SUSPENSION - Terminology

Glossary of terms used in the suspension on the mini. The Mini has consistently more than proven its capability in competition with very limited and cost-effective modifications based on the standard equipment fitted. Having first ensured the bodyshell (in reality little more than a complex bracket to hold suspension and driver securely in place) is well sorted out by removing all cruddy or rotten metalwork and into something like straight, square and strong we, maximising suspension stability and geometry pays dividends in the enjoyment that is driving a Mini. Understanding what the individual ingredients are helps in pursuing what you want from the experience. Smooth Mover Good, reliable, and consistent handling is dependent on a number of factors. At this stage, we’re concerned with clapped out or badly adjusted suspension components. Stiff, seized, partially seized or slack, sloppy, worn out suspension components will cause inconsistent, wayward, confusing and – more important

SUSPENSION - Basic Priorities

Suspension - Basic priorities for improved suspension performance. Having studied the 'Suspension - Terminology' article you should now have a ‘job description’ understanding of previously possibly un-comprehended words associated with suspension control. Now - what to do with it? The first thing we need to establish is an order of priority before distributing hard-earned 'beer vouchers' in all directions. Fortunately, this is a good deal less complicated than is generally believed. Despite the five main factors that control the front suspension geometry – kingpin inclination, caster angle, camber angle, track, and bump-steer – we are only really able to alter three of those easily. King-pin inclination is non-adjustable, as it’s a feature of where the swivel-pins are mounted on the hub at the factory. It will alter as other adjustments are made, but we can do nothing easily about correcting/optimising it independently, as these are fixed in position on the swivel hub.

SUSPENSION GEOMETRY - Buy the right parts to do the job correctly

It is baffling to see so many companies advertising mini suspension geometry parts in kits that are a waste of time as they rarely complete the job on either the front or the rear.

Wheels & tyres - Bigger wheel fitment consideration

Predominantly 13-inchers, but 12s as well, the main thrust of the questions being 'what do I need to do?'

This subject is a regular visitor to the message board and 'Knowledge' section of Mini Magazine for whom I write - fitting bigger wheels. Predominantly 13-inchers, but 12s as well, the main thrust of the questions being 'what do I need to do?' along with 'which wheel arch extensions will I need?' The answer has always been somewhat 'clipped' purely because of the space availability issues both in the magazine and on the message board, so something a little more detailed was required. Although the Mini suspension was designed around the use of 10-inch wheels with cross-ply tyres, a quick dash through history reveals that fitment of these bigger wheel sizes isn't a recent, 'modern' application.

21A1091 - Fitting Instructions - Heavy Duty Adjustable Tie Rods

These rods have been produced to improve car stability when cornering and braking and to facilitate easy adjustment of caster angle. Manufactured from a high-grade material in a much bigger diameter they are less susceptible to bending than the standard items.

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Visit Across the Pond

Every year in America and Canada, Mini enthusiasts get together for a Mini “Convention”. In fact there are two held, due to the copious quality of “surface area” that makes up North America and Canada! One designated Mini Meet West and the other (Surprise surprise) is the Mini Meet East. Each year one of the numerous Mini owners Clubs volunteers to arrange and conduct the meeting at a venue in their area.

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Visit Across the Pond

Every year in America and Canada, Mini enthusiasts get together for a Mini “Convention”. In fact there are two held, due to the copious quality of “surface area” that makes up North America and Canada! One designated Mini Meet West and the other (Surprise surprise) is the Mini Meet East. Each year one of the numerous Mini owners Clubs volunteers to arrange and conduct the meeting at a venue in their area.

Historical Article - April 1994 - Mincomp Musings

I attended a vintage race the other weekend and had the chance to talk to some of the Mini runners about many different subjects. The conversation started out talking about what was causing his Mini to get a little weird coming out of the fast turns. Of course there can be a whole lot of reasons for this, but this did lead our conversation towards "limited slip diffs".

Historical Article-August 1994- 8-Port

8-Port The thick deck Cooper S cylinder block was bored to 1358cc.The EN 40B crankshaft was our very special Jaguar(fouring car design, using the largest possible counter weights we could swing in the block.

Historical Article-August 1994- 8-Port

8-Port The thick deck Cooper S cylinder block was bored to 1358cc.The EN 40B crankshaft was our very special Jaguar(fouring car design, using the largest possible counter weights we could swing in the block.

Historical Article-August 1994- 8-Port Final Set Up

8-Port Final Set Up The final setting up of the Mini was accomplished over the Easter holiday and in April I played around with the different Konis and ended up with Koni sports as supplied new, set soft on the rear, with the Monte specials set fairly hard on the front to stop the tramping effect (throttle steer)....

Historical Article-August 1994- 8-Port Final Set Up

8-Port Final Set Up The final setting up of the Mini was accomplished over the Easter holiday and in April I played around with the different Konis and ended up with Koni sports as supplied new, set soft on the rear, with the Monte specials set fairly hard on the front to stop the tramping effect (throttle steer)....

Historical Article-August 1994-Steady Eddy

Steady Eddy My first visit to Mini Spares must have been over 12 years ago and while buying the usual go faster bits, I enquired about a Saturday job. A very lean and handsome Keith Calver could only offer me full time employment. I declined and subsequently have spent a small fortune over the years and drunk far too many pints of beer with K.C.

Historical Article-August 1994-Steady Eddy

Steady Eddy My first visit to Mini Spares must have been over 12 years ago and while buying the usual go faster bits, I enquired about a Saturday job. A very lean and handsome Keith Calver could only offer me full time employment. I declined and subsequently have spent a small fortune over the years and drunk far too many pints of beer with K.C.