compition driveshafts/coilovers.
Discussion
The actual size of the CV joint is not really what determines whether a drive shaft is a competition one or not. If you take the shaft out of the CV joint and look at it you can tell immediately. A 'non-competition' shaft has a machined groove where an external circlip fits, near the inner end of the CV joint splines, to as a stop for the shaft when you fit it into the CV joint. On a real competition shaft there will be no groove, just a collar lightly tack-welded on. It is this modification which removes the weakest point on the Mini drive shaft.
Of course, a true competition shaft will also be made of a much better steel (EN24B, from memory), but it's virtually impossible to tell this without doing laboratory tests.
With competition shafts, the basic Mini CV joint is OK for rallying (possibly the toughest application) at up to around 120 bhp outputs (flywheel) and I've never used anything different for rallying and have had no CV joit problems. I used to break shafts until I got the 'grooveless' ones from Mini Spares.
I hope this helps,
Peter
Of course, a true competition shaft will also be made of a much better steel (EN24B, from memory), but it's virtually impossible to tell this without doing laboratory tests.
With competition shafts, the basic Mini CV joint is OK for rallying (possibly the toughest application) at up to around 120 bhp outputs (flywheel) and I've never used anything different for rallying and have had no CV joit problems. I used to break shafts until I got the 'grooveless' ones from Mini Spares.
I hope this helps,
Peter
the other way to check will be the 'non historic' (so pete wont know about them) type of shafts.
1) the first sort are the 'parallel' type, these, as their name suggests are the same size shaft from end to end. they use the maxi outer c.v and normal hardy spicer.
2) the second sort are a larger shaft again, but use the bigger maxi type cvs and triumph inner hardy spicer. these are the group a type and use bespoke gearbox outers
edited for mental block!
1) the first sort are the 'parallel' type, these, as their name suggests are the same size shaft from end to end. they use the maxi outer c.v and normal hardy spicer.
2) the second sort are a larger shaft again, but use the bigger maxi type cvs and triumph inner hardy spicer. these are the group a type and use bespoke gearbox outers
edited for mental block!
Edited by guru_1071 on Thursday 13th September 10:47
guru_1071 said:
the other way to check will be the 'non historic' (so pete wont know about them) type of shafts.
1) the first sort are the 'parallel' type, these, as their name suggests are the same size shaft from end to end. they use the maxi outer c.v and normal hardy spicer.
2) the second sort are a larger shaft again, but use the bigger maxi type cvs and triumph inner hardy spicer. these are the group a type and use bespoke gearbox outers
edited for mental block!
"One lives and learns" as they say.1) the first sort are the 'parallel' type, these, as their name suggests are the same size shaft from end to end. they use the maxi outer c.v and normal hardy spicer.
2) the second sort are a larger shaft again, but use the bigger maxi type cvs and triumph inner hardy spicer. these are the group a type and use bespoke gearbox outers
edited for mental block!
Edited by guru_1071 on Thursday 13th September 10:47
By the way, Rich, I'm up your way this weekend as the Yorkshire Endurance rally starts from Harrogate on Saturday morning, finishing back there on Sunday for breakfast. I'm seeded at No. 1 in my Rover 214. Look up 'Yorkshire Endurance' on Google for more info. Maybe I'll see you at the start, if you can get out of work for an hour or so.
Peter
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