Eurotuningnews.com

Minis were famous for their cone-spring suspension, but the technology that created them is now over sixty years old. The methods by which they were shaped, poured, cooled and used have since moved on.

The latest Performance Cone Spring from Mini Spares is the result of twenty years experience of racing with the ’Innocenti shaped’ cone springs and experimenting with materials and hysteresis plus rebound rates.

The Mini Spares Performance Cone Spring is a standard height, original shaped cone spring with an accurate spring rate and hardness designed to provide consistency and eradicate the dangers associated with other cones on the market, namely: a lack of consistency after being driven for even a short length of time, sinking or sagging, unstable suspension heights and even total collapse!

A typical rubber cone spring absorbs more energy during loading than it releases in unloading. The faster you go through corners or the more times bumps are absorbed, the hotter it gets and this causes degradation.  The Mini Spares Performance Cone Spring uses an elastomer synthetic rubber to avoid these problems whilst giving a better ride with less body roll. It also allows the use of original struts rather than having to fit HiLos or any adjustable suspension. Thus the car’s originality is preserved.

The Mini Spares Performance Cone Springs can be ordered as part number FAM3968EVO and must be fitted in pairs, although for best results Mini Spares recommends replacing all four cones as a set. FAM3968EVO retails at £50.39 each inc. VAT.

For more details contact Mini Spares on
+44 1707 607700 or visit their website: www.minispares.com

The neck seal that goes around the petrol filler pipe on a clessic Mini has a nasty habit of shrinking or cracking when exposed to the sun’s heat.

Thankfully, this is just one more part that Mini Spares has now produced as a modern reproduction. The Mini Spares version will protect against water intrusion and make the hole look neater, just as the factory original was supposed to do.

The Mini Spares version is based on the original fatter type as used before 1997 and is made in the UK using high quality EPDM for better looks and improved longevity.

The Mini Spares neck seal can be ordered as part number 14A7057GENUINE at £8.69 inc VAT
and is a small investment for superior looks and quality.

For more details contact Mini Spares on
+44 1707 607700 or visit their website: www.minispares.com

The camber angle of the front struts on the classic BMW E21 Three Series is fixed as standard.

For racing purposes a more negative camber would be desirable, so; to enable this leading suspension specialist GAZ has developed an adjustable camber plate to allow the angle to be altered.

The plates are made from anodised aluminium billet and come with a top bearing incorporated into the centre.

The adjustable camber plates are recommended for competition only as they would be too harsh / noisy for general road use. In order to obtain the maximum adjustment GAZ can supply a specially shortened coilover unit for use with these plates.

GAZ BMW E21 front camber adjusters with two piece sliding mounts retail at £165.38 plus VAT per pair.

For further details visit the GAZ website:
www.gazshocks.com

Changing the lever arm dampers on the Mk3 and 4 Spridgets has long been a common conversion with appropriate brackets and plates being available through the owners’ clubs.

If you want to take the upgrade one step further GAZ can offer fully adjustable dampers for use with these conversions.

GAZ fully adjustable GT dampers enable the damping bump and rebound rate to be adjusted to suit the conditions and driving style. They have adjustable damping rates which can be altered by means of an easily accessible knob on the side of the units.

GAZ can set the dampers up for general road use but they will also be suitable for the occasional track slalom and sprint use; alternatively they can even be set up for serious racing use if you so wish.

GAZ dampers feature a zinc plated body and protective plastic sleeve to keep them looking good and working well for long into the future.

All units are individually tested before leaving the factory and are covered by a two year warranty.

GAZ dampers for tubular damper converted Spridgets retail at £60.67 + VAT each.

For further details visit the GAZ website:
www.gazshocks.com

Leading suspension specialists GAZ has , as always, responded to customer demand and has produced a double adjustable coilover race damper specifically for Hillman Imps used in competition or for serious track day use where extra damper adjusting parameters are required.

The body of the dampers sport two multi point adjustable control knobs; a blue one for the bump and a red one for the rebound adjustment.

Although these are brand new dampers they include all the popular GAZ features.
They are manufactured from high tensile alloy with induction hardened piston rods and are filled with high viscosity index fluid to help prevent fade and have an internal gas cell to alleviate cavitation.

GAZ dampers come with the option of self lubricating spherical bearings and progressive bump stops. GAZ Double Adjustable Coilover Shock Absorbers are available in a range of body diameters, strokes and lengths. Springs can be supplied with a rate appropriate for the intended use. Front dampers (TA 2251) have ride height adjustment by means of a threaded spring platform. Rear dampers (TA 2253) have a lower than stock ride height.

Prices start at £192.94 plus VAT per set of dampers. Springs are available extra.

For further details visit the GAZ website:
www.gazshocks.com

GAZ can offer fully adjustable coilover dampers for both de Dion axle Caterham Sevens from 1990-on and live axle models from 1989-on.

With the GAZ  coilover dampers you can make precise changes as and when required to set the car up for a particular driving style.

The damper rates on GAZ GHA units are adjustable whilst on the vehicle by means of easily accessible adjuster knobs.

Ride height is adjustable from -25mm to -50mm.

All the units are individually tested before leaving the factory and are covered by a two year warranty.

GAZ Adjustable Spring Seat Coilover Dampers for the Caterham Seven retail at £81.66 each for the front.

Rear Coilovers retail at £84.97 for live axle cars and £88.50 each for de Dion models.

All prices are plus VAT.

Springs can be obtained from GAZ in the ratings of the customer’s choice.

