Brakes - Fundamental Considerations

When looking to increase their cars performance, most folks immediately turn to considering higher engine power outputs. Because of this pre-occupation brakes tend to slide down the improvements priority list. However, they are far more important - being able to accelerate at warp speed to hyper-space in the twinkling of an eye is all very well, but disastrous if you can’t stop. You will make a very big hole in the scenery, and possibly end up wearing an wooden over-coat. Getting the braking system sorted out can help to make the car quicker, as you will be able to more confidently, therefore maximising speed in any given situation. Being one of those ‘sciences’ used in the automotive industry I hope to shed some light on the subject as it's another of those where many questions from confused and mislead folks that clog up my e-mail board. The advent of the Metro, and the brakes used on it has spawned a lot of activity in this direction. It was soon discovered that they could b

Brakes - Split brake systems and adjustable bias valves

You can only use the MS72 adjustable brake regulator/bias valve with a front/rear split system. Definitely NOT the diagonal split type (for identification see 'Brakes - Rear brake bias adjustment'). These should have been 'X-ed' at birth. Makes the car handle very interestingly when the system only operates the diagonally opposed brakes. Scary stuff. Almost as much fun as when the rears only work on a front/rear split set-up - particularly as the PDWA is built into the master cylinder, and it still has to go through the FAM7821 pressure regulator valve! Damn near no braking on the rear. Either way - split system brakes are grossly inefficient when only using half the system as they are designed to do when a failure in the other half occurs. Quite frightening. To install the MS72 into a front/rear split system, it needs fitting into the rear feed line. Determining which this is can prove difficult if the system has already been tampered with or new replacement components fitted. Nam

Fitting instructions for Remote Vacuum Servo Units Types 6 and 7

General fitting instructions

To ensure correct installation of the AP Braking remote vacuum servo unit, thoroughly read and adhere to the fitting instructions prior to carrying out any work on the vehicle. Introduction The vacuum servo unit is incorporated into the hydraulic braking system, remote from the master cylinder, as an intermediate stage operating between the master cylinder and the brake assemblies. The two main parts of the servo unit consist of the vacuum servo mechanism and the hydraulic slave cylinder assembly.

These component parts are bolted together so that the slave cylinder piston is in line with, and is operated by, the servo push rod. A plastic no-return valve is fitted into the vacuum shell and an integral air cleaner is incorporated to prevent foreign matter entering the air control valve chamber. The servo unit is designed to give no assistance with very light brake application. In the absence of servo assistance due to loss of vacuum, an unres...

Broken Engine Steady?

Every Mini owner at some point will have an issue with a broken bolt or a stripped thread, due to the fine thread on the majority of bolts fitted to these cars. Whilst most are an easy repair, such as bumper bolts, others can be a lot more difficult to repair.

An ideal example of this is the bolt for the ....

Mini Production dates

We have tried to get together as complete list as possible to show all the models made from 1985 onwards, hopefully this will help identify those cars that have been modified over the years. If you have any information that you know is correct or anything that you think is not right please let us know.

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Little Red Booster 2

A strange choice, you might think, for inclusion in Mini Tech News but, surprisingly the GTM has more Mini parts on it than the Elf! (because the Elf is nearly all space frame).

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Little Red Booster 2

A strange choice, you might think, for inclusion in Mini Tech News but, surprisingly the GTM has more Mini parts on it than the Elf! (because the Elf is nearly all space frame).

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Plaquette De Freins - Brake Pads

“PLAQUETTES DE FREINS” (BRAKE PADS)

One commonly asked question is in reference to brake pad types best to use, expected lift and characteristics etc.  Especially in reference to race applications, so I shall try and outline the pad types we keep and their “essentials”.
With all things there is always a compromising area, and brake pads are no exception.  Main usage or priority should be the deciding factor, the shortcomings at either end of the spectrum should be tolerated and given due consideration. 
A major part of braking done on road cars is around town, or short distance, multi stops.  The next is braking from cruising speeds, be it when encountering traffic build up, or slowing on off ramps.  The brakes are rarely used in severe and continuo...

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Plaquette De Freins - Brake Pads

“PLAQUETTES DE FREINS” (BRAKE PADS)

One commonly asked question is in reference to brake pad types best to use, expected lift and characteristics etc.  Especially in reference to race applications, so I shall try and outline the pad types we keep and their “essentials”.
With all things there is always a compromising area, and brake pads are no exception.  Main usage or priority should be the deciding factor, the shortcomings at either end of the spectrum should be tolerated and given due consideration. 
A major part of braking done on road cars is around town, or short distance, multi stops.  The next is braking from cruising speeds, be it when encountering traffic build up, or slowing on off ramps.  The brakes are rarely used in severe and continuo...

Historical Article-August 1994-8-Port Power

8-Port Power The Arden 8-port cylinder head was designed over 25 years ago, yet it remains one of the most powerful and effective heads available for the Mini A-Series engine today. Designed with racing in mind, the alloy Arden 8-port head was conceived by Jim Whitehouse in 1966/67 to take full advantage of a change in Group 2 regulations, which allowed more freedom in cylinder head design.

Historical Article-August 1994-8-Port Power

8-Port Power The Arden 8-port cylinder head was designed over 25 years ago, yet it remains one of the most powerful and effective heads available for the Mini A-Series engine today. Designed with racing in mind, the alloy Arden 8-port head was conceived by Jim Whitehouse in 1966/67 to take full advantage of a change in Group 2 regulations, which allowed more freedom in cylinder head design.

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.

Historical Article-February 1995-Nervous Breakdown

Nervous Breakdown Sometime ago in an issue long, long ago in a Calver's Clinic, I did a short piece on vented or grooved discs, with a promise to look at brakes a little closer at a later date.

Historical Article-February 1995-Nervous Breakdown

Nervous Breakdown Sometime ago in an issue long, long ago in a Calver's Clinic, I did a short piece on vented or grooved discs, with a promise to look at brakes a little closer at a later date.