Flywheel - Pre-Verto Types

The early spring-type clutch flywheels are of no use except where total originality is required on a concours car. The taper is too small and diaphragm pressure ring non-existent. No use to man nor beast. Part No Applications: C-AEG421, C-AEG420, C-AEG619, C-AEG620, 2A3657, 2A3658, 2A3659, 2A3512 With the exception of the fact the two-piece flywheel is two pieces bolted together - this and the later one-piece cast item can be treated as the same thing. They will universally fit all transverse engine cranks from 1964 onwards, so that should be easy enough. If all you can get is the hulking great 1300 type, then this too is as universal to fit, but I highly recommend you get that extra cast lump machined off of the outer edge as a bare minimum. Further lightening of these cast flywheels is possible by having metal machined off of the diaphragm side, from the outer edge of the diaphragm pressure ring outwards.

Ignition - Establishing a TDC reference point

Establishing an accurate TDC reference point is of paramount importance when developing and monitoring ignition timing (and cam timing come to that). Terminology - TDC - Top Dead Centre BTDC - Before Top Dead Centre Establishing an accurate TDC reference point is of paramount importance when developing and monitoring ignition timing (and cam timing come to that). When an experienced engine builder assembles an engine - no matter whether for road or race - he will establish an accurate TDC indicator that can be used for ignition purposes. Usually contrived as a rigid pointer aligning to a corresponding mark on the crank pulley in a position easy to see with the engine installed. Unfortunately, many of us have to deal with engines that haven't had such attention to detail - so either have to make do with the standard ignition timing graduated scale if it's there or sort something else out.

C-AJJ3322 - MINI SPARES FIXED ADJUSTMENT BELT DRIVE KIT

The application of this drive system maintains very accurate and consistent cam and ignition timing, and minimises valve train noise - desirable advantages that do not diminish with time. The fibreglass reinforced belt all but eliminates the excessive stretch suffered by chain driven systems-even when a tensioner is used.

C-AJJ3328 MINI SPARES VERNIER ADJUSTABLE CAM BELT DRIVE

No Longer Available see C-AJJ3328RACE

The ubiquitous toothed belt cam drive system, originally developed for high performance race engines, is now generally accepted as the norm on all state of the art modern engines.

C-AJJ3328RACE MINI SPARES VERNIER ADJUSTABLE CAM BELT DRIVE KIT - FITTING INSTRU...

The application of this drive system maintains very accurate and consistent cam and ignition timing, and minimising valve train noise. Desireable advantages that do not diminish with time. The fiberglass reinforced belt all but eliminates the excessive stretch suffered by chain driven systems - even where a tensioner is used.

C-AEG455, C-AEG476, C-AEG477, C-AEG478, C-AEG479, C-AEG480 - TOOTH-BELT DRIVE SY...

These systems have been developed where positive drive is required for water pump and charging system.

They circumvent problems caused by standard ‘V’ belts being turned or thrown because of ill-fitting belts or mis-aligned pulleys.

03.04.10, Cadwell Park Race Report by Keith Calver

Getting the car ready for the first race was not quite the last minute flurry of panicked activity it usually is. Largely because the re-fit and re-furb were kept to a minimum following complete strip re-build plans shot to pieces by tradesmen being somewhat hard to pin down to get very necessary domestic work done.

Most importantly the doors and windows in the garage. The special concertina type front doors have been falling slowly decaying over the past few years....

12A367 - Torsional Vibration Damper Ring - Fitting Instructions

For any high performance engine an efficient crank damper puller is essential to minimise potential failure caused by harmonic vibration generated by the crank assembly. The standard type damper is barely adequate for the standard engine in normal everyday use. When used on up-rated engines to ANY degree, it has severe short-comings.

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Positive Ancillary Drive Systems

For some time now, Mini Spares has been selling a positive water pump drive system – primarily designed for the race-car fraternity. The system used the ubiquitous “Gimhler” (or toothed) best method of drive at all times. It is also self-compensating for any slight misalignment of the pulleys as the crank pulley has guide rails, whilst the water pump pulley is extra deep.

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Positive Ancillary Drive Systems

For some time now, Mini Spares has been selling a positive water pump drive system – primarily designed for the race-car fraternity. The system used the ubiquitous “Gimhler” (or toothed) best method of drive at all times. It is also self-compensating for any slight misalignment of the pulleys as the crank pulley has guide rails, whilst the water pump pulley is extra deep.

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Good Vibrations

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Good Vibrations

This year saw the re-introduction of the damper ring originally fitted to the Cooper ‘S’ engines and used extensively by a multitude of racers – until its demise instigated by the cessation of production by BL some 10 or so years ago.  Very unfortunate as this was broadly recognised as being THE crank damper to use on any performance of rally/race engine to deal with odd-ball harmonics produced by the 3 main bearing ‘A’ series engine.  Midget and Sprite racers mourned the loss more than Mini owners, as the current “thick” damper causes clearance problems – the damper hits the cross member under hard braking/severe engine braking.

Other problems caused by using the only available damper (as used on...

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Good Vibrations

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Good Vibrations

This year saw the re-introduction of the damper ring originally fitted to the Cooper ‘S’ engines and used extensively by a multitude of racers – until its demise instigated by the cessation of production by BL some 10 or so years ago.  Very unfortunate as this was broadly recognised as being THE crank damper to use on any performance of rally/race engine to deal with odd-ball harmonics produced by the 3 main bearing ‘A’ series engine.  Midget and Sprite racers mourned the loss more than Mini owners, as the current “thick” damper causes clearance problems – the damper hits the cross member under hard braking/severe engine braking.

Other problems caused by using the only available damper (as used on...

Historical Article-August 1994-Identical Twins

Identical Twins Mini Spares need no introduction. For Mini nuts it's a Mecca for spares and tuning and even the non-converted can't have missed the company's involvement in the Minis comeback in the Monte Carlo Rally.

Historical Article-August 1994-Identical Twins

Identical Twins Mini Spares need no introduction. For Mini nuts it's a Mecca for spares and tuning and even the non-converted can't have missed the company's involvement in the Minis comeback in the Monte Carlo Rally.

Historical Article-November 1995-Min Comp Musings

Min Comp Musings Well, the MINCOMP/MINI MANIA Mini ran at the national races held at Willow Springs Raceway over the memorial day weekend where it was severely hot. Not the hottest it has been, but still damn hot. I am quite pleased with the way the car ran.

Historical Article-November 1995-Min Comp Musings

Min Comp Musings Well, the MINCOMP/MINI MANIA Mini ran at the national races held at Willow Springs Raceway over the memorial day weekend where it was severely hot. Not the hottest it has been, but still damn hot. I am quite pleased with the way the car ran.