Mini Turbo
28 September 2002, 06:39 PM
#31
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My Son has a 1380cc Mini for sale if anyone is intrested, mail me, This car has had over£10,000 spent on it and was featured in Mini Magazine Jan 2002, If anybody is intrested mail me for more info and Pics.
Cheers
Colin
Cheers
Colin
29 September 2002, 02:41 AM
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The 286 was crap as a turbo cam, with a power band of approx 5000-8000rpm which is pretty useless. The SW5 and the MG Metro cam work very well, and I would not really consider anything else. Turbo cars can generate all sorts of crazy power, and with both the cams I mention it is very easliy possible. They are totally tractable rom 1000rpm, and pull to over 7000rpm. What more do you need.???????? I have said before, that my mini is faster than a STI Type R from 40-140mph. That is fact, tried and tested with a sti with a full de-cat exhaust system, + induction and other mods. Fair enough, the car may have had only less than 10,000 miles on it, but the mini was still quicker. Overall, the subaru is the faster car though. And lets get real, minis are crap. They may be fun etc, but they are crap/old/dated/lots of bad things when they have 200bhp......Still, my mini is still my first car, so if you want to challenge to race me, than I'm all for it. Put your money where your mouth is. :-)
29 September 2002, 11:16 AM
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I used a 266 ground on a 112LCA. Widening the LCA reduces the overlap, bringing the turbo on a few hundred RPM lower, with no loss in top end performance. Power band is 2000 - 7000Rpm, I had to have a rev limiter fitted, as the engine would easily spin past 7000rpm, and grenade itself.
I also ditched the verto clutch, and used the old type, with an AP race cover and rally plate. I tried a race plate, but it just killed the gearbox quicker, I used to strip 3rd gear all the time. Using the rally plate made the box last more than a week. The non verto clutch is lighter too.
Main problem I had was the subframe mounting being ripped off the car, I had to keep trying to add strength. I agree with Stevie, I loved my mini, but on balance it was a pretty crap car. Too unreliable.
I also ditched the verto clutch, and used the old type, with an AP race cover and rally plate. I tried a race plate, but it just killed the gearbox quicker, I used to strip 3rd gear all the time. Using the rally plate made the box last more than a week. The non verto clutch is lighter too.
Main problem I had was the subframe mounting being ripped off the car, I had to keep trying to add strength. I agree with Stevie, I loved my mini, but on balance it was a pretty crap car. Too unreliable.
29 September 2002, 12:10 PM
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My subframe is bolted solid to to the bulkead, with nylon instead of the usual rubber Floor mounts are rubber though. I seam welded quite a lot of the bulkhead area and bits of the subframe. Still do get weird noises coming from it, as if something is trying to seperate though, but have never figured out where the noise is coming from. I have a Crane ignition, with the rev limiter set at 7500rpm, as it will rev beyond this, although there isnt much point in revving that hard, as it pulls so well mid range 4-7.
Torque steer is dangerous though. The car can use both lanes sometimes, even at speeds over 100 mph, the car still pulling violently. It really is a handful. Some road surfaces are better than others, and the A008's definately made it worse.
Torque steer is dangerous though. The car can use both lanes sometimes, even at speeds over 100 mph, the car still pulling violently. It really is a handful. Some road surfaces are better than others, and the A008's definately made it worse.
29 September 2002, 01:08 PM
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I won't agree with you about Minis being crap or dated, the same you wouldn't about Subarus.
I was agreeing with you about your cam choice, if you read my post properly.
A008s are probably about as good as you're gonna get for road use, in my opinion. If you're on 13s though, maybe Yokos A539 would be a better choice.
Rich
I was agreeing with you about your cam choice, if you read my post properly.
A008s are probably about as good as you're gonna get for road use, in my opinion. If you're on 13s though, maybe Yokos A539 would be a better choice.
Rich
30 September 2002, 11:34 AM
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I know what you mean about torque steer, I remember with mine if you wanted to overtake, you just put your foot down and held on, the car would pull across to the opposite side of the road without any need to steer it... Vaery dangerous on narrow B roads.
Rich, in 1959 when the mini was launched, it was a great car for what it was designed, good packaging, good ride and handling etc. After 40 years in production, there were no significant changes, and although the mini was still a good fun car, you could buy a better new car for less money. Plain and simple, no way would I have paid the money for a brand new 1300 cooper in say 1999, not when you look at what else you could get for the money. I will alwaysd have a soft spot for minis, I have owned over 20 of them, but I'm under no illusions as to how good they really are.
