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I am fairly sure I am going to keep the van fairly standard this year and probably next, and just enjoy it as an 850. It is of course tempting to look at different heads, carb options and taking lumps out the flywheel etc. I have even been considering Jabez's Alloy head and carbs in the for sale section, all options being a bit short of a full engine rebuild and that I could do whilst basically keeping it on the road rather than off it. But I've been thinking what other, perhaps less effective, but period mods are there that are less well known.

I keep coming back to the Bob Soper Torque tube: https://mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/bob_soper.htm

And, given the info there, perhaps this is a question our exalted leader can best answer: A- are they actually any good, and B- were many ever sold, so making them impossible to find? The fact I've never seen one is kind of what makes me want to stick it on my otherwise standard van. Just for fun. We all know bigger or multiple carbs, better heads, more cc's work, but what about a bent bit of tube you can fit in half an hour?

Any thoughts / experience / leads?

Al

Some may remember this feature in David Vizard's 'Mini Tech News' magazine back in 1982.

High-Torque RAM PIPE set from Bob Soper Ltd:-
http://mk1-forum.net/viewtopic.php?t=28395

I was just looking through previous discussions. Sounds like a fair few were sold, and whilst there seem to be a number of photos in period, no doubt publicity / marketing shots, I don't recall anyone on here having one fitted?

5 seconds off my huge 0-60 time sounds good! as does the maximum benefit in the mid range, rather than thrashing away at the top end

Al

In short, Yes it does work, in the same way having a long carb trumpet works. It increases the charge speed. It is most noticeable at fairly low engine speeds & it is a case of diminishing returns as the revs increase.

I ran one on an 850 for a while years ago, there was an appreciable difference, but it didn't really turn the car from a slug to the starship enterprise.

I have a couple in the collection, but would be fairly reluctant to let them go.

To answer the other question, Bob sold masses of them, but I assume most are integral parts of washing machines now & have been for many years.

Al I planned to fit a set to Fiesta yellow before Blyton, but sadly fiesta won’t be making it to blyton this year. Hopefully next year.

Tim

Hi Tim, What's up?

tjw89 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 8:21 am sadly fiesta won’t be making it to blyton this year. Hopefully next year.

Tim

Oh no! nothing too serious, I hope. And I also hope we'll still be seeing you though?

Al

(I thought you'd have one in your cave of trick bits! Great mind's think alike )

I used to be an occasional visitor to Ripspeed in the late 80's where they had one of these or a similar item on display in the front window. From memory it was mocked up on a cylinder head.

Sadly having problems with the clutch, it’s the type with the springs which are no longer available. I still plan to bring the gazebo and try sell some bits with Andy B.

Tim, if you need any spring clutch bits drop me a pm. I have a couple and you can have anything you need.

Thanks Steve, pm sent