Good And Bad Points..........

[Gismo]

............about a 1430cc A-series engine ;) am looking at tweaking the engine in Wee Dougie and so far the 1430cc is looking the most likely.
I know it's a lot taken out of the A-series engine, but i've been assured the engine is covered under warranty and will be reliable, but, to all you know alls out there :p what do you think :)

[john]

I nice 1380cc motor,8 port head and throttle bodies,matched to a straight-cut box with LSD:cool:

now chuck out that stereo crap its too heavy:D

then drop down to 10" wheels,rear beam axle and coil-overs:cool::cool:

[The Dogfather]

How about a Vtec :D

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Vidal Buffoon
How about a Vtec :DI think i asked about the 1430cc :evil:;)

[bpirie1000]

Stick with teh 1380cc If you go futher up the cc tehn you'll get very friendly with the old Head gasket Suppliers.

If it is power your after V-tec. There is a guy in aberdeen who has this conversion and I have actually seen it blow a ferrari on the straight at knockhill. ( Fararri was to wide on the corners to get round at knockhill)

Is the engine in there already an Injection or a carb??????

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by bpirie1000
seen it blow a ferrari on the straight at knockhill. ( Fararri was to wide on the corners to get round at knockhill)Is the engine in there already an Injection or a carb?????? MPi so it'll be an injection ;)
A V-Tech would be nice ;) but, that is a significant amount of money :p

[Burple]

Here's another thought for you...

I dunno if they still do it, But MiniSport used to do a nice wee Injection conversion.. 1380, with a 5 speed 'box! ;);):D
It got good reviews at the time (in Miniworld)
Fine and relaxed for pootling about town, but a monster when you floored it..

If you went with a 1430, you'd spend a lot of time with gaskets as Brizee says, and a fair bit more on rebuilds. Getting A-series' bored out to 1430 tends to make the cylinder walls a wee bit thin

Or what John suggests, with a 5 speed Jack Knight dog box! Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.... <drools> :D

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by low_n_loud1Here's another thought for you...
I dunno if they still do it, But MiniSport used to do a nice wee Injection conversion.. 1380, with a 5 speed 'box! ;);):D
They don't seem to offer a 1380, they have a 1293 then 1400 and then 1430 :cool:

[X30YES]

1380 (http://www.minimania.com/web/DisplayID/1513/SCatagory/Mini%20Mania/DisplayType/News/ArticleV.cfm)minimania

[Burple]

quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland
Here's another thought for you...
I dunno if they still do it, But MiniSport used to do a nice wee Injection conversion.. 1380, with a 5 speed 'box! ;);):D
They don't seem to offer a 1380, they have a 1293 then 1400 and then 1430 :cool:


It's probably the 1400 then :D
I still have the original Magazine article somewhere - but don't ask me where.. I got a *LOT* of Miniworlds in the attic! :D

(stopped buyng it a couple of years ago, but until then I've got practically every one except the second one ever.. didn't fancy paying £30 for it recently to complete the collection! :eek::eek:)

Is it still a bit pricey? It was when it first appeared..
Something like this would give you a fairly reliable car, since it's still using the injection kit, and the 5 speed box will make cruising long distance much more bearable :D

On a nother note.. have you had a look at PlayMini's (http://www.playmini.co.uk/about_us.htm) page about some of their cars? KAD 16v Twin cam Pickup mmmmmmmmmmmm.. My favouritist ever!! Mine was that colour too! :eek::p:D

Angus.. you *do* know that MiniMania is a U.S. company? ;);)
They're the U.S. distributer for MiniSpares (http://www.minispares.com/) :p:p:D:D

[Big Gordy]

quote:Getting A-series' bored out to 1430 tends to make the cylinder walls a wee bit thin

I think 1380 is the max you can bore the standard mini block out too8) If my memory serves we well when you go to the 1400/1430 you have to offset bore the block (and likewise with the crank) so that the wall between the bores is maintained at the minimum thickness.
As for fitting a V-Tec I think you need a slightly longer nose ie 4" longer on the mini unless its a clubman then it will fit in :p:D:approve:

[Big Gordy]

Ohh and Bonnie did you check out the for sale section on here:question: There's a dude selling a 1293. Just a thought :p:D:approve:

[Burple]

quote:Originally posted by Big Gordy

Ohh and Bonnie did you check out the for sale section on here:question: There's a dude selling a 1293. Just a thought :p:D:approve:


In that case I'm sure the ECU and injection side of things will need a bit of fidle to keep up ;):D

That's where that route could get complicated and expensive..
If you buy the whole lot from the same place tho, it should all be set up to run properly by them
;)

[Gismo]

I've been very impressed with Mini Sport's responses and openess regarding my quest for their engine.