Rich, in 1959 when the mini was launched, it was a great car for what it was designed, good packaging, good ride and handling etc. After 40 years in production, there were no significant changes, and although the mini was still a good fun car, you could buy a better new car for less money. Plain and simple, no way would I have paid the money for a brand new 1300 cooper in say 1999, not when you look at what else you could get for the money. I will alwaysd have a soft spot for minis, I have owned over 20 of them, but I'm under no illusions as to how good they really are.
30 September 2002, 10:00 PM
#37
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I wouldn't have got a brand new one either, I'd never buy any new car.
I am under no 'illusion', I know how good Minis are, afterall, mine is my everyday car. Saxos and Clios etc just don't compare, only today I went round the outside of some **** in a Corsa on a large roundabout, he nearly went in the side of me where he was understeering so much, and he had 16s ( He had cut me up about 2mins before, and I'm a sucker for retaliating! ). My Mini on 12x5s and 165/60 Yokos runs rings round most things, and it's not just fun, you can adjust them mid corner without crashing into the nearest ditch, and with a few choice mods you can beat a fair few things on the road to say 50mph ( mine is a low standard spec 1275cc, with a stage 1 kit and it beats 1.4 Saxos, 1.4 205s etc, up to about 80mph.The best bit is the fact 1.1 Fiesta think they stand a chance, hahaha. The noise is the best too, and it only has 60bhp
), it rides ok too, on Gmax shocks which are soon to be joined by Hi-los.
This is one arguemt i won't give up on
Rich
I am under no 'illusion', I know how good Minis are, afterall, mine is my everyday car. Saxos and Clios etc just don't compare, only today I went round the outside of some **** in a Corsa on a large roundabout, he nearly went in the side of me where he was understeering so much, and he had 16s ( He had cut me up about 2mins before, and I'm a sucker for retaliating! ). My Mini on 12x5s and 165/60 Yokos runs rings round most things, and it's not just fun, you can adjust them mid corner without crashing into the nearest ditch, and with a few choice mods you can beat a fair few things on the road to say 50mph ( mine is a low standard spec 1275cc, with a stage 1 kit and it beats 1.4 Saxos, 1.4 205s etc, up to about 80mph.The best bit is the fact 1.1 Fiesta think they stand a chance, hahaha. The noise is the best too, and it only has 60bhp
), it rides ok too, on Gmax shocks which are soon to be joined by Hi-los.This is one arguemt i won't give up on
Rich
01 October 2002, 10:22 AM
#38
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As I said, I'm a big Mini fan, but the cars just can't compete with modern machinery. You may well beat a corsa, as they are crap IMO, but what sealed it for me was when I had a 1300 lump in my mini, and my mates 106 Diesel was just as quick, better handling, brakes, ride, come to think of it, better in every way except the fun factor. As an every day car, there was only one winner. OK, my turbo would murder it in a straight line...
You have to agree that the mini lags a long way behind modern cars in most areas. The handling was streets ahead in it's day, but modern cars are now just as good and ride better with it. Build quality is atrocious, the paint is poor, and rust - I have seen cars less than 6 months old with rust! If you're prepared to overlook these facts, and still see the mini as a good car, then fair play.
You have to agree that the mini lags a long way behind modern cars in most areas. The handling was streets ahead in it's day, but modern cars are now just as good and ride better with it. Build quality is atrocious, the paint is poor, and rust - I have seen cars less than 6 months old with rust! If you're prepared to overlook these facts, and still see the mini as a good car, then fair play.
02 October 2002, 10:40 PM
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I've driven too many cars to keep count of.
My heater isn't crap.
My wipers aren't crap.
My windows don't mist up because I open a window so they don't before it happens, or i turn the heater on, or I open a vent, like most people do in any car.
My gearbox is still fine after 65k.
Tuning bits expensive?? 25% more power for £115? Try that on a Scoob, might buy you half a backbox. Or £14 for an uprated shock. Or £40 for a leather rim steering wheel with boss. Etc.
Minis are small, yes, *claps*
They don't ride as well as modern cars, no, but then they have a lot stiffer suspension. A 106 diesel wouldn't stand a chance against my 60bhp ( haha ), on the straights or on the bends / roundabouts. I've made a 206 understeer into a curb trying to keep up with me on a roundabout.
Mine stops ok.
Mine has hardly any rust and is nearly 10 years old, pretty rare yes. Mini paint is ****e, coz of Rover.
