5 replies to this topic

[Screwdriver]

Greetings! 

 

I drive a JDM SPi which has been tastefully modified to a Stage 1 vehicle by its original Japanese owner before me. The car is lovely to drive, rust free, quite reliable. (We also find the air-conditioning a real blessing in the summer).

 

I've been keen to increase performance by improving on the quality of some of the drivetrain components. For instance, I've considered MEDs STI clutch/ flywheel kit to increase efficiency, durability and reduce some flywheel weight when the time to replace my clutch does eventually arrive. 

 

I came across MED's ST3 HT Road Camshaft kit, which appears to replace stock roller tips with a slightly higher lift 1.3 (vs. 1.28) assembly as well a road camshaft. AC Dodd repeatedly advised me to retain the stock camshaft, so I'm uncertain about whether this kit makes sense as a whole, or if I should just get the roller assembly and the individual bits separately.

 

Thought I'd ask for feedback on this specific kit. Anyone user experiences on here?

 

Thanks! 

Edited by Screwdriver, 27 September 2019 - 09:49 PM.

[DeadSquare]

Mr.Dodd would not have given you that advice without a good reason.

 

You have, by the sound of it, an only lightly modified Mini; which is quite rare.  Why spoil it ?

[Cooperman]

The nicest SPI I have driven was fitted with twin HS4's, an LCB ex. manifold, an MG Metro cam, a slightly lightened pre-Verto flywheel clutch and a mildly gas-flowed head with 35.6 inlet and 29.5 exhaust valves. The cam was accurately timed in with an offset key.

In addition the final drive ratio was dropped to 3.44:1 and the car drove beautifully.

From memory it had around 85 bhp at 5700 rpm.

That was all relatively inexpensive to do and made the car much better.

[Bobbins]

... so in on what way was that then still an Spi? !!!!!

[Cooperman]

It was simply a modified 1991 Mini Cooper SPI with the SPI kit removed.

One might ask a similar question about, say, a 1989 Mini 30 fitted with a 1275 engine, twin carbs, etc. In what way would that be a Mini 30 which was 998 with a single small carb. Actually I have always rather fancied a Mini 30 with those alterations.

[Screwdriver]

While I value your inputs immensely, can we please allow focus on the kit in question? I'd like to know if anyone has used MED's kit and their experiences with in on an SPi.

 

In addition to my HKS LCB and K&N, AC Dodd did suggest a flowed head, 1.3 rockers and a lightened flywheel/ clutch kit and said that's it. He repeatedly insisted not to change anything else with the stock injection setup but didn't elaborate why. None of his suggestions can perceivably impact efficiency or reliability negatively (often the opposite is claimed).

 

If these hidden modifications can help me hit 80 bhp, I think I'll be happy for the rest of my ownership! 

Edited by Screwdriver, 27 September 2019 - 09:54 PM.