Hi all

Wondering if any mini racers out there have used 4 speed (4 synchro) sccr gear sets in competition? I am interested in which brand was used and how long it lasted with what type of use.

The group N rules are changing to allow 4 speed sets instead of 3. My original leyland 3 speed gears finally need replacing after 20 odd years of competition use including lots of hillclimbs (very hard on first gear), and I need to decide on their 4 speed replacement.

The general consensus in group N regarding 3 speed sets is that it is hard to buy a decent gear set, because 'they don't make them like they used to'.

Please share your experiences with 4 synchro sccr gear sets. Thanks

Hi Number86
I have used both 3 syncro and 4 syncro sets in a J car and sportsedan. My first new 3 syncro was ex UK and lasted about 2-3 races before the case hardnening started to breakthrough on the gearset. Fixed this problem by throwing out the gearset and buying a good secondhand ST set (be very difficult to find now days I imagine).

My 4 syncro set was a NOS ST set that I found in the late 80s. Has done many track miles in a sports sedan and is still perfect. My guess would be that the currently available SC gearsets are not up to scratch and an original ST set in good nick would be the go. (so happens that I have a rebuilt Group N motor and the 4 syncro for sale at the moment!!).

Only downside to the 4 syncro is the ratios. I find 2nd gear a little too low geared for some of the tighter circuits.

Thanks for that Wild willy, you have taken the first step in confirming my suspicions, the new stuff is not up to scratch. As I race on the tightest of budgets, I can't afford to replace a gear set after 3 meetings...

As for the ratios, the 4 speed stuff I have seen on the net has similar ratios to the 3 speed. Do you change diff ratios to work around 2nd gear?

Would like to try and find an ST set, even if I stick with the 3 speed, that doesn't worry me. Will place a Wanted Ad. Thought I would probably be up against it though.

Just out of interest, can you PM me specs and a price for your N motor and box, I am about to start rebuilding mine, but yours may be an option. Wear to 2nd gear caused it to jump out of second whilst I was tustling with a lotus cortina and I dropped a couple of valves. Think I will be putting a rev limiter on, any suggestions for brand and type?

I use the Mini Spares "Clubman" SCCR gearset, have done for a number of years. These sets use an A+ layshaft which I modify for use in the 4 synchro remote gearcase. Others modify the gearcase to accept the A+ layshaft. Either way is a relatively easy mod.

I agree these gearsets are not of the same quality as the original ST stuff. I pull my powerplants down after 2 seasons and rebuild. On teardown there have been marks on the gears but not thru the case hardening. I also use Mini Spares SC drop gears and again, gears are marked. These drop gears are now 6 - 7 years old and still fine.

BTW, my engines make the goods, use GR's latest race cam and cylinder head.

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Steve

Thanks for your input Justminis. I spoke with another Group N mini guy last night at our association meeting who also uses mini spares stuff. He has still had the odd problem though, broke a tooth off not long ago. A lot can be said for mechanical sympathy though...

Looks like you are getting good value from your drop gears, how long has your gear set been in the car?

Cheers

I don't have any input on the gears, but rev limiter is easy - Jaycar sell a fequency switch kit for about $34, there is a normally open and normally closed circuit, solder it up and put the normally closed circuit between 12v and your coil - works really well - I've got it set about 5500rpm, and I can sit in neutral with my foot flat to the floor, it gets to 5500 and stays there just kinda popping

the trip frequency (RPM) is obviously adjustable, as is the point where it cuts back in (hysteresis)

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Thanks Simon, I guess it works by cutting the spark. Sounds like a cheap and effective way to go.