Mini Cooper KSwap with AWD - One Beast of a Build

The K series motor is a damn legend and it works pretty well in a Mini too. Subscribe to see the follow up video with a dogbox tranny and even more whp in a few weeks.
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“Altek” intro animation by Gary Doodles.
“Altek” intro music by Tommy Sica
Thanks to Ricky for letting me drive the insane micro machine
Thanks to iamtaiboogie for sharing a few shots of the sweet ride
Equipment Used:
Video - Nikon D5600, GoPro 3+/7
Audio - Zoom H4N Pro
Video Editing Software - Adobe Premiere CC
Who am I?
I’ve been an IT guy for the last 15 years with a serious passion for tech and all things automotive. From motherboards to combustion engines, I find happiness in anything that powers on or throws you back in your seat with the fierceness of a Greek god.

[@squadmaster114]

When you edit a cars characteristics in the game files

[@Altek1]

Hah! Perfect way to describe it.

[@michaelwoodsdale460]

How is this dude not doing this for a living - crazy talent!

[@Altek1]

That means a lot to me bro! I took a hiatus because my son was born but I really want to get back into it now. It's the editing that kills me but I certainly do appreciate viewers like you.

[@yamkaw346]

One of the most under appreciated Chanel’s I’ve see

[@Altek1]

Really appreciate that bud. Still trying to figure out how to drive more traffic to the channel

[@yamkaw346]

@@Altek1 I found you after one of your videos on Scottys channel, maybe some more collaborations if possible idk. Best of luck

[@natemathewson5200]

Seriously good video as usual. Not to pump the ego too much, but you’re very affable and socially competent, crazy how rare that is for car youtubers. I enjoy your commentary and banter

[@Altek1]

Much appreciated Nate! It's nice to hear because after watching myself during the video edit, I feel like I come off either too strong or can be a bit obnoxious. This was just the right amount of "ego pump" that tells me I'm going in the right direction. Thanks for watching!

[@Hellsatanx]

your question form the start of the video? yes, ive thought about it so many times, thats why im here

[@Altek1]

Haha perfect answer.

[@TurboSqu1d]

Damn, this thing's up there with the MCM supercharged JDM mini and the BOM classic mini as one of my favourite small cars

[@Altek1]

That MCM Mini is the old school Mini which definitely takes the cake as far as looks are concerned. The new Mini body styles really never impressed me but you better believe I'm looking at them differently after driving this. I can't wait to see it with 1000whp which is what Ricky is expecting to hit.

[@TheMainMan318]

This is my first time seeing either of these people and they both just give off such a cool vibe and energy. I'd watch a show of these 2 together.

[@Altek1]

I wish I could get my own show, hah. Ricky is such a naturally good guy. Easy to talk to and modest about his work. It was good getting to know him.

[@TheMainMan318]

@@Altek1 well this being my first video I watched from you it definitely felt like a show. Keep up the good work!

[@THESLlCK]

Oh.... Oh my GOD, those beadlocks are terrifyingly cool. I have nothing but fear looking at this, like those 500hp turbo hayabusas

[@Altek1]

I'm actually happy to hear you say that. As you saw from my reaction, I did not feel confident flooring it at all. At least it was just because I was terrified and not because I thought it was going to fall apart. Let's see how it is when he's hitting 1000whp once it's done.

[@THESLlCK]

@@Altek1 I'm not even going to imagine 1,000hp, this car looks sketchy enough already. As you said, it's not because sub-satisfactory fit and finish, it's just the nature of the vehicle. Even with beadlocks and AWD, the power and weight (or lack thereof) on such a short platform must be like riding a tireless red wagon on a downsloped sheet of glass. Fantastic build, fantastic guy, fantastic coverage. Glad to hear he'll be back. By the way, the viper review is still your best!

[@kaneowaikiki3298]

Month and a half turnaround time to be road ready? There's a shop that tried to make a Hayabusa Miata, and they gave up after a couple of years. This guy is amazing!

[@MrGrentch]

Ricky appears to be a very sound bloke, sensible and as calm as the Buddha on valium, but it's always the quiet ones, because scratch the surface and clearly he's completely feckin nuts _and_ knows how to wield a spanner. A dangerous and beautiful combo. 😁 That's a quality build indeed.

[@Altek1]

It's funny because when I meet some of these people I do videos with, I don't know what I'm walking into. I've been very lucky to meet some down to earth good people and Ricky is definitely one of them. He acts like he's just an ordinary guy but boy does he have a skill set I wish I had. I'm glad his personality was obvious from the edit and thanks so much for taking the time to watch, much appreciated.

