31 replies to this topic

[Random Nonsense]

There are supercharger kits designed for the A series specifically which have been around for a long time now.  But the blower is a little less efficient than the BMW one,

Not true, the supercharger used in the kit from minispeed is an Opcon Autorotor twin scroll type, it is actually a compressor rather than a simple "blower" it is a LOT more efficient in terms of power needed to drive it for a certain boost pressure, and also temperature of hte charge at a certain boost pressure.

The Bini Blower is perfectly adequate, and would be running at a low enough speed to outlast the engine several times over. The only issue with the Vmax kit is the same as with any other high power A series it just isnt strong enough. In fact, for the same output, the blown engine would probably last longer, as it can produce power at a lower RPM

[matt1332ish]

It needs setting up properly as it's a fairly new engine. I'm sure it's running too rich, and it doesn't like idling (Kent 276 cam). It's quick, tries to torque-steer on hard take off. My last car was a 165 bhp Renault 5 turbo and I miss that turbo accereration though. I reckon that the Mini is quicker around/through corners!
I'm looking into the vtech kits at the mo, still hardly a weekend job though...

[Random Nonsense]

get it set up properly before you decide you need more power.

Give ML motorsport a bell, £120 and you get a custom needle, custom dizzy advance curve, and a couple of hours with AC Dodd setting the car up on teh rollers.

[matt1332ish]

Was going to, then thought I could do that as part of setting up at VMAX with the super-charger. Prices for vtech stuff=http://www.saeminivtec.co.uk/price.htm. So thats about 2k for gubbins and 2k for the engine? Then just need 100 spare hours/40 days to fit it!
EDIT: Minispeed supercharger=2.6k, VMAX setup and driving= 1.5k. So I would get more out of the Minispeed 'charger?

[Random Nonsense]

its irrelevant which you can get more out of. Both are capable of destroying the engine in very short order.

[Jordie]

thought about this?

http://www.pistonhea...i=29226&sc=KNZN

Hehe

[Dan]

Have MLM bought a rolling road now then? They never used to have one there, but they got superb results even without it. That man certainly knows SU carbs and Lucas dizzy's.

More than happy to recieve the information about the Autorotor. I always thought that Rootes blowers were more efficient than screw blowers, but I was led astray by the forces of evil. After all, there were a pair of them on the Vantage spec Aston Martin V8 which puts out stupid amounts of power per litre.

If you are going to buy the Autorotor kit, don't get it from Minispeed. This kit is imported by Minispares originally and about £300 cheaper from them.

Minispares got 140Bhp ish out of an engine not too different to yours. But you will most likely need to reduce your CR a bit. Jack Knight do a kit to improve the torque steer problem. Works quite well.

[Random Nonsense]

Have MLM bought a rolling road now then? They never used to have one there, but they got superb results even without it. That man certainly knows SU carbs and Lucas dizzy's.

They use Sanspeed up in dartford, Mr Dodd has an agreement with them that allows him to do the setting up

[Dan]

He did a grand job on my motor. Just some minor tweaks after running in a carefully built unit, but worth it all the same. Might need to return soon as it is nearly valve lapping time I think, and it is nice to get a tune up if the head's coming off anyway.

[Pickup76]

get one of those 7 port cylinder heads they really kick out the bhp!

[thorpey]

mmm supercharger thats the kinda whining i like :tongue:

[matt1332ish]

OK, warning noted. So what would break first when (if) the 'charger goes on? The CR would be lowered, engine set-up, then what? Pistons / valves / gearbox / clutch?

[tipcat]

Not knowing as much about engines as a lot of people here do (to my disadvantage quite often!) maybe I can throw some lateral thinking into the fray... as you have a new engine capable of a lot of HP, how about using some of your windfall to get it set up properly, then look at the rest of the car... put the car on a diet! Carbon fibre anyone? A few more ponies out of your engine, with some clever weight reducing measures (done in the best possible taste, obviously) equals a higher power to weight ratio... doesn't it?

[Random Nonsense]

the gearbox would probably be 1st to go.

[Dan]

Well, assuming everything is built up properly in the engine, using probably a 4 bolt steel centre main cap, then if you have a completely standard diff that would go pretty quick. Pretty violent as well and when they go they can take everything else with them by shattering their casing and emptying all your oil all over the tarmac.
Then any part of the rest of your gearbox. 2nd gear syncro first, but everything else fairly quickly.
If you really get up to about 150Bhp you may want to do something about your driveshafts and CV joints. You can use Hardy Spicer inner joints if you like but the standard pot joints are fairly strong. You can get fairly hefty replacement shafts and convert to the larger Allegro type outer CV joints pretty easily. The standard shafts have been stress tested up to 120 Bhp and 115 Lbft successfuly, and may well be man enough to see off 150Bhp. But kit's are available if you want to uprate them.