F.A.Q.

The questions we get asked again and again..... Hopefully, yours is here.

Q - What's the difference between a SWB and a MWB and a LWB, etc etc?

A - Go to the 'mini-build up' article, down the bottom of the page there's a picture that explains it all.

Q - Yeah I know, but surely they handle differently don't they?

A - No...no, no... Different wheelbases are exactly the same as individual cars. Every single car you build handles slightly differently, even if they're set up identically. But..there is NO significant handling difference between the various wheelbase types. Anyone that tells you otherwise is only deluding themselves.

Q - Why is there so much bump steer? How do I get rid of it?

A - You don't. The classic mini mistake is picking your car up and looking at the wheels through the full suspension travel. Yep, towards the upper part there's a lot of bump steer. But...on the track you never get near using that part of the travel. In reality you really only use 2-3mm of travel at best. At which point there is virtually no discernible bump steer.

Q - There's a whole heap of slop in all the ball joints on the car, and in the suspension arms, can I get rid of it?

A - You can, but don't bother. There's a certain amount of slop 'engineered' into a Mini. It lets it find its own way sort of. If you spends hours shimming things to make it all tight and slop-free, your car will turn into a pig. Just leave it.

Q - Can I fit a bigger pinion?

A - At a pinch, a 21 will fit, anything bigger will require just using a single motor mount screw and if you hit something, it's bye bye spur gear. The bottom line is, Minis are made to have a maximum 20T pinion - leave yours like that.

Q - Can I use 'normal' Touring Car shocks on my mini?

A - You can, but there are compromises. The longer shock body on a normal shock means your up travel will be limited, and unless you put a whole heap of spacers inside the shock body to limit the travel you'll have an excess amount of droop (down-travel) If you can afford it, buy the correct shocks.

Q - Can I use 'normal' Touring Car wheels and tyres on my mini?

A - Well, they'll physically fit yes, but they don't work very well at all. Traction Roll problems are increased due to the extra ride height and if you try to lower the car to compensate you'll ruin your suspension geometry as well as put increased angle onto the driveshaft and hugely increase wear on them. In short it creates a whole lot more problems than it solves.

Q - What car should I buy, it's my first mini?

A - Look to the left, see the 'Mini For Dummies' section? Your answer is there.

Q - What hot-ups should I buy first?

A - See answer above....