[@KevinNguyen-zn4vv]

The only thing I will miss about the r53 is the supercharger whine...4WD and tons of HP/torque seems very tempting.

[@thatloserwhoplays]

Instead of a supercharger while you get a turbo scream instead lol

[@elmatador4759]

This mini is a r56 They came turbo

[@KevinNguyen-zn4vv]

​@@elmatador4759Just a personal preference. My Tesla can do it without screaming but I still love my R53. My family keeps telling me to sell it but no hell. Where are you going to find a 6 speed now-a-days?

[@jakey9065]

@elmatador4759 this is not a r56.

[@KevinNguyen-zn4vv]

@@jakey9065 You can KSwap an R53 too. People have turbo'ed and twin charged, engine swapped the R53 before the R56 came into production.

[@thatsmyrc]

What an absolutely amazing build, and great humble guy who built this masterpiece. Just came across this channel 👍🏼 great video and interview

[@FitLabb]

This Mini is a beautiful little beast! That much power in this car should almost be illegal. Love it!!! 🏎💨

[@Altek1]

And it's going to get even more powerful! I'm dying to see the finish build that's supposed to hit 1000whp. Ricky sure is a master at what he does, thanks for watching Aaron!

[@markortiz7580]

Super awesome,was impressed with car and builder,please keep going

[@finditfixitmechanics]

Great video, recently purchased my 1st mini and looking for ideas. This guy takes it to the top, totally impressed.

[@lickmygooch1013]

What model did you get

[@themaskedmusician4846]

Same here I got a 2011 Mini Cooper s (I know) and I’m planning on doing a l series swap too but I wanna push like 400 not 600

[@bigdbigd8771]

@@lickmygooch1013 I got a 2002 R53S, the super charger is amazing for a small car.

[@lickmygooch1013]

@@bigdbigd8771 I have the same car but 2003, very fun to drive

[@marcconnors4996]

I love this car..seriously Sick!!🤘❤

[@MiguelVallejoPwnz]

This is a sick build for sure, props.

[@TysonHugie]

That thing is wicked!

[@Altek1]

Isn't it! He built another and is raffling it off, I'm totally getting in on that

[@xen.7140]

Amazing video

[@josephfields5148]

What a G of a wrencher!! I swear every once in awhile ya meet a person that is just gifted in a certain field!! They can just do shit with little effort where the rest of us mortals would beat our heads against a wall for months trying to replicate what these savants do in their sleep!

[@soundboydesign1373]

Canada 🇨🇦 here, yeah dawg...lol...like now! Happy New Year! I just lost my CRX, come from a mini family...my mind has been going crazy lol...nod from me...since my rex was widebody, I would go that route w yours...4" wider rear, 3" front...for the handling, the usual, but added subframe braces front n rear...turns on rails...keep turning that wrench, one love ❤️

[@elaineharvey8183]

Good job again Alex

[@Altek1]

Thank you!

[@g_ratt]

Damn at the end of the video I looked and say you have under 10k followers. Would’ve thought this video and your channel would’ve had a much bigger view count and follower count. Seriously enjoyed this and keep doing what you’re doing.

[@Altek1]

Thanks so much buddy. With a baby on the way and a new job, it'll be much more difficult for me to make videos but I'm certainly not throwing in the towel. Although few, my current subscribers are good people and inspire me to keep going, much like you. I appreciate you watching and the kind words, makes all the hard work worth it.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

Perfect for those snowy days considering it's AWD.

[@Altek1]

I honestly wouldn't put it past him, but not with those tires on. Thanks for watching as always bud!

[@aleksdzyuba4322]

I'd love to do something like this to my R58 manual.

[@mohdfamyabdulwahid3617]

Rick is one cool guy

[@Altek1]

He's an honest, modest, great guy. And one hell of a hard worker too.

[@YobaDeluxe]

damn, the K series is apparently a god engine! awesome build!

[@Altek1]

That's what I thought! I definitely need to own something like this in my lifetime. I'd totally let him throw a K20 with AWD into my Integra, that would be wild.

[@traceurGeorge]

This is what we’re slowly loosing, just a bloke who has a job but does this stuff in his spare time and builds an absolute animal of a machine from the confines of his shed/garage

[@romellojayathilake3419]

Wow crazy 😍

[@Network-Nev]

Totally awesome, what size wheels and tyres are they they look super cool!

