Safety mods needed...

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Callum97
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Safety mods needed...

Post by Callum97 »

Hi all, this summer I took the plunge an went out to buy a moggie for my first car. I found, or rather was tipped off about, a minor that was for sale fairly local that the owner had inherited and had very little interest in. He wasn't asking very much for the car considering the condition, so not to take the p***, I gave him he asking price (after 3 test drives before finally deciding that I DID want a minor). Anyway, I've been driving it about for the past couple of months, but have intentions to upgrade the engine in the future (possibly a k-series???) and heard that this was the register to come to for advice. Before this though, I am aware that I will need to upgrade the brakes and suspension. I'm thinking of fitting a servo, front disks (vented ford?), though was unsure about the best options for rear brakes, and all round suspension. I would also like to lower he front by about 3 inches ish, so would an uprated torsion bar be the way to go, or should i go for a coil over conversion? These mods will be completed over the next year, and the budget is round £1500 max

Thanks in advance, Callum
plastic_orange
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by plastic_orange »

Have a look here for some ideas: http://morrisminorowners.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=48

Ford Zetec is a useful swap, but diesel conversions are starting to become popular. Have a look at the JLH website for the best in brake and suspension mods.

Pete
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/4e634210.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/MorrisRain4.jpg[/img]
Callum97
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by Callum97 »

The engine isn't of massive concern just yet as my engine runs well, and the upgrade won't be until next year once all safety mods have been completed. Was just hoping for some advice as for what I can do for the rear brakes, whether i should go telescopic with the rear suspension, coiler front or uprated torsion bar? New axle at the rear? ORRRR, as a massive upgrade that will cost me about 3 months weekend work wages, and possibly a girlfriend, should I (is there even a kit about?) consider air ride? If so, would i need to massively modify the wings to actually drop the car?
plastic_orange
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by plastic_orange »

As I advised, have a read through the numerous threads on how to go about modifying your minor as it's all been done before, then decide what you actually want. Lowering is an issue if you go too low (3 inches will cause problems) unless you re engineer the car. Can you do the work yourself? if not, then £1500 won't go far. I always advise folk to buy one with mods done, then you can further personalise it.
As a guide to air suspension, my mate just spent £3500 getting his VW done :o
If you are just keeping the A series engine, then rear axle and brakes are fine combined with front discs and servo. Then get yourself one of JLH's front and rear tele kit and fit better wheels and tyres - that's your £1500 used up.

Pete
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/4e634210.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/MorrisRain4.jpg[/img]
Callum97
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by Callum97 »

I will be able to complete the majority of work, including basic welding, and thankfully have a connection in the welding trade who can help me out. I'm assuming that air ride cost was an independently controlled unit and included labour costs? I'll have a read through some of those forums tonight. The A-series will only be staying in only until I have completed the necessary safety mods, and saved for the massive insurance premium to swap it out for something 100bhp+
panky
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by panky »

My advise is to first re-fill the original lever arm dampers with SAE 50 oil, the difference it makes has to be felt to be believed. Others who have tried this, and have experience of tele's to compare it with, say it is easily a match for the cheaper tele conversion, I've done it and it's brilliant - cost £8 for the oil and an afternoons work :D Then get some more rubber on the road, there's no point in upgrading the brakes if it's just to lock the original skinny wheels up sooner. A nice set of 5 1/2" steelies or Minilights will make a big difference in stopping ability and handling.
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Callum97
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by Callum97 »

I'll definitely give the oil change a go :D I completely understand the need for wider wheels, though i've heard that some companies offer wider steels with the looks of the original steels to keep that original look. The only thing i really want to change the look of is the stance - slightly.

Cheers, Callum
panky
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by panky »

If you use the search function at the top right of the page and type in SAE 50 you should get all the info on how to change the oil in the dampers.
Here's what mine looks like with the wider wheels and standard ride height 8)

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charlie_morris_minor
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by charlie_morris_minor »

if you are going for more power you will need to change your rear axle... ford escort are popular and they come with bigger brakes, but of course if you do this you will end up with a different stud pattern front and rear unless you do the rear axle and front discs at the same time.

of course that gives you the problem of needing to replace your propshaft when you swap the rear axle and then again when you change the engine..

unless of course you run with different stud patterns front and rear for a while or pay to modify the rear axle studs to match the front

all adds to the cost..
bmcecosse
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by bmcecosse »

Your budget won't go far. It's a mistake to lower the car - just make the suspension work better with (as above) heavier oil in the dampers AND make sure all the bump stops are in place. The rear bump stops can be cut down by 1.5" - the fronts by 0.5" if you must - hardly worth the bother. Wheels and tyres are by far the next step - and a bit of negative camber on the front wheels... Disc brakes are much over rated (and no need for a servo - it's a small light car...) as long as you have the later 8" front drums - and they are in excellent condition. Easy further upgrade then is the 9" drums from the front of a Wolseley 1500. If/when you achieve 100bhp - and are not in the bankruptcy court - then you will need disc brakes....... :)
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plastic_orange
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by plastic_orange »

I wondered when Wolseley brakes would surface :D I think it's time you tried a disc brake equipped Minor Roy - you wouldn't go back then :wink:

Pete
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/4e634210.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/MorrisRain4.jpg[/img]
Chipper
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by Chipper »

Weller can supply wider steelies for the Minor:

http://www.wellerwheels.com/shop/index.aspx?cid=153

Various Minor specialists also supply a modern version of the LP917 4.5J van rim, which has a bead to secure a tubeless tyre.
Maurice, E. Kent
(1970 Traveller)
bmcecosse
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by bmcecosse »

Pete - I don't need better brakes on my Minor - what I have work perfectly well! The limiting point for me is the tyre to road contact..
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Chipper
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by Chipper »

bmcecosse wrote:Disc brakes are much over rated (and no need for a servo - it's a small light car...)
I prefer them for the relative ease of maintenance compared to the standard drums - I was forever having to replace sticking wheel slave cylinders to get it through the MOT each year; with my Ford Escort/Sierra discs fitted in 2006, 22,000 miles ago, I haven't had to touch them and they're still on the original pads which still have plenty of meat left on them. They're also more progressive and responsive.

I do agree with the bit about the servo though, having had two Minors with servos, one with Wolseley front drums (which was very 'grabby' and prone to locking up), and one with Marina discs.
Last edited by Chipper on Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:14 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Maurice, E. Kent
(1970 Traveller)
bmcecosse
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Re: Safety mods needed...

Post by bmcecosse »

If I had more power -and (much) better wheels and tyres - then I'm sure discs would be next up. In fact - I have most of the bits 'in stock' already.... Just need to make up caliper brackets...
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