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Is A Centre Main Strap Really Necessary?


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#1 MrBounce

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 04:44 PM

...on a fast-road 1293? I am not planning on running this engine at much more than 5k - and having read various articles on it stating it is desirable for regular use at 6k + I am not sure it is a necessity.

It seems to be something that every Mini Engine kit/built engine you can buy has one, but is it merely over-engineering? I am currently weighing up options as I rebuild my engine, and I don't want to have to shell out for stuff that is really not needed. Plenty of 1275 lumps have lasted for many thousands of miles without one, so unless I start racing the vehicle I don't really see the point. I am thinking of using a 266 cam, maybe a 276, but don't want to go up into the higher echelons of the rev range - I want my engine to more about torque than high-end power.

What are your thoughts guys and girls?

#2 j-b_2009

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 04:46 PM

you should be fine but for the cost and effort its a worth while safety net.

#3 The Matt

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 04:51 PM

If you're really not going to be revving the engine above 5-5500rpm, then no.

I suppose that there's the problem that when you come to sell the engine (OK, if you come to sell it) not having a CMS may be detrimental to the value as people have kinda come to expect them I guess.

#4 mini-luke

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 04:57 PM

For the price and effort, would seem a shame not to whilst you have the opportunity.

#5 Carlos W

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 04:58 PM

I'll be fitting one, better to be safe than sorry!

If the engine is apart anyway...........

#6 The Matt

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 05:02 PM

I did mine, but I did tend to rev a little higher. I would go for a 4 bolt centre main if I did another A series, just to be different! :D

#7 ministar

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 05:26 PM

I regret putting one in so bad! :( It will be coming out to do it before I return to the ring next year..

Even if you say you aren't going to rev over 5.5k, I bet you will! haha. What cam are you using? and other mods?

#8 bmcecosse

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 06:03 PM

No point at all for your engine - it will be fine as is.

#9 AndyMiniMad.

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Posted 16 December 2011 - 07:44 PM

I agree...No point. your engine will be fine, And yes you can still rev to 6k occasionally without any problems. Its only if you are going to 6-7K+ on a regular basis would you need to fit one....On saying that I fitted one to my engine.. but im a sucker for fads and fasion.

#10 crock

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Posted 17 December 2011 - 06:59 AM

Kieth Calver just did an article saying he thought they made things worse! What would I know, I put a 4 bolt in mine because that's what they do to all the American V-8's.

#11 new_zealand _minis

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Posted 17 December 2011 - 08:07 AM

that are a cast cap . and puttting nice bit of billet steel on the top can only help . and the fact that the mini only has 3 caps ..

even more reson to do it .. the price is nothing for peice of mind

#12 AndyMiniMad.

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Posted 17 December 2011 - 10:36 AM

Is it possible to do all three? is there enough room? Anyone done all three?

#13 MJWarren

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Posted 17 December 2011 - 11:09 AM

There is not enough room to do 3! Because at the clutch end the idler gear bearing is in the way.

#14 AndyMiniMad.

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Posted 17 December 2011 - 12:27 PM

Ive seen them...but they are not cheap!! from memory I think the price to have this done is well over £250...Ouch!!

#15 MJWarren

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Posted 17 December 2011 - 12:30 PM

I didnt realise you could get oversized bearings for Minis.




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