It ain't cheap :p but, they've convinced me that it is a very reliable unit with 12,000 miles and 1 year warranty.
The engine will be fully set up etc, rolling roaded to get the max, i also have the option of going the twin carb route too.

As Gordy said, the bore is offset etc, so, it looks like after the welding and pain jobs are finished it'll be going down to mini sport.

Just need someone to trailer it down for me now ;)

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland

I've been very impressed with Mini Sport's responses and openess regarding my quest for their engine.

It ain't cheap :p but, they've convinced me that it is a very reliable unit with 12,000 miles and 1 year warranty.
The engine will be fully set up etc, rolling roaded to get the max, i also have the option of going the twin carb route too.

As Gordy said, the bore is offset etc, so, it looks like after the welding and pain jobs are finished it'll be going down to mini sport.

Just need someone to trailer it down for me now ;)


Minisport Padiham are very good on the phone and they do have the gift of the gab. Just don't let them near your car I was way to trusting of them thinking they had been in the game for years so they should know a thing or two. but I dare say you will have some one local lined up to fit the engine.

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by ScottieCoop
Minisport Padiham are very good on the phone and they do have the gift of the gab. Just don't let them near your car I was way to trusting of them thinking they had been in the game for years so they should know a thing or two. but I dare say you will have some one local lined up to fit the engineHmm, first negative response, do tell Fi as they are installing the engine, mainly cause they can set it up on the rolling road :question:

[Duncan Stewart]

Have you tried Minimaster in Penrith (http://www.minimaster.co.uk/) - nearest specialist Mini rolling road and have an excellent reputation. I've never heard a bad thing said about them & I've visited them a few times and was very impressed, although the have never actually done any work done by them.

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Duncan Stewart
Have you tried Minimaster in Penrith (http://www.minimaster.co.uk/) - nearest specialist Mini rolling road and have an excellent reputation. I've never heard a bad thing said about them & I've visited them a few times and was very impressed, although the have never actually done any work done by them.Sorry Duncan, i missed this :I yep, i'll give them a try :)

[Gismo]

Well, after rather lengthy discussions with various mini tuning vendors mini sport have convinced me that their 1430cc conversion is the muts nuts, so, wee dougie will be getting transported down shortly to get the treatment :cool:
Also, at the same time he'll be getting a quaife LSD and spax adjustable suspension with negative camber and tracking kit, plus a quick shift and a 3.44 final drive.
Poly bushings all round to compliment the suspension :cool:

[broken_brian]

Personally i would not get the quaife lsd as they are or at least used to be very snatchy when coming on and off the power and they also load up the steering a fair bit when cornering hard as for the final drive ratio it will give plenty of acceloration but it will give you a low top speed and lots of revs at 70 mph. Also while the engine is out get a set of straight cut drop gears put in as they will cope with the power from the 1430 beter than the standard ones and they will sound good as well :D

[Craig]

quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland

Well, after rather lengthy discussions with various mini tuning vendors mini sport have convinced me that their 1430cc conversion is the muts nuts, so, wee dougie will be getting transported down shortly to get the treatment :cool:
Also, at the same time he'll be getting a quaife LSD and spax adjustable suspension with negative camber and tracking kit, plus a quick shift and a 3.44 final drive.
Poly bushings all round to compliment the suspension :cool:


:eek::eek::eek:

Best of luck with it :approve::approve:

a wee shot when it's done?... ;);)

[Gismo]

Cheers Brian :evil: have asked mini sport for their comments :p

[Big Col]

LOL! Is that BS getting upset at someone pi$$ing on his chips! That's rich that is! :D;)

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Big Colbr]LOL! Is that BS getting upset at someone pi$$ing on his chips! That's rich that is! :D;):eek: what you on about mate, that's a good few pops you've had at me lately :p

[Big Col]

Was only joking around me ol'china! No offence intended. :)

Here...you still in Aberdeen or are you back in Baku?

[X30YES]

Soggy chips ...YUK!!:p:D

[john]

FOR SALE!! are you listening ALAN!!!!

I spoke to Leigh on Sunday,he is selling his 2litre vauxhall powered Mk3 Mini,it has been fetured in many mags and cost in excess of 20k to build.

He now runs his Cossy powered Ford Corsair and the mini is in need of minor TLC 7K would buy it.

Bargain!!

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Big Col
Was only joking around me ol'china! No offence intended. :)
Here...you still in Aberdeen or are you back in Baku?Me too and none taken :D as my avatar says, i'm in baku, well offshore on nights :cool:

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by john
FOR SALE!! are you listening ALAN!!!!Too late John :( i've already bought the current one and am committed to the conversion at mini sport :sleepy:

[Scottie]

best of luck with MiniSport.

Never replied back why I had so many porblems but that was with the new Mini and more than likely their Mechanics not giving a rats @rse. Can't remember the full story.

I did post it up on the site soemthing to do with not using the correct pulley tool and twisting things.

I know a few folks on Mini2 had problems also as they all PM'd me about them.

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by ScottieCoop
best of luck with MiniSportThanks, judging by the comments i've received since i paid my deposit i may just well need it, but, it'll all covered by 12 months warranty

[Burple]

quote:Originally posted by john

FOR SALE!! are you listening ALAN!!!!

I spoke to Leigh on Sunday,he is selling his 2litre vauxhall powered Mk3 Mini,it has been fetured in many mags and cost in excess of 20k to build.

He now runs his Cossy powered Ford Corsair and the mini is in need of minor TLC 7K would buy it.

Bargain!!



:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
Is it still that luvverly turquoise colour?
It's a beauty... and a total beast!! :cool::cool::cool::D:D

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by broken_brian
Personally i would not get the quaife lsd as they are or at least used to be very snatchy when coming on and off the power and they also load up the steering a fair bit when cornering hard as for the final drive ratio it will give plenty of acceloration but it will give you a low top speed and lots of revs at 70 mph. Also while the engine is out get a set of straight cut drop gears put in as they will cope with the power from the 1430 beter than the standard ones and they will sound good as well :DHi Brian, seemingly Quaife LSD's have come a long way since your day :I:D the newer plate types like Salisbury are more prone to snatching, also, the final drive ratio quoted is the smallest they have or can get ???
But, the good acceleration and reasonable top end speed are fine for my style of driving.
As for the straight cut gears, can anyone comment on the benefit over the standard box ??

[Big Gordy]

IMO Alan unless your gonna race him you don't need straight cut gears:I They are a lot stronger than the standard kit but a hell of a lot noisier:evil: For what your going to use it for (I'm making an assumption here;)) the standard gearbox will do fine :approve:

[Sweeney]

Here was me looking into getting a nippy wee classic as well, so many options and choices! Think i'll forget about it :eek:

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Big Gordy
For what your going to use it for (I'm making an assumption here;)) the standard gearbox will do fine :approve:To allow for slick quick gear changes when thrashing the local neds in their souped up prams :p plus, i expect the box to take some stick from the 1430 motor

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Sweeney
Here was me looking into getting a nippy wee classic as well, so many options and choices! Think i'll forget about it :eek:No no no, go for it :cool:

[Sweeney]

I get stuck for choice when asked whether i want brown or red sauce on my rolls, never mind transmissions, engines etc :D
To be honest, when i saw craig put his up for sale was when i thought i'd go for it, by the time i was sure you'd got the damn thing! (Don't think craig would've let me take it anyways! ;))

[Gismo]

But, you don't have to mod it :I

[Sweeney]

haha oh yes i do, think ill just buy wee dougie off of you when your finished with it. Get a bodyshell out of carbon fibre, carbon ceramic disks and pads etc ;) Mini Cooper SLR ;)

[Big Gordy]

quote:Get a bodyshell out of carbon fibre
I know a guy who has a glass fibre bodied mini:approve: Its only got a 998cc motor in it but because its the same weight as a packet of corn flakes it goes like stink:p:D:approve:

[Sweeney]

probably works out at 4 litres per tonne ;) Would rightly be a pocket rocket right enough, would be a lot more agile as well?

