Marina Discs

Post by **ricombi** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:26 am

I am currently building a Minor for Top Hat Historic Saloon Car Racing and intend to fit disc brakes to the front of the car for obvious reasons.

I have not the funds for the Ford based disc kit, and have heard of fitting Marina discs instead. However, I am more than a little confused as to whether you need a full kit, or as certain spares centres offer just the modified Marina hubs, calipper and associated pipes and fittings?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Also, any advice on type of gearbox and final drive to use with a modified, although not madly, 1275cc A-series would be appreciated also. Thanks again

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:48 am

I am more than a little confused as to whether you need a full kit, or as certain spares centres offer just the modified Marina hubs, calipper and associated pipes and fittings?

Have a chat with Minor Mania (ask for Nick) they can explain about the Marina Disc options.
http://www.minor-mania.co.uk/about.htm

any advice on type of gearbox and final drive to use with a modified, although not madly, 1275cc A-series would be appreciated also.

What are the restictions of the class you are racing in as this will limit your options or is it a totally open classs ? and what are you hoping to do.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:09 pm

I would have thought you would need to keep the original brakes and engine for Historic racing. Certainly any I have seen up here that has been the rule - with only the Homologated Modifications from the Historic Period allowed on the cars. Diff ratio (if allowed to be changed) will depend on the circuit - what will be ideal for one will not suit another. If your engine is very high revving - then you need to gear it for just below max revs on the longest straight on each circuit - selecting the diff ratio to suit. Also - find out if Limited Slip diffs are allowed - these make a huge difference. Sadly - I doubt BMC homolgated very much for the Minor !!
Good luck with the project - it would be great to see a Minor racing again. I did see an A40 racing a few weeks ago at Knockhill - did quite well but soundly beaten by the Mini !!

Post by **aupickup** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 5:02 pm

esm minors at stongate have all the marina disc brake parts

Post by **ricombi** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:00 pm

Rules and regs allow brakes to be changed for discs etc., I have researched all this as thoroughly as possible. The ideal for the car is to get in at Goodwood, and working for a historic race team that runs cars there modifications on the cars aren't very well regulated. There are more hotrods out there than one would think.

I am very much thankful for all help and advice given, and be assured that you guys will recieve the first photos of the Magic Minor in action next year!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:13 pm

Excellent - makes good sense for brakes to be 'free'. Looking forward to seeing your Minor in action. In my youth (a while ago!) I was inspired by Andy Barton and his amazing Minor. However - he was eventually forced to go the Mini route - even though his Minor was as light as possible it was always going to be much heavier than a Mini. I have a picture somewhere - I will send it on to you for inspiration!

Post by **ian-s** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 10:47 am

You are going to want a range of diffs if youre going to be competitive at various circuiits . Seeing where you live you will probably be racing at Donington, Mallory and Silverstone , so I would expect a 4.7, 4.9 and maybe even a 5.1. it depends a lot on how high the engine will rev and what tyres you fit- 13" I would imagine.
I think I still have some diffs left over from my Elva Formula Junior. When you need them contact me and I'll see what I have left.