16 replies to this topic

[unsavoury]

My 998 AUTO Mayfair needs more power and the fact that its an auto is causing confusion, Ive spent the last monht since I bought the car researching and Ive solved a load of things thankyou very much.

How can I go about tuning the 998 Auto? I dont care that It can only do 60 topps as I have the MG for Motorways but the Mini needs to bee faster from the 0-50 range.... please help guys

[p.park]

stage 1 kit?
and then 2 and then 3?

[unsavoury]

stage 1 kit?
and then 2 and then 3?

Well in my haynes mini tuning manual it says autos aren't that simple and the best way to get more power is just get a new engine but didn't explain why?

[MRA]

Auto boxes can take quite a bit of power.... the standard convertor will not take kindly to a race cam for instance, as it will "lock" before the engine has developed enough torque to move it..... but a decent power output is obtainable through the standard unit, and there are ways to increase the reliability and strength to take more power, some one a few years ago actually used to race an auto Mini

A 1380 Auto would be interesting Kent 276, a ST2 head to give good bottom end and mid range torque...... might work

Regards Martin

[unsavoury]

Auto boxes can take quite a bit of power.... the standard convertor will not take kindly to a race cam for instance, as it will "lock" before the engine has developed enough torque to move it..... but a decent power output is obtainable through the standard unit, and there are ways to increase the reliability and strength to take more power, some one a few years ago actually used to race an auto Mini

A 1380 Auto would be interesting Kent 276, a ST2 head to give good bottom end and mid range torque...... might work

Regards Martin

thanks for that martin. I don't want to spend a load o. Tuning it to find out I don't see the effect. My main problem is the 0 to 30 speed as it's so slow it's dangerous pulling on to traffic

[p.park]

Auto boxes can take quite a bit of power.... the standard convertor will not take kindly to a race cam for instance, as it will "lock" before the engine has developed enough torque to move it..... but a decent power output is obtainable through the standard unit, and there are ways to increase the reliability and strength to take more power, some one a few years ago actually used to race an auto Mini

A 1380 Auto would be interesting Kent 276, a ST2 head to give good bottom end and mid range torque...... might work

Regards Martin

thanks for that martin. I don't want to spend a load o. Tuning it to find out I don't see the effect. My main problem is the 0 to 30 speed as it's so slow it's dangerous pulling on to traffic

i feel exactly the same way...

[Retro_10s]

First start with a good service and then i would recommend fitting a stage 1 kit, this consists of:

New exhaust system including manifold. (go for an RC40 type exhaust, twin silencer and a cooper freeflow manifold)
New needle in the carb.
New higher flowing air filter.
Alloy inlet manifold.

Get it all set-up on a mini friendly rolling road.

You will perk the car up considerably by completing the above work. As above - the engine and box are fairly capable units if kept in good health, but the torque convertor is the limiting factor.

[MRA]

Yes that will help your 0 - 30 times off the line as Retro 10s says it will make it more perky

THe auto unit has a few weak spots, however it has a lot of stronger points as well, and once the weak areas have been "ironed" out......... you may be seeing something a little special in the future

[p.park]

Yes that will help your 0 - 30 times off the line as Retro 10s says it will make it more perky

THe auto unit has a few weak spots, however it has a lot of stronger points as well, and once the weak areas have been "ironed" out......... you may be seeing something a little special in the future

remind me,

what are the strong points ?

and

what are the weak points?

[MRA]

Yes that will help your 0 - 30 times off the line as Retro 10s says it will make it more perky

THe auto unit has a few weak spots, however it has a lot of stronger points as well, and once the weak areas have been "ironed" out......... you may be seeing something a little special in the future

remind me,

what are the strong points ?

and

what are the weak points?

Strong points....

diff pinion bearing supported on both sides, input gear supported by a double roller bearing for more strength, clutch packs can be upgrade to take more torque, much bigger bearings than in a manual.... minimal side loadings, quicker shifting through gears.... well from gear to gear anyway.


Weak points....

Epicyclic gear cluster can fail due to poor welds...
Torque convertor
peoples perceptions
etc.....

They can be made to go very well.

I think a 200bhp turbo may be a little too much.... but a 90hp NA could be quite fun

Regards Martin

[p.park]

Thanks Martin.
You're always very helpful.

I've already got stage one kit...
what more would you suggest for the car now then (for more power)?

and do you think cooper s brakes are enough to stop an auto with 60-80BH?

[MRA]

Hi

It depends on the year of transmission fitted to your Min .... the later units where stronger, as they also had to cope with a higher final drive ratio... 1976 onwards, engine braking is better with a manual than it is with an auto... so brakes really need to be tip top, that is not saying that the 7.5" setup is not good enough, any braking system needs to be kept in good condition.

Regards Martin

[Retro_10s]

Cooper S brake set-up will be absolutely fine.

[Heather&Henrietta]

I'd consider David Vizard's "Tuning A-Series Engines"


The book's a bible!

[p.park]

Thanks martin and every one!