Max,
Just gone through 16vminishop & none of the Allspeed subframes would be a straight fit. They all protrude further forward of where the front crossmember used to be. In each case it has been either removed, bend or lifted. They also remove the all important (as far as a Freestyle is concerned) mounting points which fasten the subframe to the rear of the frame. It may not be even possible to fit a none A series engine into a Mini subframe without cutting this member. From these professional companies you would be looking at a one-off custom subframe so I doubt those prices would hold. Also don't forget all these engines are rod change which is still feasible as the driver is still sitting behind the engine, once the engine sits behind the driver that is a whole different matter. Most also use a cable clutch again not an issue with driver behind engine, but almost unconceivable with engine behind driver due to the length of the cable required, however conversion to hydraulic clutch is probably possible with most systems.
As I see it there are only three realistic options.
A) Start with a Mini subframe attached to rear of the frame, then with an engine of your choice line up the Mini hubs with the differential of the engine. If this is possible with enough front clearance then manufacture some engine mountings on the Mini subframe. It maybe that with a custom manifold that came over the gearbox & a remote oil filter there will be enough room. You will need to have the driveshafts manufactured or at least do a cut & shut on a set on donor engine shafts & a set of Mini's.
B) Find somebody who is prepared to modify the rear of the buggy by taking away the Mini rear subframe completely. Build a new purpose built frame that picks up the rear of the existing frame, the two diagonal downtubes. Using wishbones & coilover shocks similar to the setup on a Locost, the engine might be made to move slightly rearward enough. You may still need to get driveshafts made as the track is likely to be too wide. There is still the issue of the gearchange & possibly handbrake
C) Again find somebody who is prepared to completely modify the rear end, this time using the suspension from the same car as the engine. If you consider most if not all of the small hatchbacks they all use McPherson struts with bottom wishbone suspension. The fabricator would make top suspension mounts to take the struts & somewhere to attach the bottom wishbones. But it again raises the issue of driveshafts, gearchange & handbrake.
I don't think it's a simple as you seem to think it is, lets face it if it was simple who would have a Freestyle with an A series over s 'proper' engine. Also on a personal note the sums of money you are talking about are unattainable, I hope to have my buggy on the road for sub £2K & would not consider a subframe engine transplant that would cost more than that.
These are my personal views, please feel free to completely ignore them, if the Watsonian or Allspeed is the way you want to go, then go for it more power to you. That's the whole ethos of the Freestyle, each to their own, we're not like the lookilikey copy each other Seven crew.
Alan...
p.s. to the other, sorry for the length of the post I know most of you won't have read so much in weeks, assuming you actually read it.
