11 replies to this topic

[mighty_mini]

Ive got a 2.9FD & 10" wheels.

Is there a speedo already calibrated to this spec? or where can i get my speedo calibrated?


Any suggestions on an aftermarket speedo that will fit a mini, like a nice electronic one?



Cheers

[mattvallins]

Is it not a different sized "wheel" on the end of the speedo cable? That is what someone explained to me a while back
Dunno if its right or not!

[Bungle]

speedy cables but dont know there number

[evolotion]

its a different sized wheel and worm gear pair in teh speedo drive housing on the gearbox, also i believe some early minis were calibrated at teh speedo-end, but most minis onteh road are calibrated at the gearbox end. Afraid i dotn know the ratio's off-hand, i was always jammy and the speedo always accurate(enough)

[vasi]

As Bungle says, Speedy Cables are your people.

Speedy Cables

Their FAQ section will tell you what to measure, then just send the gauge off

[Guess-Works.com]

As standard no there was never a 10 inch wheeled mini running a 2.95 diff
, I think (DK Lawson will be able to illucidate) you can recalibrate a speedo yourself using rare earth magnets..

[dklawson]

You can recalibrate the "needle" with rare earth magnets, but you can't change the odometer. That requires gear changes in the gauge. If you're changing the final drive there is another option available to you. Speedy Cables may be one source for this but I'm certain you'll find others.

The device you need is a ratio box. It's a gearbox about the size of a pack of smokes. You supply the speedometer shop two (2) speedo cables (marked for approximately where you want the box) and some numerical data. They'll need to know the number of turns/mile you are actually getting (with your new final drive) and the number of turns/mile you got with your old final drive. They make a little inline gearbox for you so you can use your old speedo with your new final drive. It will set you back about $100 (what is that these days? 50 GBP?)

If you're going after a digital solution, you can use speedos from VDO. I'm sure there are other sources in Europe (including what's left of Smiths). I play with these in the shop but I haven't installed one on a car yet. I love VDO and their gauges are VERY easy to calibrate by yourself.

Lastly, there is the Sigma bicycle speedometer solution. Investing about 15 GBP you buy a Sigma BC800 (or similar) and install it on your dash. You mount the magnet for the pickup on the driveshaft and extend the wires for the readout so you can mount the display in the car. These are easily programmed, highly accurate, and inexpensive. However, they aren't illuminated for night driving.

[mattvallins]

As another solution, is it legal to solely use a GPS speedo?

[dklawson]

GPS is a good question (regardless of which continent you're on). I've been told that the GPS units as speedometers are becoming increasingly popular with motorcycle riders. However, since the speedometer in a car is used not just as a speed reference, but also for tracking the mileage/age of a car, I would think if a GPS alone would not be acceptable. That's not to say it would be illegal to use one... just that it's unlikely to be accepted as the ONLY speed/mileage reference you have.

[minimanclive]

I've also got a 2.95FD and 10" wheels. It was standard spec for a few years in the early 1980s before the Mini got 12" wheels and disc brakes.

The standard 1280 speedo head is still used but different drive gears are used in the gearbox. You need a 7 and 17 tooth set. The 3.44FD uses 6 and 17. So if you had that your speedo would read under by 14%

Mini Spares sell all the gears, but it's an engine out job to fit them.

[Guess-Works.com]

It could be done engine in, but definitely radiator off and the engine would have to be supported as the engine mount will have to come off... I'd give it a go...

(I will check the ratios on the gearbox take off as I may have a couple, stripped a 2.95 equiped box last week so may have the drives in and I know there not cheap from Minispares )

[Bungle]

GPS speedos dont work very well in tunnels or going under bridges :smartass: