17 replies to this topic

[happydude2012]

Stupid question alert.

 

 

I have a standard A+ gear box with helical gears. (4 speed)

 

Is it possible to buy a straight cut kit (minispares) which i could switch out for my old helical set up or would i need a complete new box?

 

forgive the utter stupidity of this question if your a bit of a pro.

[Spider]

For what it's worth, I think most of us consider the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

 

Yes, most SC Gear sets fit stock gearbox cases.

[timmy850]

Some kits are below. You'd bank on doing a complete gearbox refurb at the same time. Some sets are "Close-Ratio" which means a smaller gap between gears

 

http://www.minispare...ts/C-STN39.aspx

 

http://www.minispare...ts/C-STN77.aspx

 

You can also get SC drop gear sets 

[happydude2012]

whats the difference with "drop" gears and "normal"

[timmy850]

Drop gears transfer the power from the crank (via the clutch) to the gearset. Helpful link here: http://www.minimania...w_they_work_864

Drop gears:

http://www.minimania.../drop gears.jpg

 

Gearset

http://www.minimania...th/main box.jpg

[Northernpower]

whats the difference with "drop" gears and "normal"

If you're asking what's the difference between straight cut drop gears and normal drop gears (helical), straight cut drop gears are ear bleedingly noisy, normal ones aren't. 

[happydude2012]

i use this car for daily driving - the interior is not sound proofed at all, its bare metal - in your opinion do you think that straight cut gears a **** idea? 

[Northernpower]

i use this car for daily driving - the interior is not sound proofed at all, its bare metal - in your opinion do you think that straight cut gears a **** idea? 

I've recently replaced my straight cut drops with helicles and the difference is amazing. Straight cuts are ok if you have a weekend warrior but no good without ear plugs for every day use.

[nicklouse]

i use this car for daily driving - the interior is not sound proofed at all, its bare metal - in your opinion do you think that straight cut gears a **** idea? 

in relation to your other questions yes it is totally the wrong thing to consider.

 

more noise and more revs for the same speed.

[Cooperman]

Straight cut gears are for competition cars where the cam only gives power over a relatively narrow band (like from 4500 rpm to 7000 rpm) and close gear ratios are needed to keep it on the cam combined with a low final drive ratio to enable it to pull away in 1st without a lot of clutch slipping.
On a road car it is far from ideal as the low final drive would mean high revs at normal cruising speeds giving more noise and higher engine wear.

[Ethel]

They're mainly straight cut because it's too expensive to make them helical, though straight cut gears are a little bit more efficient. The gear ratios are the reason to change. 

[Retroman]

Depends on if you like wearing earplugs or not...hahah

 

SC drop gears are generally very noisy and not needed for the road.

 

I used to drive with SC box and drops on the road and track, after an hour had a headache, earplugs are a solution, even with a helmet on. The female of the species generally hate the noise too. On quiet early mornings SC drops can be heard a mile away literally, even over the growl of split 45 webers.

 

Personally I love the sound of a SC gearbox, the whine is perfect, and puts a shiver up my spine when heard at distance.

 

Like many things Mini its down to personal choice, opinion and experience. If you can get a ride in one first it helps, if not try youtube

[happydude2012]

well i love the sound, my late dad has straight cut on his hillclimber, but i cant remember being in it for long, apart from one time down the motorway, but no headache.

[Northernpower]

well i love the sound, my late dad has straight cut on his hillclimber, but i cant remember being in it for long, apart from one time down the motorway, but no headache.

You need to get a ride in one for a reasonable distance at a reasonably high speed otherwise you'll end up selling the idea to yourself without fully understanding how unpleasant the pitch of it can become.

[happydude2012]

understood, and your most likely completely correct - i have to commute in this car, its not a weekender or show car. 

I love the idea but i can imagine its going to do my head in.