For further details visit the GAZ website:
www.gazshocks.com

Leading suspension specialist GAZ has a GHA ‘Street Kit’ coil over suspension kit for the Audi TT 2wd 1998-01.

The kit has been designed specifically with road use in mind and has the relevant spring and damping rates – although it is also suitable for track day use. The kit is ideal for vehicles that have been subject to power upgrades.

GAZ damper units allow damping adjustment whilst on the vehicle by means of a easily accessible adjuster knobs.

Shortened body and stroke lengths allow a -25 to -55mm ride height adjustment at the front and the coilover units have a coarse acme form thread for easy height adjustment.

Each unit is finished in zinc as standard to minimise corrosion and to ensure that the height adjusters will go on working for many years to come. Black zinc finish is available as an extra cost option.

All units are individually tested before leaving the factory and are covered by a two year warranty.

GAZ GHA ‘Street Kit’ Coilover Kit for the Audi TT 2wd can be ordered as part number GHA337.
RRP £717.01 plus. VAT.

For further details visit the GAZ website:
www.gazshocks.com

The recent news that Mitsubishi is pulling out of Europe may have caused concern amongst Mitsubishi owners about the availability of parts in the future. If you have recently bought a Mitsubishi there’s not too much to worry about as the company is obliged to continue to supply parts for ten years.

If your Mitsubishi is already a few years old the picture is less clear. However there is always the aftermarket to turn to and companies such as Fidanza offer quite a few parts that will not only keep your Mitsubishi on the road but also make it more enjoyable to drive too!

Fidanza offers lightweight alloy flywheels for most Mitsubishis including the 3000GT and VR-4, Evo Five through to Ten, Galant, Lancer, Outlander and Starion. A Fidanza aluminium flywheel replaces the heavy standard flywheel, thereby improving the power-to-weight ratio and making the engine more responsive. Performance and acceleration are improved and when it’s time to retire the friction area it can be simply unbolted and replaced. There will be no need to replace the whole flywheel; it’s ‘future-proof’!

Fidanza Cam Gears for the Evo 8 and 9 have been designed to tighter tolerances than the factory OE gears and are precision CNC machined from high grade 6061 T6 aluminium for exact fitment and highest quality. They are adjustable by 12 degrees of advance and retard for precise tuning.

Fidanza doen’t just make you car perform better, it can help you preform better too by providing a short shifter that will shorten the throw between shifts. Fidanza short shift kits are available for Evo 4 to 9, the 3000GT and Lancer 9 and Ralliart models.

Fidanza ensures that there is no need for concern about the future of parts for your Mitsubishi. Fidanza is with you for the long haul!

Heat control master, DEI has just released a thermal engine cover intended for American Sprint Cars. However, it could equally well be used for many small oval race series where the interval between heats is relatively brief, but still long enough for the engine to cool down and have to warm up again for the next race.

The Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover allows racers to avoid cold engine damage by keeping engines at racing temperature. The innovative cover is easy to install and built to last, featuring a triple-layer composition and can be used on a hot or even a running engine without damage.

The thermal cover’s unique design includes drop-down-side wings that fold up and snapped into place and can rest directly on hot exhaust pipes. The heavy-duty, triple-layer construction incorporates a durable, PVC-coated polyester black outer layer that will last for years whilst looking good in the pits, a glass fibre inner insulation and a glass fibre blanket that sits right next to the engine.

Naturally, the cover is finished to the standard customers have come to expect from DEI with details such as a high-strength fibreglass edge binding, use of heat-and flame-resistant Nomex® thread and built-in stainless-steel snaps.

Learn more about DEI’s Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover and the company’s entire line of race-inspired heat-and sound-control products at designengineering.com.

RRP: £306.40 (Subject to currency fluctuations) plus VAT
In the UK and Europe DEI products can be ordered through Demon Tweaks
[www.demon-tweaks.com] Items not in stock may be subject to a delay due to the current Covid-19 situation.

Quick Review:
• High-temp glass fibre inner layer can rest directly on headers without melting
• Durable outer layer lasts for years
• Universal fit for most chassis
• Engine heats up faster and engine temperature maintained

For more information about this and other DEI Heat and Sound control products visit: www.designengineering.com or e-mail sales@designengineering.com.

The components have been manufactured by Hi-Spec and include the company’s Ultralite 2 SVA calipers and grooved 240mm x 10mm discs which are designed to fit within 13” and larger diameter wheels.

Burton is pleased to announce it can now supply twin pot rear disc brake conversions for the Escort Mk1 and 2 and Capri Mk1-3.
The kits are available with or without an integral spot handbrake.

The kits feature:
• CNC machining out of high quality billet aluminium (6082 T6)
• Flex technology which utilises strength from bolts to reinforce caliper
• Ultra narrow, lightweight design
• Billet aluminium pistons (6082 T6)
• SVA approval
The calipers are supplied in a black anodised finish as standard with other colours available as a special order option.

Brake pads and braided brake pipes are not included but Burton can supply these separately thus allowing the customer to choose from EBC, Ferodo, Mintex pads and UNF or metric brake pipe connections.
(Note: as with all rear disc conversions, the halfshaft flanges will need to be turned down to allow them to fit inside the brake disc).

Part number: HISK131 with integral spot handbrake £580.00 inc. VAT
Part number: HISK130 without handbrake £395.00 inc. VAT

Available from Burton’s Performance Centre in Essex or by ordering from the Burton Power website – www.burtonpower.com. For further details contact Burton Power on 0208 554 2281