I get asked what "Mini-Me" conversions are alot, so I thought I would write this little article, to clear things up for people.
A mini-me conversion is basically swapping the cylinder head with one that has more power.
Mini-me conversions can apply to only Honda D series engines (which the Honda Civic has, along with the CRX, Logo and Stream). The Honda D series engine ranges from 1.2 litre versions to 1.7, and comes in SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) and DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) versions, with some SOHC engines equipped with Honda's VTEC technology.
During a mini-me conversion, only D series engines are swapped. A D series cylinder head is swapped with a more powerful D series head, not any other series of engine. It is most common, to swap a non-VTEC head, with a VTEC head. However simply swapping the two will not increase horsepower alone. This is because the VTEC circuit must be activated and accompanied by a new "high cam" fuel map from the car's ECU (Engine Control Unit).
In summary, mini-me's are popular because they offer a substantial performance upgrade by adding VTEC to the motor, at a relatively low cost.
Reply here if you have any questions.
A mini-me conversion is basically swapping the cylinder head with one that has more power.
Mini-me conversions can apply to only Honda D series engines (which the Honda Civic has, along with the CRX, Logo and Stream). The Honda D series engine ranges from 1.2 litre versions to 1.7, and comes in SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) and DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) versions, with some SOHC engines equipped with Honda's VTEC technology.
During a mini-me conversion, only D series engines are swapped. A D series cylinder head is swapped with a more powerful D series head, not any other series of engine. It is most common, to swap a non-VTEC head, with a VTEC head. However simply swapping the two will not increase horsepower alone. This is because the VTEC circuit must be activated and accompanied by a new "high cam" fuel map from the car's ECU (Engine Control Unit).
In summary, mini-me's are popular because they offer a substantial performance upgrade by adding VTEC to the motor, at a relatively low cost.
Reply here if you have any questions.