Engine - 1275, 95bhp sports/tourer test result

DIY enthusiasts often believe that building an engine to give excellent all-round road performance is beyond them. Mainly from comparisons made between what they have been able to achieve and what specialists say should be achievable from any particular type of engine build.

Generally scrambled further by the non-perfect match of parts and components used between aforementioned specialist and erstwhile DIY-er, and the ritual 'nose-tapping and knowing winks' display of those specialists. Something you can very nearly 'see' even when talking to such folk on the phone - or that inimitable 'ah, yes, well…' So some form of 'black art' is implied. Whilst there is most definitely a degree of 'feel' involved between the real specialist's results and those of just a good engineer - the bones of the deal is subject to no such thing and is certainly within the capability of the DIY enthusiast given the necessary information. And that has been the problem.

Bill Sollis - Thruxton race report.

Our Brands Hatch successes were followed by a five week break and with holidays to take what better way to enjoy the first two wins of the season. Thruxton loomed up and the sense of expectation is never greater than when contemplating the mega fast Hampshire circuit. Preparations went beyond the usual full spanner check. We have acquired a cylinder leakage....

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.

Pistons - Mega piston performance report

Under 'Pistons - Favourable features for maximum performance' it would seem that the Mega pistons fit the bill just about spot on for all but perhaps the most extreme of racing engines. Or are they? Having used these pistons in all sizes from +0.020" to 73.5mm in all aspects of use - road/street to full race I am now in a position to give a report on their performance. Some have reservations about using the pistons in racing engines because they are a few grams heavier than other pistons available, and they are cast as opposed to forged. However, Mini Spares recruited the AE Hepolite Group for their unquestionable and renowned design and manufacturing expertise. The goal was to produce the most robust piston possible given reasonable cost and weight limits. Applying current technological advances incorporating their very latest hi-spec AE109TF lightweight alloy and special double heat treatments, the result is an extremely durable piston that will withstand greater cylinder pressure

C-AJJ3385 – Twin Cross-pin diff assembly.

This differential unit incorporates a twin cross-pin assembly and four planet gears. The kit is made to accept standard production crown wheels and standard differential output shafts of your choice

My own Twin point by Keith Dodd 1st June 2006

Having now covered 17000 miles in my twinpoint from new it developed bad oil leaks making it a true mini. The rocker cover seals perished along with a diff output shaft seal. The leaks now rectified, Duckhams oil was used to refill the engine.

My own Twin point by Keith Dodd 1st June 2006 making it a true Having now covered 17000 miles in my twinpoint from new it developed bad oil leaks mini.

My own Twin point by Keith Dodd 1st June 2006

Having now covered 17000 miles in my twinpoint from new it developed bad oil leaks making it a true mini. The rocker cover seals perished along with a diff output shaft seal. The leaks now rectified, Duckhams oil was used to refill the engine.

My own Twin point by Keith Dodd 1st June 2006 making it a true Having now covered 17000 miles in my twinpoint from new it developed bad oil leaks mini.

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.

Me & My Moke

About six years ago I bought a small bungalow in the province of Catalunya Spain close to the French border. After a year or so my next door neighbour told me that in his garage was a Californian Mini Moke that he had owned since 1982.

MiniSpares Rally Team go “Back to school“ at Reepham High in Norfolk

Peter Horsburgh and Mark Banham from Kings Lynn and District Motor Club took their rally cars to Reepham High school to assist Richard Egger from “Go Motorsport” in his talk to pupils .....

Super Mighty Minis Rockingham 2018

Alex Comis reports on his opening race of the Mighty Minis Championship Rockingham 2018

Cylinder head 2022

Historical Article - Nov 1992 - Little Red Booster - fastest road legal mini

In the November 1991 issue of Mini Tech News, we found ourselves with a half page to fill, and for no particular reason really, decided to throw a picture of our man Phil Oram’s recently departed Riley Elf racer...

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 ...

Cadwell Park Race Report - Jonathan Lewis

 This is my Church - Cadwell Park Race Report - Jonathan Lewis

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