Useable scrap yard upgrades

Post by **ade261** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:13 am

As a newbie I am avidly reading all the posts I can, but asking may be easier.

What is the best alternator to use? are there and brackets available? Is there a interchangeable (and plentiful (in scrappy's) disc brake conversion? Also is it possible to fit a remote servo from 2nd hand parts if so which type is best?

Any info will help the cause greatly.

Post by **PSL184** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:23 am

I'm not an advocate of fitting disc brakes to a Minor unless you are looking at fitting a much bigger engine. Fully working standard brakes are fine for normal use or an upgrade to Wolseley front brakes is an easy fit option if you can source the parts. Alternators and brackets can be sourced from later Mini's and parts are also available to buy new.....

Post by **Pyoor_Kate** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 9:32 am

The 'standard' one is the lucas LRA, but I found them hateful pieces of rubbish (but I've put over 100k on my minor, so...); you can't get them new, but can find reconned units fairly cheaply. I ended up using a Lucas A602 equivalent which has lasted much longer without any problems. It's not exactly a very high output one, but it does the job. Mine was a reconned one, but you can find 'em in scrappies on minis.

Apparently there's also a new much higher output Delco unit that will fit with minimal modification, but I don't recall which one it is. There was a post about it a while back...

http://mmoc.org.uk/index.php?name=PNphp ... highlight=

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:17 am

Lucas ACR in 16/17/18 form bolts on with a simple bracket - I get them for £1 at autojumbles. Don't bother with a servo - you don't need it - and just overhaul the brakes you have. If it's a very early Minor with 7" front drums - then an upgrade to the later 8" drums makes quite a difference. And - as above - Wolseley 1500 front drums are 9" diameter and give more than enough braking for any sane road use - and are a straight bolt-on conversion. Only snag is finding a set! I would say disc brakes are only necessary if competition work is intended - perhaps one of the simplest conversions is to fit discs from a Spridget (yoiu can still use Minor wheels with them) - but they are quite small and not necessarily going to be a great improvement. If fitting discs - you also ned to remove and modify the master cylinder - often better to get a new one - and modify that.

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:31 pm

Brakes wise, have a look at any Ital/Marina except for the commercials. This will give you the cheapest disc conversion (apart from the Midget system) as all you need to do to fit these is to have the Marina stub axles pressed out, the Minor legs machined to accept these then the standard Marina kit will fit straight on. (the holes in the leg for the caliper bracket may need drilling out too.) total cost of the machining work would be around £130.
Fitting discs is a good option, offering low maintenance and better stopping power. If the car is standard then a solid disc kit is more than adequate, anything over a std 1275cc then I'd go for vented. These are both available in Minor/Ford/Toyota/Renault PCD's if you know where to look.
The fitting of a servo is a personal choice, depending on your preferance on the feel of the pedal.Same goes for servo assisting the rears.
You must modify the m/c and fit a header tank.
Wolseley drums are seen as a good upgrade,if you prefer the traditional route and are actually able to find a set and the service parts.
I'd take issue with the thought that discs are only for competition use only, if so why are all modern cars fitted with them as standard. And in my view brakes are far more important than power.

Post by **ade261** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:31 pm

Thanks for all the advice, and so quick. I missed off my list the most important items, rear seat belts, any quick fits or do i need new.

fitting these will allow the wife to dream of sunny family days out in the country with the children and a picnic, tartan rug on the grass etc.

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:41 pm

Personally I'd never fit used seat belts, from an 'unknown' car. They are only about £30 each a small price to pay for safety.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:41 pm

I agree there - buy and fit NEW seat belts ! But make sure the metal you bolt them to is strong enough to take the load - and use good big reinforcing plates to spread the load.