[@Brownbear-ju1zu]

Hey could you tell me if the original mini engine was able to work with the AWD or did you have to change the engine to make it work?

[@joelcruz9415]

I wouldn't mind it just being a stock K swap with only front wheel drive. Not having to replace timing chains and thermostats every 30k miles is the real win with that swap lol. I someone could make this an easy swap, I'd get another mini.

[@austenevans6867]

Still waiting for that follow-up 😁

[@georgef1176]

Definitely like to see the underside of this beast.

[@jhenderson4243]

Sweet video. Really asked some quality questions there

[@Altek1]

So many I didn't ask though, like how did he configure boost by gear? I'll get to this in the follow up video.

[@zachborellivlogs8271]

That thing is nastyyyyy 🤒💪🏾

[@WhyteBoi22MatthewSr]

I've been thinking of doing this as well, except I want a boosted B16a AWD.. What year CR-V did the drivetrain come from?

[@masongillespie1671]

i need to do this to my mini

[@earlfuller6474]

Should definitly be named the mini kooper

[@jonathannicholson5677]

I still see this car for sale on Facebook in my area, great car

[@XX-vt3gx]

I still see it on Facebook groups every couple weeks, people keep buying it thinking they'll get more than they paid

[@2yoked70]

Did we ever get that second vid?!

[@bburnnone]

Really cool build

[@Altek1]

Check out his IG, he's got a bonkers Civic with over 1000awhp. @rpt_creations

[@kevinnguyen5588]

OMG. I don't want my R53 motor to break down, but seeing this makes me want it to break down. LOL.

[@Altek1]

🤣🤣 that's how I feel with my Integra. Talk about the only time you want something not to be reliable. And with my luck, the teggy motor will go another quarter million miles.

[@R.C.696]

looking for the next video

[@themaskedmusician4846]

Tbh this is exactly what I want in my car build except if keep it fwd because it’s harder to drive in a way it’s odd why I like it but I might go awd idk yet

[@credisa2003]

What size are the rims and what size is the tire?

[@mindtwister6249]

What was the total cost of the build? Thinking about doing this but maybe supercharged or something

[@Gabby-is5sr]

where do i get a set up like this one

[@OmarRodriguez-xu3lz]

Love ur build i have one with a Christmas dash!!could you guide me to male happen dont need ak24 but could be d16🤷‍♂️

[@iannjoroge5867]

How am i seeing this now? Loved the Christopher Walken bit

[@rasta5238]

Does the a/c works?

[@Peginafication]

Stock brakes??!! 😳 That's very brave! They're barely good enough for the stock engine

[@MrShloker]

I mean did you look at the tread on the tires? This owner probably snorts rusty screws for breakfast

[@Noodlez_]

what size wheel spacers?

[@TheDuckseason]

what are the tire and rim sizes?

[@Hosteggy]

Ricky just wants to go fast

[@phillipmills9914]

I would love a in depth how to on this

[@EvoSGooD]

Nine line 👍

[@MR-uk7iy]

Dreams

[@tiziano316]

UATTAFACC!!!!

[@oliverwright9374]

I just thought of this and I thought to myself if it was possible

[@gretre4560]

Anyone out there building an R56 with N14 engine? I'm at 300 hp, 500 hp is end goal, but I can't hook at all. Any suggestions? It's about to be winter so I can't just buy summer street tires obviously

[@eloygallegos1694]

Can u do a tutorial on what u had to do to swap the k20 into it cuz im trying to do the same thing

[@Altek1]

All I can tell you is he makes kits to assist with the install. Check it on his IG, @rpt_creations.

[@gameofrome13]

Sick ride great content... Had a mini hands down worse car I've ever owned! Wish I was more mechanically inclined cause they handle well and are pretty fun, but Mini motors are super unreliable for the most part.

[@Altek1]

Glad you liked the video! I've heard they can be a pain to repair but its parent company is BMW so that's what I'd expect. I love them when they're new but with high mileage it gets questionable. This k swap might be the perfect answer for dead Minis everywhere.

[@gameofrome13]

@@Altek1 I recently picked up a 1999 acura cl one of Tyson Hugie's (Mr. Acura) rides pretty great example of this car, if its something that interests you I would love to see it on your channel I'm in Throggsneck.. Enjoy your day!