Parts are cheap.
Most modern cars do not handle as well.
Rich
My heater isn't crap.
My wipers aren't crap.
My windows don't mist up because I open a window so they don't before it happens, or i turn the heater on, or I open a vent, like most people do in any car.
My gearbox is still fine after 65k.
Tuning bits expensive?? 25% more power for £115? Try that on a Scoob, might buy you half a backbox. Or £14 for an uprated shock. Or £40 for a leather rim steering wheel with boss. Etc.
Minis are small, yes, *claps*
They don't ride as well as modern cars, no, but then they have a lot stiffer suspension. A 106 diesel wouldn't stand a chance against my 60bhp ( haha ), on the straights or on the bends / roundabouts. I've made a 206 understeer into a curb trying to keep up with me on a roundabout.
Mine stops ok.
Mine has hardly any rust and is nearly 10 years old, pretty rare yes. Mini paint is ****e, coz of Rover.
Parts are cheap.
Most modern cars do not handle as well.
Rich
02 October 2002, 11:52 PM
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My heater is crap, the wipers dont work above 70mph ( and def not at 120 ) . The windows do steam up, and obviously in the rain, so I aint gonna open my window and get soaked. The rear windows may open, but usually fall shut again. Give me a standard gearbox, I'll strip the teeth within 50 miles.
25% more power, well I suppose thats relative. 25% more power is still feeble. Yea, some parts are cheap, but engine parts are still a little expensive, I paid over £200 for my Koni shocks tho, 10 years ago!! Stiffer suspension, or virtually no suspension.
Ok, maybe minis arent totally crap, but they arent very good, thats for sure. They do have their good points, but they have more bad points. I couldnt drive one everyday. It would be to much like hard work. For a second car, or fun car, maybe even a track day car, then they have a use. they are a cult car, but just because they have a following doesnt make them good. Look at old MG's etc, they are crap, yet people still love them ( The same applies to most pre 70's type classics )
WHY ??????? Its amazing how many people love cars that really are bits of **** - fill in any description you see fit.
25% more power, well I suppose thats relative. 25% more power is still feeble. Yea, some parts are cheap, but engine parts are still a little expensive, I paid over £200 for my Koni shocks tho, 10 years ago!! Stiffer suspension, or virtually no suspension.
Ok, maybe minis arent totally crap, but they arent very good, thats for sure. They do have their good points, but they have more bad points. I couldnt drive one everyday. It would be to much like hard work. For a second car, or fun car, maybe even a track day car, then they have a use. they are a cult car, but just because they have a following doesnt make them good. Look at old MG's etc, they are crap, yet people still love them ( The same applies to most pre 70's type classics )
WHY ??????? Its amazing how many people love cars that really are bits of **** - fill in any description you see fit.
03 October 2002, 09:35 AM
#41
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And did I mentions the leaks???? No mater how hard I tried, I could never get my car to stop p******g water in at the slightest hint of rain...
Rust - My mate bought a Check Mate new in 1991/2, it went back to the dealer after 6 months to have an A-Panel and door replaced under warranty because they rusted. At the time, he also had a 1960 mk1 mini, which had less rust... It also had the gear box replaced under warranty, as that failed on a bog standard 1 litre. Must admit, I only blew one gearbox on my 1300, and about 6 on my turbo, but they aren't great.
Crash protection - I wouldn't want to think about it...
The heater is the worst I've ever seen in a car
The wipers fall off, usually at 70+ in heavy rain. If you havn't had this yet, just wait.
Any decent modern small hatchback will at least match the minis handling, except ones with Vauxhall badges It will also be cheaper to run, more reliable (my last mini I sold, as it couldn't get past the end of my street without something breaking)
Any other car where the recommended service intervals were so short would have been scrapped. The ball joints, radius arms and front top arms are supposed to be greased every 2 weeks IIRC. That may have been accpetable in 1959, but definitely not in 1999.
The mini was a good car in it's day, and stands out as one of the all time best cars designs. 43 years later, it is as outdated as a Black and White TV. Which was great till colour was invented...
Rust - My mate bought a Check Mate new in 1991/2, it went back to the dealer after 6 months to have an A-Panel and door replaced under warranty because they rusted. At the time, he also had a 1960 mk1 mini, which had less rust... It also had the gear box replaced under warranty, as that failed on a bog standard 1 litre. Must admit, I only blew one gearbox on my 1300, and about 6 on my turbo, but they aren't great.
Crash protection - I wouldn't want to think about it...
