hello

[heavo69]

good evenin everyone i'm new here and love what i see so far i finally have a place to learn things and ask questions about my car. recently i got a 1995 austin/rover mini cooper. its a jap import and for its age its quiet clean!!! now standard there ok but i want to modify it by putting on superlite deepdish wheels wider arches to suit the wheels and in time do an exhaust mod. i love mini's that are done up like this i think they look great.

my first questions to you are: 1- what are the issues with changing standard wheels to superlite deepdish wheels? eg spacers+bolts/cutting the inside of wheel arch etc
2- is it difficult to change small wheel arches to the wider ones to suit the bigger wheels?
3- does taking off standard exhaust and changing it with a better one effect the car? eg engine power/ emissions?
and finally this is a long shot but can you install a power steering pump or sum device to lighten the steering? eg pump/ messing with steering box or gears?

answers to my questions would greatly help and i'll put up a pic now to show you the car as is!!! thanks G
[IMG:640:480]http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp356/heavorr/ABCD0007.jpg[/img]

[irlmin]

Hi and welcome to the site
In answer to your questions re wheels, yes you will have to cut the wings at the front to clear the 6 X 12 wheels , as regards the larger arches fitting depends on what type you chose to fit , if sportpack you will need to cut the wings further , there are other wider arches ie group 5 or 'euro' arches from several suppliers , if you find the need for power steering now with 4.5 x 12 wheels you will find the steering heavier with the 6 x 12's , you can fit power steering but its a very timeconsuming and expensive operation . as regards exhaust we only use 'Maniflow' systems as the fit and will show a power increase , beware of BIG exhaust systems as the will cost you power --sure you will have noise but thats all !! .
Gerard

[heavo69]

thanks for advice. so i dont need spacers for the wheels. as regards cutting is it drastic or is it an easy enough job either way i dont mind?. exhaust isn't a big priority but something to do in time! as for steering i might just deal with it

[heavo69]

any more tips or info??

[irlmin]

Sorry for the delay in reply but I was away in UK at MINI United 50th birthday party , there is a template available to mark out where you have to cut , We did a 1997 Mini Cooper Today the same spec as your car, jap import also , We cut the wings and fitted the sportpack arches after painting , We have done lots of these so dont need the template now , if you have basic skills it is a diy job , remember you must have the new arches painted as well .
G

[heavo69]

i see not too bad so. any pics of your work or the template??? cheers for the help