10 replies to this topic

[Brett13]

Hi ive just bought a mini mayfair auto as a project got the engine running and if im honest doesnt seem to have much pull. Im wondering what the options are ie engine tuning or would it be better to just put a manuel engine in. Going to be stating a project page soon thanks

[Ethel]

There's very little difference in engine performance. Autos can be slightly better, usually higher compression etc if they're of an age when there was an option. The gearbox consumes a bit more power and the diff is often taller.

[MRA]

You can tune the engine, however whatever you do make sure that you keep the bottom end torque, otherwise acceleration from rest will be worse, a stage 1 kit seems to work well

Being a Mayfair the chances are that it is already an A+ unit, one aspect often overlooked is the brakes.... are they binding on in any way ?

A good tune up will sometimes help especially if it hasn't had a tune for sometime

Gear tie up can also be a contributing factor, go through the gears in "D" drive then do the same using the stick to change gears try to change at the same rev point if there is a marked improvement then tie up is most likely your issue, this will need at least a valve body check

Do you get any flare from gear to gear within the auto mode, flare is when the engine revs pick up between changes, which should happen so quickly that all you hear is the revs drop as it goes in to a higher gear ratio...

[Brett13]

Hi ive not really had a good chance to drive the car but will do this week and check the things u said thanks. So u think keep the auto engine just a good tune and maybe a stage 1 kit. Its a 1990 mini mayfair

[edi57]

Your engine needs very regular oil changes (every 3000 miles). If not, it really does start to affect engine performance more than you'd expect.

[Kam]

What are you comparing it too?

My mate (a tmf'er) has a standard auto 1275 mayfair and it pulls well in standard form and hits a good top end (on private road of course!) I was surprised

Other mate (another tmf'er) has a 998 auto mayfair and again nowt wrong with it

As posted above, both do oil changes regularly

[Brett13]

Im comparing it to my 1.3 spi which i know i shouldnt

[MRA]

Ouch.......... your Spi is only about 50% more powerful

[Brett13]

thats why then. Ive bought it as a project just want to get a bit more out of it really thanks

[MRA]

we are working on a turbo auto have to see how reliable it is though

[Brett13]

Thats sounds like that could be fun Think i will start with a good service then a stage 1 kit n see how i go cheers