8-Port Power

The Arden 8-port cylinder head was designed over 25 years ago, yet it remains one of the most powerful and effective heads available for the Mini A-Series engine today.
Designed with racing in mind, the alloy Arden 8-port head was conceived by Jim Whitehouse in 1966/67 to take full advantage of a change in Group 2 regulations, which allowed more freedom in cylinder head design.
The revolutionary 8-port concept took the racing world by storm. At the time, there was great consternation at BMC Special Tuning, because they were developing a cast iron 8-port item of their own, but after Alec Poole took the 1000cc class in the Arden car, even BMC had to admit that this was
the new way to go, and commissioned 200 Arden heads to be made for Special Tuning. Full Homologation was now completed, and current F.l.A. regulations still list under amendments:' Eight port cylinder head: Part Number C-AEG612 (Group 2).'
Jim Whitehouse's original company was called ACL (Arden Conversions Ltd.), and the ACL mark can still be seen on the heads produced by Mini Spares from the original tooling (all rights to the head were acquired by Mini Spares in 1990).
Bringing the Arden 8-Port head into the 90's was our next challenge, and intensive research and development began on a purpose-built fuel injection system for the 8-Port. While the head remains totally original, we have used the latest hitech computer technology to complete a unique fuel-injected EFi package to compliment the 8-Port head.
The 8-Port EFi head package, combined with our RC40 exhaust system, produces 104 bhp at the wheels at 6000 rpm on a standard 1275 engine. The Mini Spares 8-Port Mini conversion brings out the best of the 8-Port Efi with a package of brake, suspension, wheel and tyre modifications, together with unique styling touches both outside and inside the car.
Latest Minis fitted with brake master cylinder servos can cope adequately with the increased power, but on all other cars we fit Mini Spares Alloy 4-Pot Calipers.
In the suspension department, all our experience with Timo Makinen's Monte Carlo Mini has been brought to bear on the handling of the 8-Port Conversion. Suspension is vastly improved by adding easily adjusted Hi-Lo units, designed especially for the latest cars, together with Koni Sports Suspension. Adjustable tie bars are also fitted to improve steering geometry.
Pictured are our Minilife Alloy wheels in Anthracite Grey with diamond cut edges, and the Yokohama 165x60x 12 A510 tyres complete this super stable handling package. External styling items include our special wider arches and twin headlamp grille, and we have also fitted a bonnet locking kit, with an internal pull cable.Inside we have installed a special Burr Walnut super dash, together with close-fitting car mats, while the specially made Cobra seating stylishly rounds off the interior.
On the road , The Mini Spares 8-Port conversion represents the ultimate in civilised 90s motoring. The Mini Spares 5-speed gearbox performs with faultless ease, making Motorway driving a real pleasure, and the ride and handling ensure safe cornering even under the most progressive driving
conditions.

The 8-Port speaks for itself ...
" ... this engine pulls from tickover in a seamless
surge up to 6000 rpm ."
" ... it's unlikely anybody will try to improve on
the handling of the 8-port. " Fast Car Magazine.

'This was more than just a street racer ... the high
speed cruising mode could be achieved with peace
and quiet for the driver. "
'The suspension set up was working well, and did
indeed demonstrate characteristics similar to that of
the Monte Mini. Rarely have I had so much fun
without a helmet. " Mini World Magazine.

'The end result was nothing short of amazing. "
"Once it finds a twisty A-road, it moves into a
league of its own. "
'There was another major drawback with it - we
had to give it back!" Cars and Car Conversions.

The 8-Port Conversion is available as a complete
package, or as individual components at the
customers request.