I think i recall seeing something recently about leaving the rear subframe as hydro and placing shocks in the front subframe?
Am i correct, can this be done or is it easier to just leave hydro all the way around the car

What are the benefits or disadvantages?

Appreciate your help

It is common to add shocks to a hydro car, I have them on mine. They only get fitted to the front. The hydro setup stays stock.
The shocks are not `fitted to the subframe', they are bolted to the body using top shock mounts from a dry suspension Mini. The 1/4" UNF threads in the inner guard are already there on all Minis.
You need to drill the top arms and the bumpstop brackets out to 3/8", the top arms are hard to drill in situ- they are tuff stuff. Or you can use M10x100 socket head bolts like I did.
See my thread in the how-to forum.
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12180

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks dr
Do you think it makes much difference ?

Well, mine handles as well as most dry Minis and rides much better (we had a pretend Cooper S on rubber cones and Koni shocks as well). On broken bitumen mine is a better ride than my AUII Ford or the wife's Fiesta.
The hydro had dampers built in, but after 40 or 50 years they become a bit ineffective. Adding shocks makes up for this.
I have comp hydro rear bumpstops too, that helps handling as well.

[edit] my car still has original bags in, they are 43 years old this month. They don't sag out of shape and go hard like rubber cones do.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Sounds perfect...

It is perfect.

I wouldn't dream of not doing it to any hydro mini I might own.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

me too

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

me two

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

I have the same setup as Doc and it works fine .

On the same subject , but for the rear . I have a mate that mentioned to me the other day
that he was thinking about putting shocks on the rear of his hydro car , interested to hear people's thoughts on this .

Where would you put them? you need to keep the helper springs in there (to pull the arse DOWN = the front UP).
Otherwise it'll sit on the front bumpstops...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

i also did the same set up as Doc described with the comp rear bump stops and it totally changed the car into something that was awesome to drive.

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"Investing my Super in a Cooper" &
"Re-living my Surfing Past in a Woody"

Don't put the comp bumpstops on the front as well unless you are going offroad rallying.. they are too high.
The std conical front ones work fine.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I have them, but even with my minisport 4 pot power assisted brakes, the nose dives badly, even the seat flips forward... if the belt is not really tight...
my Genuine Brakes never did this....

But brilliant to drive...

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The front shocks also stopped/limited the porpoising when I fitted my higher torque 1310. Prior to fitting the front shocks and competition rear bump stops, the car did fantastic drag car impersonations leaving thee traffic lights, much to my sons amusement!

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'68 Morris Mini 1310 A+ (Now Sold!)

Best mod ever! Go for the GAZ adjustables and never look back!

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K