Hey there-
Now that I'm actually building a garage, it's time for me to get my sadly neglected Mk2 Mini back on the road again. i'm not looking for an autocross champ or track monster...just something that's spirited, sporty, and fun for Sunday drives and sprints to the store and back. I was thinking about taking advantage of a few technical innovations that have surfaced in the 43 years since mine was built...I'm not thinking of a VTEC motor, 13 inch wheels or squeezing in airbags (or even a radio), but maybe minor reliability upgrades like an electronic ignition module to get rid of the points...and I was also thinking that a 5-speed seems like it would be nice to keep the revs down on the freeway. Yes, I know freeways have never been the Mini's strong suit, but a city-slicker like me needs to spend time on the freeways to get to the nice country roads. Back when I was last actively involved with all things Mini (10 years ago?), there were several 5-speeds on the market...and a FAQ page on Mini Mania's site says:
"Several companies sell 5 speed gearboxes for Minis (at a price), for road or race use, including Mini Spares Center, Mini Sport, and Jack Knight Developments (as used in the Rover Cooper S conversion). A 6 speed racing gearbox is also available from Special Tuning agents."
I have looked at the websites for all 3 of those companies, and it appears that none of them are selling 5-speed gearboxes anymore.
I did find one from KAD, but it's straight-cut, which tells me that it wouldn't help much with my goal of reducing noise in the cabin on the freeway.
It also looks like it's geared (no pun intended) toward racing applications. Call me a sissy, but I like synchromesh.
Does nobody make a 5-speed gearbox for the street anymore? Reliability issues?
I suppose my next-best option for keeping the noise down on the freeway is to raise the final drive and then try increasing power output while maintaining a good wide power band (I know, those are often mutually exclusive goals) to compensate? I know this is a lower-tech solution, but are there modern sound deadening solutions that are effective? Is there anyone else in the club who likes a Mini that's "spirited" but won't make the wife refuse to ride and won't deafen the kids?
Thanks,
Shane
Now that I'm actually building a garage, it's time for me to get my sadly neglected Mk2 Mini back on the road again. i'm not looking for an autocross champ or track monster...just something that's spirited, sporty, and fun for Sunday drives and sprints to the store and back. I was thinking about taking advantage of a few technical innovations that have surfaced in the 43 years since mine was built...I'm not thinking of a VTEC motor, 13 inch wheels or squeezing in airbags (or even a radio), but maybe minor reliability upgrades like an electronic ignition module to get rid of the points...and I was also thinking that a 5-speed seems like it would be nice to keep the revs down on the freeway. Yes, I know freeways have never been the Mini's strong suit, but a city-slicker like me needs to spend time on the freeways to get to the nice country roads. Back when I was last actively involved with all things Mini (10 years ago?), there were several 5-speeds on the market...and a FAQ page on Mini Mania's site says:
"Several companies sell 5 speed gearboxes for Minis (at a price), for road or race use, including Mini Spares Center, Mini Sport, and Jack Knight Developments (as used in the Rover Cooper S conversion). A 6 speed racing gearbox is also available from Special Tuning agents."
I have looked at the websites for all 3 of those companies, and it appears that none of them are selling 5-speed gearboxes anymore.
I did find one from KAD, but it's straight-cut, which tells me that it wouldn't help much with my goal of reducing noise in the cabin on the freeway.

Does nobody make a 5-speed gearbox for the street anymore? Reliability issues?
I suppose my next-best option for keeping the noise down on the freeway is to raise the final drive and then try increasing power output while maintaining a good wide power band (I know, those are often mutually exclusive goals) to compensate? I know this is a lower-tech solution, but are there modern sound deadening solutions that are effective? Is there anyone else in the club who likes a Mini that's "spirited" but won't make the wife refuse to ride and won't deafen the kids?

Thanks,
Shane
Comment