SUSPENSION - Basic set-up method

Time to arrange all those agonised over, carefully selected and applied suspension components to give of their best.

Suspension - Basic set-up method

part numbers: TOOL10, TOOL11, HILO, HILO-01

Time to arrange all those agonised over, carefully selected and applied suspension components to give of their best.

This is one of those subjects viewed as a ‘black art’, largely because of lack of understanding and confusion. The confusion part is because folk encompass the whole suspension set-up deal with suspension arrangement and design, lack of understanding instilling terror at the thought of ‘fiddling’ with the suspension components. The latter also fuelled by the knowledge that expensive specialist measuring equipment is needed. Well, there is no black art – you can work the magic. More a case of a long day...

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

GEARBOX - How they work

Having decided on or even implemented a course of action to bolster the performance of your Mini’s engine, maximising it’s potential should encompass a good look at the gearbox.

GEARBOX - How they work

Having decided on or even implemented a course of action to bolster the performance of your Mini’s engine, maximising it’s potential should encompass a good look at the gearbox.

Suspension - King Pin Offset

Adverse Effects of Fitting Wide Wheels part numbers: C-AJJ3359 Terminology used: KPI - King Pin Inclination KPO - King Pin Offset LSD - Limited Slip Differential In the 'Suspension - Terminology' section, I covered what KPI is, as it is an ancient but still oft-used term despite being pretty redundant. Not that it isn't attendant in current cars - it has to be. It's just that the mass car manufacturers have settled the angle at which it is set down to a fairly universally used envelope, and there's nothing the individual can do to alter it without entirely re-fabricating the hubs of drastic surgery on the existing ones. So is, to all intents and purposes, fixed. Even the most technically advanced race teams can do little more than keep a wary eye on what it is doing when playing with suspension set-up.

Engine transplants - Clutch and flywheel assemblies

To go in to all the possible permutations would take a few chapters on it’s own. Suffice to say that the Metro had a few weirdo fitments such as cable operation, an in-line ‘damper’ (some got fitted to Minis too - eek),

Terminology -
BBU - Big Bore Units
SBU - Small Bore Units

NOTE: This information is largely concerned with transplanting a large-bore engine into a small-bore engined Mini. For further information on clutch and flywheel assemblies in particular, refer to relevant separate article.

To go in to all the possible permutations would take a few chapters on it’s own. Suffice to say that the Metro had a few weirdo fitments such as cable operation, an in-line ‘damper’ (some got fitted to Minis too - eek), and ‘top-hat’ plunger and rod bearing operation.

Engine transplants - Clutch and flywheel assemblies

To go in to all the possible permutations would take a few chapters on it’s own. Suffice to say that the Metro had a few weirdo fitments such as cable operation, an in-line ‘damper’ (some got fitted to Minis too - eek),

Terminology -
BBU - Big Bore Units
SBU - Small Bore Units

NOTE: This information is largely concerned with transplanting a large-bore engine into a small-bore engined Mini. For further information on clutch and flywheel assemblies in particular, refer to relevant separate article.

To go in to all the possible permutations would take a few chapters on it’s own. Suffice to say that the Metro had a few weirdo fitments such as cable operation, an in-line ‘damper’ (some got fitted to Minis too - eek), and ‘top-hat’ plunger and rod bearing operation.

Historical Article - October 1993 - Converting WET to DRY suspension

Converting WET to DRY suspension The following is a practical way of converting your wet suspension to dry, acknowledging the fact that with enough skill, enterprise and facilities...

Historical Article - April 1994 - Mini Spares Centre News

Adjustable Shocks Shock absorbers seem to suffer a little understanding. I'm not going to get terribly technical here, just cover the most commonly asked questions. The first point is that shock absorbers in no way control the ride-height of the car. To illustrate, many people think that because their Mini suspension appears to have sunk on one corner or side, that the shock absorbers need replacing. Definitely not so. Again, shock absorbers do not control the static ride height of the car. it is almost certainly caused by worn knuckle joints/nylon cups, and in odd occasions deteriorated rubber spring cones.

Historic Article - August 1994 - A Testing Time

As I felt the Deputy Editor of Fast Car flinching from the passenger seat, I realised that nothing much had changed since Brands Hatch Racing School.
I was at the wheel of the 8-Port Project Mini in the middle of Snake Pass at Chobham test track,when I saw Adam Oliver's foot reaching out for an anchoring point in the footwell; his white
knuckle grip tightened on the seat belt ...

Historic Article - August 1994 - A Testing Time

As I felt the Deputy Editor of Fast Car flinching from the passenger seat, I realised that nothing much had changed since Brands Hatch Racing School.
I was at the wheel of the 8-Port Project Mini in the middle of Snake Pass at Chobham test track,when I saw Adam Oliver's foot reaching out for an anchoring point in the footwell; his white
knuckle grip tightened on the seat belt ...

Historical Article - April 1994 - Monte Mini - Preparation

The Monte Minis were entered in the 1300cc Group A category, which demands stringent safety requirements and a minimum weight of 760kgs. Our Mini weighed 760kgs prior to a full removal of all sound deadening material. The new homologated multi point roll cage from Safety Devices was fitted. This is not a job for the average enthusiast.

Historical Article - April 1994 - Monte Mini - Preparation

The Monte Minis were entered in the 1300cc Group A category, which demands stringent safety requirements and a minimum weight of 760kgs. Our Mini weighed 760kgs prior to a full removal of all sound deadening material. The new homologated multi point roll cage from Safety Devices was fitted. This is not a job for the average enthusiast.

Spencer Wanstall Season Review 2017

Mini Spares Mini Se7en Championship - 5th Place

With a special thank you to Mini Spares for their support

The 2017 season has been great fun. A top 5 finish in this prestigious championship is something I am proud of achieving 2 years in a row, and I am so incredibly grateful for the support I have received in order to make this possible.

Spencer Wanstall Season Review 2017

Mini Spares Mini Se7en Championship - 5th Place

With a special thank you to Mini Spares for their support

The 2017 season has been great fun. A top 5 finish in this prestigious championship is something I am proud of achieving 2 years in a row, and I am so incredibly grateful for the support I have received in order to make this possible.