19 replies to this topic

[megamini_jb]

So are the MiniSpares ones the ones to get?
http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

Yup

[geoff-d]

Or buy Mike's set off eBay

Edited by geoff-d, 05 April 2015 - 09:46 PM.

[mab01uk]

This A3 size Hi-Lo Mk2 flyer is from the 1970's but was too big for my A4 scanner so I had to copy it in sections..........this is the Hi-Lo's inventor, the late Tony Chamings version patented in 1970 (also famous for pioneering and building the two 'Gomshall' spaceframe Super Saloon racing Mini's in the 1970's, as seen featured in Triple C magazine at the time. His second spaceframe Mini was featured in Mini Magazine March 2011 - see links below).
I also have the later Ripspeed Mk3 Hi-Lo flyer which is very similar after Tony Chamings sold the rights and patent to Keith Ripp.









From Keith Calver:
"The Hi-Lo was developed many moons ago, the rights to manufacture originally being purchased by Keith Ripp of 'Ripspeed' fame, where they have remained since. The original design used a long hex key to wind the large threaded bolt into which the knuckle joints were fitted in and out of the cast aluminium cone and had a small hex grub screw in the cone body to 'locate' the adjuster bolt in place once ride height was set. Visually it was quite different from the later models as it was slightly 'lighter' and have four vertical ridges spaced 90 degrees apart (the locating screw was situated in one of these, around half way up it). This was remodelled after a few years, doing away with the locating grub screw - deemed unnecessary since there was no movement of the adjuster bolt once set even without the grub screw - and incorporated a drilled 'drain' hole to allow water collected on top of the cone to drain away instead of corroding the cone and adjuster bolt into uselessness. The advent of the rubber mounted front subframes using the massive tower retaining bolts eventually saw rise of the third incarnation of the Hi-Lo. To aid adjustment without recourse to removing the tower bolts, and indeed having to drill access holes in the rear valance for the long hex key to reach the adjuster in the rear Hi-Los, the new design sported hex-ended adjuster bolts and a locating nut. This now meant ride height could be relatively easily adjusted using a pair of spanners."

"The original design was patented, so the Hi-Lo was the only adjustable spring platform of its type for the Mini for many, many years. Then the patent laws changed. When the original patent ran out, Ripspeed saw no need to renew it on this product. In hindsight, a foolish move as every Tom, Dick and Harry has had a go at producing their own versions. Some good, some appalling. Whatever the actual visual differences, they all incorporate the same adjustable spring platform (cone), using a long distance piece at the rear to connect the knuckle to the cone. Consequently they are all fitted in very much the same manner as the originals."
http://www.calverst....ting_Hi-Los.htm

Tony Chamings
Bernard Bird (Gomshall Motor Co) – new Mini built (“price tag quoted by sponsor: £10 000”) – spaceframe (“main strength is centred around two steel tubes running from the rear suspension mounting points to an alloy bulkhead mounted directly behind the engine”) – Pete Vickers 8-port 1293 BL engine (130 bhp), but a 170 bhp BDA was expected to replace it. (MN 1-8-74) – to be driven by Tony Chammings (A/S 1-8-74) – for sale (A/S 6-2-75)
http://www.ten-tenth...d.php?p=2645542

(Tony Chamings died in late 2010).

http://www.theminifo...od-ads-archive/

Edited by mab01uk, 12 February 2016 - 08:59 PM.

[Spider]

Hi all,

Trying to do a bit of research on my next purchase and I see a lot of differing opinion but no definitive answer. For your money, which is the best hi-lo kit on the market?

Regards
Steve

 

I think it fair to say that what Steve is asking is not necessarily in regards to Hilos but adjustable trumpets, be they Hi Los, Adjusta Ride, or many of the others kicking about.

 

As mentioned in your original post, there is no definitive answer and the choice is almost as wide as Cams that are available for engines, and like different Cam Profiles, it's a case of horses for courses - it depends on what you are expecting / wanting from your suspension.

 

So much of the characteristic that any adjustable trumpet will offer is in the flange size and shape, even seemingly small changes have an impact on not only how they perform but also how long the rubber cones will last before sagging beyond being sensibly useable. There's around 20 different types I've made & tried over the years, all having different characteristics to the next and I think now I'm close to what I am after, however while these suit what I'm after, I am 99% sure they wouldn't be what you'd be after.

 

Some key features to look for are a minimum 3/4" UNC or M20 adjusting bolt, a 'thin' locking nut, and a drain hole. Unless they are a name brand or a proven type, I'd suggest steering clear of any cast ones, some of these don't age too well.

Edited by Moke Spider, 06 April 2015 - 09:10 AM.

[Steve220]

Moke's hit the nail on the head. Also if the patent was from the 1970's then it will probably have laped by now meaning others can make them to similar spec, a bit like all dyson's patents from the 90's.