Competition Engines - Historic Minis
Historic Touring car racing across Europe would not have achieved its fantastic appeal without a gaggle of Mini Cooper Ss performing crowd-pleasing 'David and Goliath' acts at every round. With FIA Pre-1965 Minis competing at major European classic races around Spa and the 'Ring' and in the UK the Top Hat, Tin Top, U2 and HSCC series it is no surprise that many racers beat their way to Swiftune's door.
Drivers might be at Spa for a one hour race one weekend and then in 10 lapper 'sprint' the following week while the long HSCC championship means an engine must have staying power to stretch between winter rebuilds. These represent significant challenges for a race engine builder!
Power is king for an FIA Mini yet the need to use twin SU carburettors and points ignition doesn't make life easy. Hence Swiftune focuses its detailed development work on the cylinder head and camshaft. At the heart of this development programme is the in-house air-flow rig and dyno. Just as important is Swiftune's partnership with Kent Cams for race-proven camshaft design because matching the cam and head characteristics is critical to achieve those last few bhp. Add Swiftune’s 42 years experience of building competition A series engines and you won't be surprised that the 1293cc engine is now producing over 120bhp at 8000rpm.
For those competitors opting to run Weber carburation and electronic ignition in the HSCC and Heritage series Swiftune has developed a specific set-up boosting power to 135bhp.
The essential race reliability comes from the use of high grade components and years of experience applied to the all-important hand assembly process.
Nick Swift says: "Historic racing really sees the Cooper S in its element biting at the heels of Mustangs and Lotus Cortinas. I have probably driven more FIA Coopers in the UK and on the Continent than anyone so I know what the engine must deliver to make a race winner."
Service
Throughout the season Swiftune offers ready advice on keeping your engine in peak condition; Nick Swift is also on hand at many of the historic meetings. Mid-season exploratory checks, dyno sessions, 'freshen ups' and full rebuilds are the key to the performance of the engine.
We are always pleased to take on an evaluation of your existing race engine for rebuilding or upgrading.
Please contact Nick Swift for full details.