63 replies to this topic

[Ethel]

The springs on the purpose made coilovers for Minis are rising rate but something in the region of 80-100lb springs would be about right. Crash resistance is worth thinking about, but there's no reason why the rear subframe should be thought of as the best protection possible.

[little stu]

you can just use the heelboard section from the subframe and fit coil overs saving lots of money and weight. there was a thread on this before but cant find it now......

[MRA]

you can just use the heelboard section from the subframe and fit coil overs saving lots of money and weight. there was a thread on this before but cant find it now......

You have to do a lot of work to make this safe.......... people have done it over the years and found that the subframe suddenly fails under heavy cornering forces.........

For information....

A beam frame will do little to increase your handling, however a beam axle will do amazing things.... over the years I have made several beam axles and the one thing that sticks in my mind is the awesome cornering that a good beam axle will give you.... once set up correctly of course.... the only disadvantage is boot space can be a little smaller....

Turn-in on cornering is something that has to be witnessed, but you will NOT get this with a beam frame.

[The Matt]

Does anyone currently make proper beam axles? I know I read about an Aldon one in one of Vizard's bibles. But I don't think that was a 'production' item.

[jameswildcooper]

i have one for sale if anyone is interested im converting to rear disc conversion so not bothering with the one i have.

[MRA]

Does anyone currently make proper beam axles? I know I read about an Aldon one in one of Vizard's bibles. But I don't think that was a 'production' item.

I will have one ready for early next year, just going through the design phase.... will need some testing done on them first, however it is based on Beam axles that we have made in the past, and the idea is that it comes in a complete kit.... including modified floor pan and turret tops

[JonBetts]

Been looking at the MK1 Fiesta rear beam axle, nice compact unit, would need narrowing but it does look like it would be relativly easy to fit, has anyone tried this or anything similar?

[ludsonline]

Been looking at the MK1 Fiesta rear beam axle, nice compact unit, would need narrowing but it does look like it would be relativly easy to fit, has anyone tried this or anything similar?

I did look at a Fiesta one as well Jon. The thing that put me off was the lump in it. I am currently building a beam axle setup. It will have some neat little tricks as well. Watch this space.

[Italianjoblofty]

Does anyone currently make proper beam axles? I know I read about an Aldon one in one of Vizard's bibles. But I don't think that was a 'production' item.

I will have one ready for early next year, just going through the design phase.... will need some testing done on them first, however it is based on Beam axles that we have made in the past, and the idea is that it comes in a complete kit.... including modified floor pan and turret tops

Hi just wondering if you are any closer to making the kit you have mentioned above?

Edited by Italianjoblofty, 03 May 2010 - 02:09 PM.

[cradley-heathen]

i had a beam frame on my last track day mini, with gaz offset coilovers, and standard cast radius arms with the knuckle point cut off, and i thought it was brilliant on the road and track.

the weight difference is minimal though as a bare rear subframe weighs little anyway, and the box section used in a beam frame is quite heavy, however all the weight in the beam frame is further forward in the car, as its basically right up against the heal board.

on my new project i will be doing coilovers, and a beam, but will probably make my own this time as there is nothing to them, but hopefully it will be an extruded alloy one this time.

the only heavy thing then will be the rear arms, but i do have a jig made up to make some tubular ones.

[MRA]

Does anyone currently make proper beam axles? I know I read about an Aldon one in one of Vizard's bibles. But I don't think that was a 'production' item.

I will have one ready for early next year, just going through the design phase.... will need some testing done on them first, however it is based on Beam axles that we have made in the past, and the idea is that it comes in a complete kit.... including modified floor pan and turret tops

Hi just wondering if you are any closer to making the kit you have mentioned above?

The beam axle, is still being worked on......... I expect 1 to 2 monthes. It is NOT a beam frame, the two items are completely different, this does mean that most or all of your boot will be lost

[oOominioOo]

hi i have been reading this post about useing mk5 escort  beam axle.. biy i cant see the images that are posted, or how to do it is there another post to show this,, as i would realy like to do this mod on my mini thanks . jason ..

[1330RG]

Why would you want a beam axle? Independant rear is far better for handling, surley a rear beam set up is a step down

[Cooperman]

The rear beam is really a racing modification for smooth tracks.

It is difficult to beat the as-designed rear sub-frame as it holds everything together at the back and the dynamic loads go in to the car as intended.

When introduced, and ever since, the beauty of the Mini has been its independent suspension all round which was such a big advantage over its original rivals like the Ford Anglia which had a solid beam axle and leaf springs at the rear.

I've never understood why anyone would want a beam axle for a road car, but fully understand why they would want one for racing.

[Tupers]

My uncle has a proper beam axle in the back of his hillclimb car. As Cooperman says they can be very good for motorsport but not really much use on the road. 

 

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