12 replies to this topic

[HarryMini93]

Hey, was just wondering what is the most effective way to improve acceleration on a standard 998cc manual engine (not looking to spend a fortune).

Thanks
Harry

[jakejakejake1]

Strip everything out of it, put a bigger/ more powerful engine in it, turbo it, there are plenty of ways, some more expensive than others. Its just a case of working out what you want to use the car for, and how much you want to spend, or how much time you can put into it if your doing the work yourself. 

[Camel]

I'm guessing a stage 1 kit so new exhaust and intake. Best value I think then it starts getting more expensive.

[Gr4h4m]

take any "extra" stuff out of the car...

 

1) Add lightness :) and remove your junk :)

 

2) Make sure everything is working at its best, so a good service, make sure the air filter, rocker gaps, plugs, timing and fuelling are spot on, air pressures correct. so you get the most out of what you have...

 

3) Spending cash to get more power, and add more lightness with light parts :). Ends up crying with your bank manager... 

[Artful Dodger]

^helpful mr jakejakejake..;)


Air filter, and then better manifolds and then a head change



Second hand parts are your friend here, a 2d hand LCB - 30 quid 2nd hand intake - 30 quid - air filter - 15 -20 quid

You can do a lot of mods yourself, using the david vizard tuning manual, but this can be hard

Edited by Artful Dodger, 13 May 2013 - 08:45 PM.

[JackF]

A good service often makes a difference.

But gearbox alterations could improve acceleration, depending on what you do. Changes could alter other things too. Faster acceleration often leaves lower top end speed....?
Gearboxes are not my stong point.

[HarryMini93]

Top end speed doesn't really bother me as i think a mini is all about the 0-60

[Moggyton]

Lose the sound deadening :)

[Scoop77]

I would change the final drive ratio to in effect shorten the gears and improve acceleration. Not expensive if you are doing it but,
Stage 1 kit has to be the way forward for you as it's pretty cost affective and defo DIY.

[Cooperman]

1.   Fit Perspex windows.

2.   Take out all sound-proofing, especially the sprayed-on black stuff on the floors.

3.   Fit a lighter flywheel or have yours machined to remove some weight

4.   Fit a final drive unit with a lower ratio, say a 3.76:1

[HarryMini93]

1.   Fit Perspex windows.
2.   Take out all sound-proofing, especially the sprayed-on black stuff on the floors.
3.   Fit a lighter flywheel or have yours machined to remove some weight
4.   Fit a final drive unit with a lower ratio, say a 3.76:1

Thanks, how much would it cost to fit a lower final drive unit?

[Cooperman]

As you are into classic cars one might assume you are able to get the engine/gearbox unit out of the car and remove the engine from the gearbox.
With that done you can take the flywheel for lightening and remove the old diff unit to change the crown-wheel and remove the pinion from the gearbox shaft.
It's then just a matter of installing the new matched crown-wheel & pinion set, putting the engine back onto the ,box and fitting the lightened flywheel.
Whilst doing this job it's a good idea to fit a new diff pin and planet wheels, check and replace the diff bushes if necessary, fit new diff output cover seals, fit a new primary gear seal and a new clutch centre plate.
Price up the parts from the Mini Spares catalogue.
As with all things Mini, and all classic car things in general, if you can't do the work yourself it does get very expensive. Labour alone to do all that work would be around 12 hours if engine-out and engine-in is included, plus the cost of flywheel machining. So add the parts, then around £500 for labour plus, say, £80 to lighten the flywheel.

[HarryMini93]

Thanks for the reply. Doing the work myself would not be a problem as my uncle and dad are both very good home mechanics, so it's just a case of getting the time to do it.