40 replies to this topic

[billy big skid]

Interesting thread, i've just bought a 1380 engined mini but don't know much about these engines. The lad i bought it off said it was fast and it certainly is entertaining to drive, it torque steers like a mad thing too when you really beat it. I was planning to put it on a rolling road to check the set up and see what sort of power and torque it makes.

Is there anyone who specialises in 1380 engines? I'd like to learn more about mine before i do something wrong and it goes bang!

[nicklouse]

give Watsons Small car a ring over in Wakefield.

 

sounds like you need the suspension setting up as well.

[FlyingScot]

Don't forget when calculating the cars weight doing power to weight ratios that you must include your own body and fuel weight too.

Usualy these calculators ask for the kerb weight which doesnt include that mate

Yeah but since it was over 7 years ago....I don't think he's so fussed.....


FS

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Sorry couldn't resist....

[billy big skid]

He did say he'd had the suspension set up by minispares in Huddersfield, we only got the car yesterday so i've not really had chance to have a good look at it.

I quite enjoy cars that torque steer, it makes for an entertaining drive. The wife says it's a genetic defect, i have to thrash everything!

When i've done more miles in it i'll have a better idea what needs doing set up wise.

[nicklouse]

unfortunately having suspension set up by someone does not actually mean anything. did they get a print out? unlikely.

 

Lockwood tyres (if they are still there) did mine last time (or I did it and they told me what I had done) but this was 20 odd years ago.

[billy big skid]

I'm taking it with a pinch of salt as there's no documentation. I'm the first to admit i've a lot to learn, my background is bikes, not cars. I did own a mini 20 years ago but it was bog standard and i didn't do anything to it apart from servicing.

It was well worth me joining this forum, loads of good info!

[Dusky]

A good thing to remember : a 1380 cc engine means nothing.

Its just an overbored 1275 cc, worst case scenario you'll end up with +- 60 bhp if you use one of those emission friendly 55 bhp engine's as a base .

I know a load of 1293 engines that will beat the average 1380 with ease in terms of power.

[billy big skid]

give Watsons Small car a ring over in Wakefield.
 
sounds like you need the suspension setting up as well.

I had a word with the POs dad, who works nights where i work, he said that Watsons built the engine, which is good. He also says they don't have a rolling road any more which isn't so good.

[nicklouse]

give Watsons Small car a ring over in Wakefield.
 
sounds like you need the suspension setting up as well.

I had a word with the POs dad, who works nights where i work, he said that Watsons built the engine, which is good. He also says they don't have a rolling road any more which isn't so good.

I would still give them a ring and see who they recommend/use.

[Cooperman]

I did some accurate 0 - 60 times in my 'S' rally car a while back.

It is 1310 cc with a SC CR gearbox, a 3.9:1 FDR, very full spec F.I.A. Group 2 engine giving just over 105 bhp at 6400 rpm and in full rally trim (sump guard twin tanks, twin spare wheels, full extinguisher system, etc) it weighs around 715 kg with 1/2-full tanks. Using only 1st & 2nd gears and 6800 rpm it did 0 - 60 in a best of 7.3 seconds. Using 1st, 2nd & 3rd and changing up at 6500 rpm it was 8.2 seconds. I don't use an LSD as I don't like them in rally cars.

My pistons are Karl Schmidt as they are really strong and take a lot of revs with no issues.

The big issue it controlling the wheel-spin whilst keeping the revs over 5000 at all times. My tyres used for this were Yoko A008.

I can supply more information on the spec. if required.

[billy big skid]

give Watsons Small car a ring over in Wakefield.
 
sounds like you need the suspension setting up as well.

I had a word with the POs dad, who works nights where i work, he said that Watsons built the engine, which is good. He also says they don't have a rolling road any more which isn't so good.

I would still give them a ring and see who they recommend/use.

Gonna give them a bell tomorrow.