe. Plus he’s developed all of the other necessary components such as custom intake and exhaust manifolds, alternator bracket, clutch conversion, etc.
I think you need to watch the video again, he explains some of the differences with this subframe.
John and other manufacturers make to order and usually have a wait list. This is just anther option to choose from already a pretty limited selection. I think this is great that SMCO is doing this. No where near the same as Mcgees, Minitec and anyone else who makes frames. You should be stoked there are more options now.
@@poida97 Dropping the engine without dropping the subframe is a pointless feature. Advantage is you don’t need to bleed the brakes by dropping the engine only, disadvantage is that you have to pop the driveshafts to remove the engine without the subframe and to do that you have to separate the lower ball joints; arguably a harder job than bleeding brakes. SMCO says it’s a 40-minute job vs. a 6-hour job? That’s baloney.
And it’s a Honda engine! How often are you going to need an engine-out service anyway?!
@@Reilly_McNicks SMCO is different than McGee in a way that doesn’t matter. As for wait list, McGee is a couple months at worst while SMCO is taking pre-production deposits and needs your core for an unproven subframe they’ll deliver sometime in the fall…
I really like the SMCO guys I just don’t know why they tried re-engineering something that McGee already perfected. Fighting over the same niche market is NOT good for the Mini community as it makes it less profitable for the people who continue to support us with innovative new products. Why didn’t SMCO create a B-series subframe that uses Mini suspension and actually fits? Now THAT would have been smart, because MiniTec suspension is junk and John McGee has no interest in B-series. Come on SMCO, innovate!
Awesome stuff 🤙
I'm down for one of these subframes, but I may wait until you've got the exhaust and intake manifolds available as well.
I'd really like to know exactly what engine that is around the 0:55 mark as I would really prefer to use coilpacks.
Would a D17A2 motor also fit as it's a bit later (newer) model with oem coilpacks and vtec?
I want that 😍
Is this for LHD and RHD vehicles?
It'll work for either LHD or RHD
Does it require any modifications to the shell?
Trimming of the inner wings is required. We'll provide a template to cut the minimal amount required.
Last d16y8 was built 20+ years ago. Maybe it worth to look onto something newer?
Are you saying Hondas are now not reliable? Going to be tough to prove. Good news is there are x00,000s of Civics on the road so plenty to choose from and you will never pay too much for this power train.
@Marcel C d16 is good, but you need to search for it and it could be hard to find one in decent conditions. Then you could need some replacement parts for it. Could be a problem because it's old
We did consider the newer Ford 3 cylinder, but supply, parts (old and new), experience in working on them, are plentiful for the D16. We routinely buy $300 dollar engines and rebuild them with new parts for use.
The last mini was built 20+ years ago as well, and because it's popular with a huge community of enthusiast who want to support it, age is not an issue, just like Honda engines.
Any plans to offer a version for the B16 line of engines?
Too hard to find b series engines
Can this subframe/engine swap run air conditioning (preferably a somewhat modern AC system)?
We run our alternator between the engine and the firewall, so there is room in the wings for a compressor. We do not have plans right now to add an AC kit yet, but it's definitely feasible.
We're doing a build in the summer with a plan to run most of the AC system in the trunk.
That’s super cool and super interesting because down here in Florida it’s like life or death without A/C and A/C options in the mini are super few or non existent lol
How much for the kit?
Post on your Instagram and make a Reel so I can repost it😂
Dope❤
Hi, what engine is best in the d series? I see there is a few different models d16 d17. What is your opinions
D16y8 from 96-00 Civic EX in the USA, Si trim in Canada
When will available & how much ? Thanks
Veey Very Impressed on this... works with RHD ?
what would be the cost to get this south africa
Hi..im from malaysia...How do i can get this frame?
@Stevestonmotorco Would a d15b2 engine fit?
Any issues or special considerations for a pickup?
Would this frame fit honda k engine
@stevestonmotorco will this subframe fit an a/c condensor or a clamshell front end?
It’s quite tight so I don’t think it would fit but with a welder and a grinder anything is possible:)
2 bolt tower version available?
My friend how much is that frame Honda d series thank you
我來自台灣，請問如何購買套件?
How much for a d16 full resto?
Do ya do one for an r50
4700 USD seems steep. oof