18 replies to this topic

[AlasdairM]

Hi folks, quick one.

I’ve got a 1990 cooper, which is standard (as far as I’m aware).

I think the minispares stage 1 kit is a good idea for a first upgrade. Do you think it’s possible to fit the whole kit in one day, assuming nothing goes wrong? Are any specialist tools required?

Also, the website says you need to get the car on a rolling road after fitting the kit. I presume this is overkill, and a standard tune of the carb/timing will do?

http://www.minispare...8B.aspx|Back to

That’s the kit I was planning on buying. Will it be louder than the standard setup? Or should I go for the ‘big bore’ option? I would probably prefer a side exit exhaust, that’s the only issue with the big bore.

Thanks as usual.

[PACINO]

Sure. If you've got an elevator or something to get up the car, you can do the job in one day. But I shouldn't buy'that exhaust. This Rc40 large bore with the downpipe, that I've got it in my Mini, sounds incredible. You can choose "centre exit o side exit". And the tail is chromed, so you forget about rust. So the combination is; Manifold freeflow + Downpipe+ Rc40

http://www.minispare...12.aspx|Back to

http://www.minispare...01.aspx|Back to

The exhaust you show at kit stage 1, doesn't sound the same. But, it's up to you.

[AlasdairM]

Thanks Pacino.

Yeah I have 4 axle stands, so I’ll probably just jack the car up really high.

Are you suggesting that I ‘make my own’ kit, using the 2 exhaust sections you sent?

[dyshipfakta]

Took 3 hours with axle stands. Well worth it. It will run without rolling road but will never be just right. My 998 hasn’t been on a rolling road but goes much better then it used to but with afew oddities every now and again which I am sure is fuelling related

[sonikk4]

They wouldn't recommend a rolling rd session for no reason at all. 

 

Like anything you are changing items on the engine that will have an effect and so to optimise the performance a session will ensure you get the most power out of the items you have fitted.

 

The needle may be wrong etc etc. Every engine is slightly different due to wear and tear etc and so a good set up should have you smiling at the end of it rather than trying to constantly fiddle with it.

[sonscar]

Of course you are at the mercy of the rolling road operator.On none mini cars I have used the same road 4 times and it is 50/50 whether it did any good.Your experience may differ however.Steve..

[PACINO]

Hi AlasdairM! I, from that stage should take: the inled manifold, air filter, gaskets, rubber mounts, brackets and clamps.

And for the exhaust: Maniflow freeflow (Ideal if you using old driveshaft couplings due the small space left) + downpipe or central tube without silencer (this prevents you from touching when entering an underground parking) + the chrome lateral or central exit Rc40 big board exhaust. All the line 1.75" diameter.

The original exhaust that includes Stage 1 has a tin or hollow metal sound. For me is a 'fake' sound. You can watch several videos on youtube where you can listen to it. While the exhaust that I carry in my Mini, produces a deep sound, with authority without being strident.

It should be something like this:
http://www.minispare...10.aspx|Back to


Regards, Luis

[cal844]

My minis run well enough without a rolling road.

All 3 have stage one kits and electronic ignition.

All I did was fit the AAU needle and kept the same grade of oil in the carb then got the emissions tuned to required limits.

Once that was done everything ran perfectly.

The car has never been rolling roaded just road tested on the same route.

I have 2 cars with LCB exhausts.

My 998 has a 2 inch full system and DTM centre exit

My 1275 has a 1.75 inch LCB and 2.25 inch Fletcher link pipe and twin tail pipes like the DTM but not up swept.

My other engine is a 998 with Free flow type manifold and single box side exit RC40.

There's loads of choice on exhausts

Cal

Edited by cal844, 09 July 2020 - 09:26 AM.

[AlasdairM]

Thanks for all of the advice. 

 

I think I will go for this one http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

However it is out of stock, so I'll need to wait!

[Quincy Sparks]

I went from standard on my 1990 Cooper to this kit from Maniflow a few years ago, and certainly noticed a difference in engine performance. Similar cost and spec to the minispares kit you've linked to, if you've got any questions (about spec or fitting etc), I've always found Maniflow very helpful if you give them a call.

https://www.maniflow...61&product=1387

 

Just a thought in case you didn't want to wait for stock at Minispares ...

Edited by Quincy Sparks, 10 July 2020 - 11:55 AM.

[Jase]

I'd jsut look to putting my own together, would definitely recommend going stainless though.

[ads7]

Can't go wrong with maniflow. Three branch free flow manifold and don't go above 1.75" diameter middle pipe or you'll lose performance.

Don't go stainless unless you don't mind noise as it resonates more than mild steel

[AlasdairM]

Thanks Quincy. That looks like a good deal. I think the only thing missing is the new carb needle.

I’ll maybe give them a call. Minispares didn’t seem to know when they would get stock back in.

[Quincy Sparks]

Thanks Quincy. That looks like a good deal. I think the only thing missing is the new carb needle.

I’ll maybe give them a call. Minispares didn’t seem to know when they would get stock back in.

No probs. Maniflow will include the correct needle too, just doesn't seem to be mentioned in the listing for the kit (or in the pictures!)

[blacktulip]

On rolling roads.... I once thought one of my old engines was great but after a session on the rollers I couldn't believe the difference. Of course you could fit it and be happy but why not get the most from your upgrades.