Newsletter 35 - October 2003

The pictures on the previous page
show the plug lead cap which had
caused the loss of ignition on one
cylinder.
The one on this page shows the
exhaust manifold hidden behind the
anti-roll bar (I assume). The nearer
down pipe is still in its new / painted
condition indicating that the
associated cylinder has never ‘run’
since the manifold was last fitted.
DAS
E-mail 3/8/03
Dear David,
I read with relish the last N/L.
Regarding brake balance valves, I would strongly advise against using the Alfa Romeo one
on a Minari even in the miraculous event that the Alfa Valve is still working!!!!! In the
early days of 'Suds it was common for said valve to seize up after only half a German
winter.
Reasons are:-
1. Minari ride height is not the same as the original cars, whatever spring and damper
combination is used, therefore existing linkage must be redesigned.
2. Even standard road springs behave much more stiffly in a Minari than an Alfa so the
Alfa design feature of variability with rear loading and ride height is much less needed and
much less value. If uprated springs and dampers are used the amount of height change is
even less.
3. Rear braking effort varies with actual detail car build, brake pads fitted, wheels and tyres
and indeed spring/damper to road interface fidelity so should be set up for each car.
4. Minari weight distribution is different from '33s or 'Suds as well as differing for different
engine combinations in a Minari too.
5. Forward weight transfer under heavy braking is a little less on a Minari since the centre
of gravity and front overhang mass is lower on a Minari than on a 33 or 'Sud.
The Aldon Mini valves or the Merlin Motorsport valves used by Minari, in either ones or
twos depending on the actual brake system layout, work well and can be adjusted for
particular circumstances when you know what you are about. Demon Tweeks valves also
work well but are more costly. I also believe Le Mans Motor Sport and Bob Gren
developments can supply suitable valves too.
The SVA guys do demand that the balancers are fixed any way. They are prepared to
accept drilled wing nuts or adjuster bolt heads secured with lock wire and a lead seal.
"Lead Seal" I hear you cry. Surely this is not "Circus Metallica" No, lead seals are a
doddle- pass the locking wire into the wire cutting pocket of a largish pair of pliers with the
cavity uppermost. Then pour in molten lead until the cavity is filled around the locking
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