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RWD Conversion


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#1 benno75

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 05:14 PM

Hi all,
1st post so be gentle!
I'm in the early stages of designing my V8 rwd project. Main use for this car would be tooling around town but also looking for straight line speed ie under 12sec 1/4 mile times.Haven't purhased anything yet as on a budget on want to make the right purchases. just thought some feedback on my ideas would help. So feel free to give opinions as you wish, I'm new to mini's so I may be misguided in some of my ideas. so here goes...
I've decided on a rover SD1 lump,thinking low cr so I can bolt on some F**k off big turbo's on it later! will modify the firewall to accomm it. No drama there as the car is a piece of poo and anything done to it will only improve its life expectancy!
I'd mate this to a rt77? gearbox other option is un1 (saw spag's set-up)
Hardest part so far is the rwd config. Had a look at different track widths and the closest I can get with some beef is the mgb-gt/v8. buy a rolling shell, transfer back end and tunnel for prop shaft. That or a shortened sierra set-up? I want the strongest rear so it can handle the high torque out of the v8 and get me down the quarter really well.
Any help or suggestions you can give would be much appreciated!

Cheers
Benno

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#2 Oldskoolbaby

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 05:29 PM

Sounds like a WICKED project mate.

As for the rear, Id use a mini front subframe with the hubs fixed in a forward position. Take a section out of the front part of the subframe to allow the prop to run to the diff. After that, use a diff off a Bmw or Landy Freelander. Mate the mini drivehafts to the diffs drive shafts and weld the lot in :cheese: .........simple as that :)

#3 benno75

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 08:17 PM

So that would be the easiest way to go? That's what I was thinking as I didn't know how hard it would be to mount a non-mini subby.
How strong would the end result be? i.e. welds holding up to the torque...
On the engine side of things would it be also advantagous to move the engine back slightly from over the front wheels to aid handling? only thinking couple of inches maybe 6in?
So I'd need a one off shaft from the box to the diff? Also what about LSD diffs? advantageous with the torque of the v8?

Cheers
Benno

#4 Bluemini

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 08:46 PM

How would you mount the rear axle tho?

#5 benno75

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 09:31 PM

See now there's the other question, I assume that what was meant that i would be using front driveshafts on the rear. so no axle just driveshafts coming off the diff?

The other option I had thought of was the sierra live axle. But then the question is mounting or mating up the sierra rear horseshoe rear to the mini and also shortening it to fit. I want to do as little re-engineering as possible re track width and stability of the rear end. that's why i thought of the mgb-gt rear axle given its only 2.8in wider than the mini track width. It will fit under my fortek rear arches and it was engineered to take the V8 power. So many questions!!

Benno

#6 DaveCoxon

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 10:16 PM

Stay away from the sierra setup if you intend to drag it...
Squat heaven!

A live axle, is your best option.
Don't even consider cart springs though. A four-link setup, with a watts linkage (or a panhard rod if you want a simpler, but admittedly inferior option) for sideways restraining.

The four-link will allow you to play with the anti-squat - to GREAT benefit. This is what the serious boys who still rally Mk1/2 escorts do, and anyone who drag's serious RWD machines - so you can even buy kits to make life easier!

For Springs - simple coil-overs.

Why not consider an 'english' or other axle, and get it reduced in width?
The MG however- uses the same PCD as a mini does it not? This'll keep things a little simpler...

But don't, for the love of Britney, stick bloody cart springs on it!

#7 DaveCoxon

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 10:22 PM

ps - it's LT77 - not RT77!

that said... It's still not the best box in the world!!! I had a Vitesse for a few years - it was definately not a tranny you could force the synchro's on - they just blocked out, leaving you with a revving engine and having to release, then re-stamp on the clutch and go for the gear again.

A Getrag from a Carlton, or a T5 from a 2wd sierra are much better suited units. Most Sierra ones are pretty well abused though - so buyer beware - and the Getrags are very costly to rebuild!

#8 benno75

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Posted 18 December 2005 - 10:47 PM

Ok, I think I got completely lost there dave. I don't have much knowledge of cars in general. Sorry to sound like such a newbie but could you explain a four-link setup and a watts linkage? And also an 'english' axle? And don't worry I wouldn't put cart springs on it even if I knew what they were!!! :grin:

So can some one tell me what books I should be reading to gain a better understanding of all the technical terms used on here regularly?

p.s. if that wasn't enough I'm australian so I'm also having to learn all the new names and variations of cars produced in the uk!! Give me a holden anyday!!!!

cheers
Benno

#9 Oldskoolbaby

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Posted 19 December 2005 - 12:17 AM

Practicle Performance Magazine for definate. Tells you everything you need to know about messing with your car in the right ways without using alot of pennies. From fitting a 20+litre Rolls Royce PLANE engine into a Rover to builing your own 4 link suspension. Not sure how you'd get one where you live though :lol:

#10 DaveCoxon

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Posted 19 December 2005 - 04:50 AM

If you've never even heard of a Watts linkage, or a panhard rod - you definately want to do some reading before anything else...

PM me your email address and i'll send you a scan of an article i've just found that i've been searching after for the last hour!!!

(ps - it's from Practical Performance Car magazine mentioned above - The ONLY magazine to buy IMO - If i had only £4 a month to spend on one magazine, it'd be this one... :lol: )


oh - cart springs are Leaf Springs... as first seen on Horse-carts. And currently found on no production car - except for the 2005 Mustang for some unknown reason... :cry:

#11 benno75

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Posted 19 December 2005 - 08:50 AM

Don't panic oldskool, I'm in London at the moment. Will be here for a while so have plenty of time to read up. this PPCM sounds like the ducks nuts so I'll investigate getting back copies...maybe from the library?
Cheers for all the help guys!
Benno

#12 bousfield19

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Posted 19 December 2005 - 10:32 AM

I don't have much knowledge of cars in general. Sorry to sound like such a newbie but could you explain a four-link setup and a watts linkage? And also an 'english' axle?

surely you woulkd be better making it more simple like going the route of something that has been done or getting someone to build it for you i dont think i would advise building such a car without loads of mechanical knowledge as you will have to re design all of the suspension components to be able to keep the geometry right

#13 binge

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Posted 19 December 2005 - 10:44 AM

Before you get into all the technical side of things. How do you propose to get this V8 Lump under a Mini Hood. :tongue:

You will have to either use a clubman Flipfront, OR extend the front pannels on the car.


<|Ben|>

#14 Alburglar

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Posted 19 December 2005 - 11:03 AM

Live axle is old hat!
I'd go with the sierra rear diff. Preferably the rear LSD from a sierra cosworth. It will be easy to find, mount and maintain. plus you can pick a bog standard sierra diff up for £40ish and a guy on ebay sells fully recon units with really low ratios for £500!

Ps binge. There is already at least one mini with an sd1 v8 in the front. As beno suggests, the firwall needs to be modified to get the engine in

#15 benno75

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Posted 19 December 2005 - 12:05 PM

I know I'm not familiar with too much of the engineering side of things, but then what's life for if not to learn new skills. And not to be rude bous but the amount of money you have to pay over here to get mechanical work done is way more expensive than it is back home. rather do all the work myself, take my time, get it right. I'm a statistician so working out geometry really won't be that hard. its only numbers!!
:grin:
There's also something about having a unique car that is tempting too!! :wink:
Cheers
Benno




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