Engine
- Stage 1 modifications - This is the first step to modifying any A-series. Usually costing between £150-200, these kits give approx. 20% more power. This is due to a better LCB, exhaust manifold, inlet manifold, air filter element & new carb needle.
- Increasing Capacity - Usually the next step to increase the cars BHP. Keep it to Bore modifications and you shouldn't run into too many problems. Maximum capacity from a 1275cc A-series is 1380 using +0.60" pistons.
- Head Modifications - Converting to Unleaded all the way to Stage 5. Mated to a Stage 1 kit; Stage 2 heads give approx. 30% increase in power, Stage 3 heads give approx. 40% increase in power, Stage 4 heads give approx. 50% increase in power, Stage 5 heads give approx. 60% increase in power.
- Roller Rockers - You can buy Full or roller tip rockers. These work best with Stage3 upwards state of tune.
- Camshaft - Often an easy way to gain peak BHP and Torque, but will result in less power low down. A Kent 266-degree camshaft is a good comprimise offering better horsepower than the original camshaft at the top-end, but not losing much drivability at the same time.
- Lightened Flywheel - Used mainly in racing cars. Flywheels that have been lightened substantially aren't advised for road use.
Exterior
Modifying the exterior of your Mini is all down to personal preference. Pick up a Mini Publication or visit a show to get inspiration. However, if you fit wider wheels, remeber to fit wider arches.
Interior
- Much the same as the exterior - the interior of your Mini is for your own imagination. You could strip it out, make it luxurious, or do it retro stylee - it's all up to you!
Brakes
- Discs - The only real option when upgrading drum-braked Minis is to fit a set of disc brakes. There are two main sizes-
- 7.5" Discs - These discs are found on Cooper S models, early 1275GT models and in shops new. They allow fitment of 10" wheels, but fetch high prices second hand (£150+ for a set-up)
- 8.4" Discs - These are a much cheaper alternative. They can be founf in decent nick for £50+. They can be found on Minis and Metros. MG Metros have 4 pot callipers and the MG Metro Turbo has vented discs with 4-pot callipers.
- Other Sizes - 8.4" Discs can be machined down to 7.9" to facilitate 10" wheels, but they will need special callipers supplied by KAD and other Mini suppliers. 7" Discs were also fitted to early Coopers.
- Callipers - For disc braked Minis and Metros, nearly all had 2-piston (pot) callipers as standard. As mentioned above the MG Metro Turbo was different. 6-pot callipers are also available but are definately OTT for road use.
- Pads - For road use, EBC Greenstuff pads are generally acknowleged to be the best.
Suspension
- Hi-los/adjusta-rides etc - These are dry rubber cones which allow adjustment of ride height.
- Dampers - it's always a good idea to upgrade your shock absorbers. Can lead to a better ride and better handling.
- Negitive Camber Kits - Improve the handling of the Mini further.
Wheels / Tyres
- Size - This is all down to preference - looks wise, people are of different opinions. Realistically, the biggest wheel size that you can use is 13" althought there are some Minis running 14" wheels. The smallest wheel size is 10", and this size are best for handling, with 13" (and 14") being the worst.
- Tyres - Upgrading your tyres can give u alot more grip and alot more confidence in your Mini. Having good tyres could save your life. |