[Gismo]

Right, dilemma time, never having been in a classic with a straight cut box i can't get an idea on the noise created.
Minisport have agreed the stright cut box will be a lot stronger, but, noisier, can anyone comment ;)

[Mon the fish]

It'll sound like a JCW S at 6000rpm, whining like a banshee :D

[Craig]

yeah, from what I understand, it will sound a bit like having a supercharger in the passenger cabin with you :D

[Gismo]

So, would the noise be over bearing after a while, especially if i go on a clan or NMS run, i'll have to travel at motorway speeds to get to most runs and i don't want to be deafened by the time i get to the start point.
I'm keen to fit the gears to ensure the box is strong enough to handle the power ;)
But, as Gordy mentioned, if the standard box is more than enough i may just get it reconditioned at the time.
Be a shame to do what i'm doing only to wish further down the road i'd installed the straight cut box :I
It's the only stumbling point i've got at the moment, oh the decisions, where's John when you need him ;)

[Scottie]

can I ask what is a straight cut box. how does it differ from a normal gearbox.:I:question:

[Sweeney]

Style of slots on the gears (at least my limited knowledge suggests thats what it is), they are usually cut at an angle. (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/transmission.htm)

edit: yes i think im right :D just done a few google searches!
http://www.gearboxanddifferentials.com.au/images/wrxdog.jpg

[Big Gordy]

Your right Sweeney;) Standard cogs are machined in a helix a bit like the large gear on the right hand end of your picture. The purpose of this is to ensure a smooth transition between each gear at change time and a quiet gearbox:approve: A straight cut gear is a lot stronger but the down side is that they 'whine' a lot:dead: To be fair its usually only guys racing/rallying that I've seen them in before where a whiney gearbox is the least of their worries:eek: Alan have you had a look at a guy called Jack Knight's website:question: He's one of the first guys to do a mass produced 8 port head and a 5 speed box for the old 'A' series engine (as far as I know:I) There's loads of books on tuning the 'A' series engine.....a guy Steve Visard springs to mind. I can't remember the standard box being known as the weak link but I understand that with the work your doing to it it would be silly not to look at the box while you were at it :p:D:approve:

[broken_brian]

Keep the standard gearbox and just change the drop gears which take the power from the crank into the box the helical cut gears tend to wind against each other and it puts extra stress on the bearings when you are putting more torque through them. And with you retaining the standard gearbox the noise will still be on the quiet side with just a bit more whine from the drop gears, like the supercharger on a works s. Hope that explains it a bit better :)

[Gismo]

Methinks the straight cut gearing is not really needed.
I have read up on the Jack Knight site, very impressed, but, all tuners recommend for rallying only, so, as brian says a reconditioned box for me :)

[Big Col]

Everyday's a schoolday on this site. :)

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Big Col
Everyday's a schoolday on this site. :)
Welcome back high tower :cool: bet ya got a lot of catching up to do :p

[Burple]

quote:Originally posted by Big Gordy

Your right Sweeney;) Standard cogs are machined in a helix a bit like the large gear on the right hand end of your picture. The purpose of this is to ensure a smooth transition between each gear at change time and a quiet gearbox:approve: A straight cut gear is a lot stronger but the down side is that they 'whine' a lot:dead: To be fair its usually only guys racing/rallying that I've seen them in before where a whiney gearbox is the least of their worries:eek: Alan have you had a look at a guy called Jack Knight's website:question: He's one of the first guys to do a mass produced 8 port head and a 5 speed box for the old 'A' series engine (as far as I know:I) There's loads of books on tuning the 'A' series engine.....a guy Steve Visard springs to mind. I can't remember the standard box being known as the weak link but I understand that with the work your doing to it it would be silly not to look at the box while you were at it :p:D:approve:


<ahem>... it's David Vizard actually big man - The high priest of Mini-Tunanism;):p
A Jack Knight 5-speeder would be the answer to your prayers.. tho maybe not your chequebook's :cool::cool::D:D
Quality kit, and they've been doing 'boxes for Minis for donkeys :p;):D