The heater is the worst I've ever seen in a car
The wipers fall off, usually at 70+ in heavy rain. If you havn't had this yet, just wait.
Any decent modern small hatchback will at least match the minis handling, except ones with Vauxhall badges
It will also be cheaper to run, more reliable (my last mini I sold, as it couldn't get past the end of my street without something breaking)Any other car where the recommended service intervals were so short would have been scrapped. The ball joints, radius arms and front top arms are supposed to be greased every 2 weeks IIRC. That may have been accpetable in 1959, but definitely not in 1999.
The mini was a good car in it's day, and stands out as one of the all time best cars designs. 43 years later, it is as outdated as a Black and White TV. Which was great till colour was invented...
03 October 2002, 06:28 PM
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Any small decent hatchback? Howabout a new Clio? My mate has a 1.2 Clio, and no way will it keep up with me on roundabouts, they have far too much roll, no feedback and has little grip. 206s are shíte. 106s, see Clio, same with any Saxo apart from the VTR and VTS, neither grip or handle as well as my Mini, I should know, I've driven all three..
I commute to work everyday in mine, mostly at about 85mph. My wipers have never fallen off or stopped working. My heater is great, it's warm by the end of my road, keeps the car nice and cosy. Since when if you open a window a fraction do you get soaked?? If you don't want to open your window, open the eye ball vents! UNless of course you had a pre-'84 Mini, which wouldn't have them...
Crash protection? What's that?
My Mini has Halogen headlights, two 5" fogs and two 7" spots, light is not a problem
Yes, stuff like MGs have their own following, but not many cars have at least 3 shows on every weekend in the summer, and just about 1 show at the weekends every other time of the year. Not many people would drive cars everyday that are crap. I see lots of Minis everyday. Doesn't that say something? I don't see two monthly Impreza Magazines for sale in regular newsagents either, do you? They're a cult car for a reason.
As for you paying over £200 for Koni shocks 10 years ago, not everything goes up with inflation. They're now about £30 each. Same for Spax. Hi los are £50 for a set of four. Negative camber brackets are £20. Do this and your Mini will out handle just about everything else on the road, with some 5" or 6" wide alloys and 165 tyres. If it doesn't, then your suspension is knackered.
As for leaks, my Mini has none, because it doesn't have a sunroof, which leak when the rubbers rot. There are obviously other reasons for leaks, but they're usually down to poorly fitted rubbers/seals etc.
As for 25% more power being feeble, what do you expect? I'm only just 18. My Mini will do 0-60 in about 11 seconds, not bad for a car with about 60 brake, eh? a MK3 Golf GTi, 1.8 8v only does 0-60 in about 10seconds, and that has about double the power.
'Rules the bends, bends the rules' springs to mind
Rich
I commute to work everyday in mine, mostly at about 85mph. My wipers have never fallen off or stopped working. My heater is great, it's warm by the end of my road, keeps the car nice and cosy. Since when if you open a window a fraction do you get soaked?? If you don't want to open your window, open the eye ball vents! UNless of course you had a pre-'84 Mini, which wouldn't have them...
Crash protection? What's that?
My Mini has Halogen headlights, two 5" fogs and two 7" spots, light is not a problem
Yes, stuff like MGs have their own following, but not many cars have at least 3 shows on every weekend in the summer, and just about 1 show at the weekends every other time of the year. Not many people would drive cars everyday that are crap. I see lots of Minis everyday. Doesn't that say something? I don't see two monthly Impreza Magazines for sale in regular newsagents either, do you? They're a cult car for a reason.
As for you paying over £200 for Koni shocks 10 years ago, not everything goes up with inflation. They're now about £30 each. Same for Spax. Hi los are £50 for a set of four. Negative camber brackets are £20. Do this and your Mini will out handle just about everything else on the road, with some 5" or 6" wide alloys and 165 tyres. If it doesn't, then your suspension is knackered.
As for leaks, my Mini has none, because it doesn't have a sunroof, which leak when the rubbers rot. There are obviously other reasons for leaks, but they're usually down to poorly fitted rubbers/seals etc.
As for 25% more power being feeble, what do you expect? I'm only just 18. My Mini will do 0-60 in about 11 seconds, not bad for a car with about 60 brake, eh? a MK3 Golf GTi, 1.8 8v only does 0-60 in about 10seconds, and that has about double the power.
'Rules the bends, bends the rules' springs to mind
Rich
04 October 2002, 12:59 AM
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Have to say, at 18 ( or 19 maybe ), my mini was pretty much the same as it is now, although not quite as rusty.