[@Altek1]

Tell me you went out to Arizona to pick up his car, because that's awesome. Even if you had it shipped here, equally awesome since it was Tyson's car. I'm definitely down, if he owned it, I imagine it's in impeccable shape. Message me on Instagram, @altek1

[@bhadz100]

Did he have a hard time mounting the engine in the mini? Was it a lot of fabrication done? I understand the awd he did it in a day but nothing was mentioned abt the engine itself

[@svtwrc]

There are a few fabrication companies that have front subframe and engine mounts for K swapped Mini . Most overseas but they are out there.

[@Altek1]

Great question and my apologies for not including the info in the video. The engine mounts are made by Hasport, regular off the shelf k-series mounts. Nothing was crazy fabricated except for the brackets which if they were crack or get damaged, he could simply reweld them.

[@rptcreations]

@@svtwrc this is offered only for the old school Austin Mini’s, completely different chassis from Gen 1 Mini coopers which no one makes a kit for

[@ryeguy88]

Crazy ingenuity. Now he just needs to find a way to make that usable on the track and not just in a straight line. Looks like a 4x4.

[@nolandavid3563]

Bought a kit and it was at a huge let down. Bushings didn’t fit right, Tran bracket was bent out and welds were at best labor ready. Sold it off as fast as I could. Also came damaged in shipping and no parts were packed in bubble wrap.

[@Lewis137]

Did you contact RPT about these issues?

[@xavierneiser1375]

Got me a r50 this is my end goal one day

[@michaelmorley7678]

upgrade those mini calipers, crazy power for those weak brakes

[@KevykevHID]

As it relates to the subframe steering mounting etc. I though dude was gonna say it took 10 months. My bro said it took a whole day 😢

[@daatrailmackins2124]

What’s his page cuz I’m trying to make mine awd with the same swap it’s crazy I found this

[@FCLizard]

Yo we should cruise I go to that bridge all of the time

[@Modmaann]

Could've just kept the 1.6 iron block and had almost as much with a few over 611whp with dyno sheets to prove it.

[@johnpventer2669]

Where can I get one, super cool car, I have a standard 2005mini Cooper will love to swap

[@Altek1]

I believe he's putting together a kit for certain year models. He's waiting to finalize some pieces but I think he's going to make it as "plug and play" as possible. Follow him on IG for more details @4g63pwrd

[@jamespaul1394]

Anyone have a link to the build or anything of this car? I would like to know what rear suspension/wheel bearings he used to retain 4 lug as I am doing a AWD swap and want to keep 4 lug

[@Altek1]

You can probably reach out to Rick directly, he's a really great guy. Check him on Instagram - @rpt_creations

[@musicsnob4226]

No roll cage?

[@Altek1]

I don't know if the final product had one, but it sure would need one.

[@joshpinchuk7061]

I don't understand. What is the dog leg tranny that will replace the crv tranny? Where is that's original source?

[@maz5miata269]

Dog box as in racing gearbox without synchros

[@joshpinchuk7061]

@@maz5miata269 Sure, but how does it fit a Honda powertrain in a Mini chassis?

[@maz5miata269]

@@joshpinchuk7061 I'm not sure. I would imagine they make racing crv transmissions? Maybe you could find the new build specs

[@Fury_BlackWolf]

@@joshpinchuk7061 you can use the oem casing and just replace the internal components.

[@joshpinchuk7061]

@@Fury_BlackWolf how? That doesn't sound right. How do get custom gearing to fit the factory casing? Sounds really expensive

[@mrss396]

I'd be happy with a K24 with a mild turbo, 350 hp FWD only

[@Altek1]

I agree. I'd want something like this, but I'd get in trouble quick. I'll even do a base k24 with no turbo for my integra.

[@alconk7129]

Can you explain please what’s a K24 engine and what’s it out of?

[@Altek1]

A k24 is just another Honda motor. It's a 2.4 liter inline 4 cylinder motor first introduced in the CRV back in 2001. It can handle a lot of abuse in its stock form, which you're seeing in this video and why I was so surprised that it's not a built motor. Built means it's been reinforced with stronger pistons, block and so on. If you get yourself a built k24, well then, the sky is the limit to some degree. Other awesome motors from Honda are the b18, k20 and j series motors. Essentially they're just different codes used for the motors from Honda that can take one hell of a beating. Hope that helps.

[@alconk7129]

@@Altek1 thanks a million!! So that engine only came in the CR-Vs just to be clear? What years?

