MARSHSEIS "Classic Mini Challenge" Creating a Time Machine.

Objective-10 Establish a Steering Solution.

Achieving a steering solution is something that MARSHSEIS are particularly adept at accomplishing, albeit normally on a much, much, bigger scale than this and normally some way beneath the surface of the sea. If you're interested in seeing how we are getting on with that, then keep a very sharp eye out for some exciting blogs coming your way very soon with some of our latest updates :-)

Back to the Mini....We did pose the question in our last blog quizzing followers the purpose of the component below, I wonder how many guessed it right.

Well if you did guess, that's GREAT! and if you did not and are eager to find out how we got on, then read on to find out exactly how, why and where we had to incorporate this interesting item to get round some pretty tricky steering challenges.

Several meteoric hurdles had to be overcome in order to get a steering connection from the new MINI Cooper steering column and connected to the old Mini Clubman steering rack and we needed to achieve it via a very short and tortuous path and still leave enough space for pedals and a host of other stuff that would eventually be situated behind the dash. Time to engage the head piece and apply some serious brain storming :-)

The picture above gives a pretty good visual representation of the problems we had to overcome. We considered everything from a full power hydrostatic steering pump and motor installation, to fitting a totally different type of rack, but felt we must remain within the original parameters of the challenge and create where possible a vehicle that utilised as much of the old and new minis components as was possible and at all costs retain the original mini geometry. All these factors considered and with space being the biggest limiting factor we decided a transfer box, and yes you did read that correctly, a transfer box was the way ahead.

So it was into full brain storming mode accompanied by some serious supplyer searching for an ideal sprocket set solution that would fit our very tight limitations

This was the first sprocket set that we tried but this was discarded in favour of a set with fewer teeth enabling a much trimmer fit. The picture does however give a good visual representation of the hurdles we had to overcome. Getting the knuckle shaft to line up in an effective manner was going to require a great deal of trial and error and again a liberal application of Marshseis Magic :-)

Now we're getting there... "Behold the Final Solution". A slim fit 2 sprocket transfer box installation in 1 to 1 ratio to maintain existing steering efficiency, and connected via a 2 knuckle jointed shaft, complete with centre self aligning support bearing. I'm absolutely loving this :-)

For those thinking that there is an awful lot of exposed rotating parts there, then worry not, as the sprocket and chain assembly will be enclosed at a later date in a casing to maintain, protect and of course retain its lubrication.

All in all we're pretty happy with this, as it allows us to stay within the bounds of the original challenge and it ensures we can utilise components from both the new and old style minis thus once again setting another mile stone marker in "Mission Objective Assured Achievability"

Final picture for today's blog showing our first trial fit of the old style Mini Clubman brake and clutch pedal box, together with the drive by wire throttle assembly from the new MINI Cooper. Yes they are going to need a certain degree of fettling but we're now absolutely sure we can get everything squeezed and shoe horned in, yet maintain the driver's safe and erganomic control.

The pic also gives a sneak peak showing the heater matrix from the new MINI Cooper in-situ and yes we did have to again employ a liberal application of Marshseis Magic to achieve this, but for now, that's perhaps best left for another day and another blog :-)

That's about all for this blog....All the best and take care and be sure to keep an eye out for our next blogs where you'll find out exactly how we got on with "Creating a Time Machine".