I was never happy with the 1000cc, trying all sorts of things to get power. What a waste of time and money that was. I then progressed onto a 1340, which was better, but got bored with it very soon too. Then I discovered the cheapest easiest way to get power. The turbocharger. With a lot of work, all done by me I eventually got some go out of my mini. My mini, has neg camber bits all round, everything is in good condition mechanically, and it doesnt handle. Thats more due to the power/torque than anything though. Minis with no power do handle pretty good. I did some really stupid things in my first mini, and got away with them, for a while. I eventually came to a crunch, after trying to negotiate 2 quite tight mini roundabouts ( with a dip in them ) at 80mph. This wasnt such a good idea, and after a couple of big tail out slides, some flying through the air, hitting a kerb side on, and flying some more. Hitting a lamp post approx 4 feet off the ground, sideways on ( pass side luckily ), and eventually coming to rest. The entire pass door stop pillar was right beside me, with the pass seat completeley squashed. Only for my racing seat and full harness, I wasnt badly injured ( walked away, with only a few cuts ). The lamp post also saved my life, as otherwise, the car would have flew for a bit, and ended up flying/rolling into a house. The boot lid, and a selection of tools, jacks, spare wheel etc ended up some 130 yards up the road, after they flew out ( and the boot lid with them ) when I hit the lamp post.
This was my first, and slowest mini, pretty much standard apart from the 13's with A008's
Minis do handle pretty well. BUT, dont get cocky thinking they will handle anything. They wont. The same applies to Subarus. They flatter the driver, and almost encourage you to go faster. Cars are dangerous, and ones like these more so, as they lull the driver into thinking the car will never leave the road. Just be aware, and drive sensibly ( most of the time ) I was very very lucky, and it taught me a lesson.
I was never happy with the 1000cc, trying all sorts of things to get power. What a waste of time and money that was. I then progressed onto a 1340, which was better, but got bored with it very soon too. Then I discovered the cheapest easiest way to get power. The turbocharger. With a lot of work, all done by me
I eventually got some go out of my mini. My mini, has neg camber bits all round, everything is in good condition mechanically, and it doesnt handle. Thats more due to the power/torque than anything though. Minis with no power do handle pretty good. I did some really stupid things in my first mini, and got away with them, for a while. I eventually came to a crunch, after trying to negotiate 2 quite tight mini roundabouts ( with a dip in them ) at 80mph. This wasnt such a good idea, and after a couple of big tail out slides, some flying through the air, hitting a kerb side on, and flying some more. Hitting a lamp post approx 4 feet off the ground, sideways on ( pass side luckily ), and eventually coming to rest. The entire pass door stop pillar was right beside me, with the pass seat completeley squashed. Only for my racing seat and full harness, I wasnt badly injured ( walked away, with only a few cuts ). The lamp post also saved my life, as otherwise, the car would have flew for a bit, and ended up flying/rolling into a house. The boot lid, and a selection of tools, jacks, spare wheel etc ended up some 130 yards up the road, after they flew out ( and the boot lid with them ) when I hit the lamp post.This was my first, and slowest mini, pretty much standard apart from the 13's with A008's
Minis do handle pretty well. BUT, dont get cocky thinking they will handle anything. They wont. The same applies to Subarus. They flatter the driver, and almost encourage you to go faster. Cars are dangerous, and ones like these more so, as they lull the driver into thinking the car will never leave the road. Just be aware, and drive sensibly ( most of the time ) I was very very lucky, and it taught me a lesson.
04 October 2002, 07:24 PM
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I very much doubt it was a 1340, much more likely to be a 1330...1340 pistons are not available, the ones that are give 1330, the 1340 came from class restrictions.
Sounds like a bad crash, but two mini roundabouts at 80mph?! Are you mad?! LOL at Minis with power don't handle! Friend's Clubman turbo has about 120bhp now, and is on 10x6 wheels, Spax shocks and Hi los, we couldn't even get the back to step out milking the throttle at 60mph on a tight roundabout...!
What buckets did you have?
Rich
Sounds like a bad crash, but two mini roundabouts at 80mph?! Are you mad?!
LOL at Minis with power don't handle! Friend's Clubman turbo has about 120bhp now, and is on 10x6 wheels, Spax shocks and Hi los, we couldn't even get the back to step out milking the throttle at 60mph on a tight roundabout...!What buckets did you have?
Rich
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