5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 BETTER OR BIGGER

There’s lots of choice when it comes to engine upgrades and £200-250 will bag a Stage 1 kit with improved inlet and exhaust manifolds, plus a freer-flowing air filter. Or why not swap to a bigger 1275cc A-series unit? Secondhand engines cost a few hundred pounds and are easy to overhaul at home, or you could spend around £1000 on a professionally rebuilt motor.

2 KEEP YOUR COOL

The Mini’s cooling system was never a strong point, especially if you’ve upped performance, so it’s worth investing in some choice upgrades. You can pick up a highperformance radiator for around £160, and a similar sum will get an electric fan kit from the likes of Revotec. If you prefer to keep it standard, then a flush and coolant refill, plus fresh hoses, is wise.

3 STOP ON A SIXPENCE

The standard drum set-up is capable enough, but better brakes are a must if you’ve increased the power output. A front brake disc conversion is ideal – you can buy complete kits for upwards of £100 and they’re an easy fit for competent home mechanics. You’ll have either have to use Cooper-spec items or switch to the larger 12-inch wheels.

4 IMPROVE HANDLING

There are plenty of ways to make the Mini’s famed go-kart handling even better – a good start would be spending £50-60 per corner on adjustable dampers. If you want to go further, consider investing in a coil spring conversion kit costing around £350 – it’s a DIY fit and will improve your car’s ride considerably. Top it all off with a set of Minilite-style alloys for £65-70 each.

5 GO MODERN

It’s easy to upgrade an Elf or Hornet in order to improve the everyday driving experience. We’d start by spending a tenner or so on some better headlamp bulbs. After that, less than £50 buys an electronic ignition kit for better starting, and you could also replace the dynamo with an alternator. Finally, consider equipping your car with a set of modern seatbelts.