25 replies to this topic

[Chandler93]

Hi peeps, I'm investing in a mild-road performance camshaft, alongside 1.5 roller rockers and a ported head all from Minispares.

Are these just direct bolt-on parts, or will there be some modifications required?

I've noticed that on the information for the head, they've written: 'This head has no heater take-off port and no by-pass hose adapter fitted.'
Could someone shed some light onto this and what else I'll need?

Thanks, Mike.

Edited by Chandler93, 06 March 2013 - 05:25 PM.

[R1minimagic]

A camshaft is not a 'bolt on' mod. You will need to take the engine out to fit it.

The head for a mpi needs to have the alternator top bracket mounting holes , they dont have bypass hoses or heater valves on the head, it is under the dash inside the car.

[Chandler93]

I assumed the camshaft was in the top of the engine, being that it operates the valves?
If not, where is it then located?

http://www.minispare...c/C-AHT136.aspx
This is the head i'm looking at... I'm not sure if it has the alternator bracket mounting holes, but i'm assuming it would being that its specifically for the MPi? I'll call Minispares tomorrow morning to make sure that its just a straight 'bolt-on', or what work is needed to fit it if it isn't.

[Chandler93]

I was just reminded that the A-series isn't an overhead cam engine... So that makes sense now -.-
The last cars cams I worked on was my K-series ZR 160 which was overhead cam and I assumed they were all like this... Yeah, I had a blonde moment!

Anyway, the engines practically out at the moment anyway due to the front cones being changed, alongside the headgasket [warped head too hence upgrade]... This also melted the engine bushings so most of them are off... Might not be much more work to just lift the engine out and install the camshaft, but I'll see how big of a job it is.

[R1minimagic]

The A series is a pushrod engine, the camshaft is lower down in the engine block.

That head will be fine, you just need to be careful lining the intake manifold up as the normal locating rings are discarded/not used due to the larger port sizes

[Chandler93]

I won't bother with the camshaft then, its not really worth the extra work and I don't want to completely take the engine out.

Thats very fortunate regarding the locating rings as one of mine went missing when I changed the exhaust! [didn't realise they were even in there haha]

Thanks for your help dude!

[nev_payne]

No matter what you do, the standard ECU has a BHP limit. Best mods without hampering these are getting the power to the wheels and allowing the engine to perform without restriction - Swifttune Camshaft, X-Pin differential and central oil pickup, roller-tip rockers and a decent exhaust.

[liam_italian]

If you don't mind a bit of DIY then porting and polishing your inlet manifold and changing the throttle body for an alloy type will give some improvement along with the mods suggested above

[tomsbluemini]

nice decent air filter, larger metal throttle body and a fuel pressure boost valve is about all my standard ECU will cope with... Obviously a damn good service and a rolling road session will help you to get the most out of your car, but with a standard ECU, you're very limited

[Chandler93]

What is the central oil pick-up by the way? I read about them before but wasn't sure what kind of work was involved with fitting or what benefits it gave?

I'm looking at the larger 52mm throttle body so I'll probably add that to the list.
I'm also after the standard air box if anyone has one, as apparently they're better with the KnN replacement filter, instead of a KnN cone filter which is currently attached.

What kind of price would I be looking at ECU wise if I wanted to push anymore out of the engine?


[EDIT]
Researched the Central Oil Pick-up and Minispares gives a good description on the item... How easy is it to fit one?
Also researched ECU's and found the Specialist Components Throttle Body kit price at 890gbp... A fair bit out of my price range if I looked at one, but if there was an option around 4-500 I may consider it... Depending on the work needed and what else would crop up with doing so.


Cheers for your help everyone!

Edited by Chandler93, 07 March 2013 - 03:07 PM.

[Fast Ivan]

You need to get in to the gearbox to change the central oil pick up, this is not a performance upgrade though, but is highly recommend when you have the gearbox apart.

[Chandler93]

Oh dayum!
I'll put that one off until a later point in time if the gearbox went or needed work!

[Fast Ivan]

for an after market ECU try

http://www.canems.co...=index&cPath=67

have a good look around the site theres a lot of info on there including bike throttle bodies which I am going to do some research on

[MiniJosh92]

I have a 52mm throttle body for sale. Pm me if interested.

[liam_italian]

Also a good mod which is often overlooked is modifying the l shaped restrictor bracket on the throttle body that prevents the butterfly flap from opening a full 90 degree. You can simply unscrew it and grind down the end and then fit it back.

It will alllow your mini to rev better