Any modifcation that are worth doing to minis
Discussion
After spending years seeking more horse power i now have to conceed that handling improvements are the best and most rewarding, gives you far more grin factor and less grief. 10" wheels with s discs and 4 pots, adjustable bottom arms and tie rods, hi-los and adjustable dampers all round, rear adjustable brackets and get it all set up properly. A roll cage is a must too as it really stiffens up the shell and sharpens the handling. Its all about reducing the understeer by increasing the grip at the front end, then you can really chuck em round corners.
Agree 100% Mr. Haynes. Don't forget to include some really good brake pads like the Carbon-Metallic ones that Mini Spares Centre sell.
With the suspension mods you suggest, and don't forget the solid sub-frame mounts for the front, you will be so much quicker through every corner that your terminal speed down the next straight will be much higher and you can maintain that speed for longer due to the better brakes and increased stability under heavier braking just before the next corner.
Once you have sorted out the above it may be time to look at the engine by working on head, cam, ignition system, manifolds and exhaust system.
Definately don't try to make it go faster until you've improved braking, road holding and handling. Please note that road holding and handling are not the same thing at all.
With the suspension mods you suggest, and don't forget the solid sub-frame mounts for the front, you will be so much quicker through every corner that your terminal speed down the next straight will be much higher and you can maintain that speed for longer due to the better brakes and increased stability under heavier braking just before the next corner.
Once you have sorted out the above it may be time to look at the engine by working on head, cam, ignition system, manifolds and exhaust system.
Definately don't try to make it go faster until you've improved braking, road holding and handling. Please note that road holding and handling are not the same thing at all.
I'd third that also. My first mini was a bog standard 1275 as I was a student at the time. I solid mounted the subframes, had rose jointed bottom arms and tie rods, cone replacement springs and semi decent dampers. Then I fitted vented disks and 4 pots. I had a huge amount of fun in that car, it wasn't fast but boy did it handle.
Of course its nice when you get one that handles, and is pretty quick too.
Brakes and suspension 1st on the list though for sure.
Of course its nice when you get one that handles, and is pretty quick too.
Brakes and suspension 1st on the list though for sure.
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