9 replies to this topic

[m445]

I am refurbishing my Mk4 with 1275 A+ engine.  I removed the rod change gear shifter to refresh the oil seals. 

I was surprised to compare the shifter removed from my car was 1/4 shorter than other shifter salvaged from another 1275 car.  I have read that all 1275 car after 1970 used this longer rod.  The shorter shift rod fit on the correctly and worked fine.  Where is the difference in the engine mounting to determine which shift rod to use?  

 

The shifter on the left was removed from my car.

 

[MiniMadRacer]

I believe there were 3 lenghts

 

1. Original shifter from about 1973/4

2. Metro shifter from 1981 ish

3. The longer shifter but not as long as the metro one from when the newer subframes were introduced which was 1990 ish which had the engine 1/2" further forward... prob came in with the SPI cars but others here will know the exact dates

[nicklouse]

I believe there were 3 lenghts

 

1. Original shifter from about 1973/4

2. Metro shifter from 1981 ish

3. The longer shifter but not as long as the metro one from when the newer subframes were introduced which was 1990 ish which had the engine 1/2" further forward... prob came in with the SPI cars but others here will know the exact dates

3 came with the introduction of the HIF carbs as the engine was moved forward 1/2”

[GraemeC]

I think the modification to the gearbox end of the steady rod to change one hole to a slot happened at the same time as 1/2" length increase.

[Ethel]

I'm using Metro rods that have the slot. As said, they are noticeably longer. Allegros would have had 'em too.

[GraemeC]

Yes the Metro ones were slotted.  I was more meaning it usually a quick way of identifying which length of Mini shifter assembly you have.

[m445]

Wow.  I think I have discovered that my car has the incorrect front subframe.  The car has been changed several times, but the original car was 1987.  This car maybe had 998 engine. Here is closer picture of steady bars ends.  Bottom steady is from 1987 mini, top car came from scrap car - 1991 Cooper w/ 1275 engine.

My car has HIF44 carb.  I never understood till now why the fit was so tight.  I need the newer front subframe for the extra 0.25 inch clearance.  Carb has about 1/4 clearance but air filter is touching:

 

[GraemeC]

Is the front cross member of the subframe straight across from one side to the other, or does it have a section that is offset forwards?

[m445]

It look like straight front cross member 

 

[sclemow]

They do fit with the older frames and clear ok. It does depend upon the inlet manifold and spacers used. 

I know MG Metro inlet manifolds work ok as I've run them before - I'm sure others do too though.