Lynx AE - Mini R1 kit Home

Here at LynxAE we have been racing Mini's and putting motorbike engines in cars for many years now, in fact we started racing motorbikes in 1987 then moved to Minis in 1991 and in 1996 we fitted the first motorbike engine into the works Global Light race car. A previous conversion in an MG Miget showed the versatility and performance of the Yamaha R1 engine so, when we were approached by a customer to install a Yamaha R1 engine into the front of a Mini driving the front wheels, under strict instructions that there were to be no body modifications. It was a natural progression to put our extensive knowledge to use and design what we feel is the best Mini Yamaha R1 conversion kit money can buy.

The video above is of our works Mini R1 race car in action at Silverstone in the Bentley Drivers Club all comers race. We narrowly missed the outright win but we were piped at the post by a 400+ bhp Lotus Europa. Our race car runs the exact same kit and standard Yamaha R1 engine that you can fit to your road, track day or race car.

With our kit the modifications are so few that you do not even need to remove the subframe from the car, just the original engine, drive shafts and gear change. Our R1 engine cradle mounts into the Mini subframe onto the original engine mountings. A chain drives a plated limited slip differential housed in a light alloy (yet strong) casing. Reverse gear is by means of an electric motor. The custom made stainless steel exhaust manifold connects to a 2" performance Mini exhaust system.

The standard Yamaha R1 (1998 - 2003) engine used in this conversion produces approx. 145 to 164bhp @10,000rpm (depending on engine year). Our kit has been designed as a cost effective way of going motor racing. The R1 engine gives great performance at a fraction of the cost of building a Mini Miglia race spec 'A' series engine with less power.

Since our R1 engine cradle mounts to the original 'A' series engine mounting locations it is possible to swap from 'A' series to R1 and back very easily. This also means that the only modification required are very minor clearance modifications to the subframe.

Our R1 conversion is available in kit form for you to carry out the conversion at your leisure or can be carried out by our engineers on your car.

There are a number of options available to suit your needs and budget.

All you need to have to complete a conversion is,

Our kit, A classic Mini, Yamaha R1 engine, Yamaha engine wiring loom & ECU, Fuel pump, air filter, Yamaha clutch cable, gear change system (such as our manual gear change option).

We strongly recommend that the brakes and suspension are upgraded to handle the increased power. We are happy to advise what needs to be done.

Read all about our conversion in the July/August 2011 issue of TKC magazine.

Why buy our kit?

Firstly when you see the engine installed with our kit I am sure you will agree it looks right, as if it is meant to be there. However there are a number of other key points to consider when deciding which kit to go for. With the LynxAE kit,

- There are no body modifications.
- Minimal subframe modifications..
- No need to send your subframe for modification.
- Uses existing standard radiator in original position.
- It is easy to swap from 'A' series to R1 and back (our kit uses the original engine mountings). In fact you could for example do a sprint with an R1 engine fitted and the following weekend do a classic hill climb with a 'A' series fitted.
- You get a plated LSD supplied as standard.
- All parts are manufactured to very high standards, as you would expect.
- Professionally manufactured TIG welded Stainless steel exhaust manifold as standard.
- Gear ratio can be changed in situ.
- We have been in the motorsport industry since 1986 so we know what it takes to make a fast reliable car.
- You can benefit from our years of experience of Mini's and motorbike powered cars.

Kit contents

LynxAE TIG welded R1 engine cradle powder coated in black
Bespoke stainless steel TIG welded exhaust manifold & fittings
Plated LSD differential & bespoke alloy mountings
Sprocket
Chain
Reverse gear
Radiator duct and silicon coolant pipes & clips
Electric fan
Clutch slave cylinder, pipe, lever and rod
Throttle cable
Fitting kit containing nuts, bolts & sundries
Template for subframe modification
Instructions
Free modification of your engine stabilizer
Free modification of your drive shafts

We have recently finalised the sale of our R1 Mini Kit to Harrogate Bespoke Classic Mini
Please contact Steve at for prices and availability Harrogatebespokeclassicmini@hotmail.com

Bespoke stainless steel exhaust manifold.

Engine in cradle ready to install
in a customers car

Manual gearchange

Wolf in sheeps clothing MK1 Cooper	This car has very standard interior which hides the beast beneath. Modified standard standard gear lever connected to a semi automatic gear change system.	No body modifications required. The car above has standard front and inner wings still installed.
Mini Minus with LynxAE R1 conversion kit at Avon Park	Installed in a flip front race car (Photo courtesy of Matt Woods photography)	Mini Minus with LynxAE R1 conversion kit at Avon Park

Our kit fitted in a Mini Minus

Mini R1 x2 - LynxAE Mini R1 kit up front and Z Cars R1 conversion in the Rear

Race Car Preparation	LynxAE, Unit 1, Hill View, Raunds Road, Chelveston, Wellingborough NN9 6AA Tel : 07831 556973 email : enquiries@lynxae.co.uk
Established 1986