[@Altek1]

The k24 had many variants and we're used in a number of different Honda's. If you check the wiki page on it, it'll show you the years, models, compression, redline, power output and so on. It's common for any manufacturer to use a motor in a number of configurations in multiple models. Think of the WRX/STI, same block as the Impreza, at least on older models, but different internals and bolt-ons from factory producing different power outputs and reliability.

[@alconk7129]

@@Altek1 ok thank you

[@thatloserwhoplays]

The wildest part about this is the headlights being attached to the hood instead of the car lol

[@mateszerencsi8224]

It's a freaking awd conversion and the wildest part is a stock feature?😂😂

[@thatloserwhoplays]

@Máté Szerencsi not in America the headlights have to be statically attached to the car lmao

[@heyxilong]

Great vid...I tried his instagram to check his new build and its gone. Im a Mini cooper fan and want to build one. Do you have any more info on how I can contact him?

[@Altek1]

Thanks Pete! He's opened his own shop and changed his IG name, check it out here: instagram.com/rpt_creations? Or should I say, get it done bro! He's a great guy, if he's got time, he'll respond if you hit him up.

[@heyxilong]

@@Altek1 Thanks dude..he built my dream car and I have to s if questions for him..

[@brokejeep5178]

For those of us that don't know what the lingo is. What is a KS swap engine from?

[@connergumm3933]

The 2003 and up accord and element and 2002 and up CRV

[@kevin_delaney]

What's his current channel, I don't see his Insta page anymore, I need to get in touch with this dude

[@Altek1]

@rpt_creations on IG. Bro crashed his Hondabishi and did a full rebuild in a week, you got to check that out bud!

[@wciflanker7]

Do we know what happened with this car? I can't find the guys IG. It keeps telling me user not found.

[@Altek1]

He rebranded himself, possibly to get away from all the haters, he had a weird amount of those. Rpt_creations is his new ig name, check it out bruh!

[@wciflanker7]

@@Altek1 thank you. Will definitely check it out.

[@Altek1]

No problem, tell him he has to let me drive his new MR2 build 😁

[@beehawj591]

I want one please.

[@montyshelby]

Damn can he built me one

[@Altek1]

He can as a matter of fact. Check out his insta @rpt_creations. He opened his own shop.

[@montyshelby]

@@Altek1 that's freaking awesome I'll check in with him thanks

[@Altek1]

No problem bud! He's a great guy. I'm still considering kswapping my Integra, and he's the only guy I'd go to for that. You're in good hands if you decide to do it.

[@chrisrichardson8908]

I would love to know what this world cost to do

[@oliverwright9374]

I just looked it up for a honda crv diff and trans it's 1500$

[@mikane24]

can u build one for me? are u in NY?

[@Altek1]

He doesn't have his own shop anymore but he does sell kits. Check his store at rptcreations.com, they're all there.

[@dubhitradio]

where's rickkkk?

[@nokoolaid]

IDK. That Mitsubishi you had on here seemed scarier. Anyway, hope you're doing well. It's been a while.

[@Altek1]

I don't disagree but it also had an additional 200hp. I think Ricky will take the crown once he's done with the built motor. He's looking for 1000whp, and I'm excited to see what a launch feels like then.

[@nokoolaid]

@@Altek1 That will be nuts. I look forward to it;

[@duanewhite3184]

Delete the back seat and put in half cage in it just in case

[@Blurky82]

His Insta is offline..?

[@Altek1]

He swapped his name once he opened his own shop, check him out at @rpt_creations.

[@stepderie6096]

r53 with turbo is no sense!!!!!!

[@wes89]

It's not a mini Cooper anymore though

[@howies3770]

Lol overbuilt Honda engines > *

[@mikewatson1675]

2:14 thought it was AWD, wtf?

[@Altek1]

Good catch, I asked him the same thing, he disconnected the drive shaft going to the rear during the Dyno run. Check out his new shop and page, @rpt_creations on IG.

[@mikewatson1675]

@@Altek1 Thanks for the response. Love the car!

[@Altek1]

No problem, I plan on doing a video of his new shop. He's literally kswapping EVERYTHING.

[@mikewatson1675]

@@Altek1 Awesome!

[@sicks6six]

why would you do this to a mini, they are horrible, when you lift the hood no inner wings, and they handle like jelly on a plate. unless it is a new chassis design with just a mini outer wrapping this doesn't make sense,

[@Lewis137]

Have you ever driven one before?