OK. This one gets a mention for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, Bob Soper is a friend of my family and my God Father, he would be the first to admit that he has had a varied career path but in the 60's he was heavily involved in tuning the Mini.
He ran a Shorrock Supercharged 850 Mini almost as soon as they came out and this was followed by a brand new 1071cc Cooper 'S', this was also blown, with predictable results. Bob competed in Hill Climbs and Sprints and sold motor accessories and speed equipment. The speed shop he started is still in business nearly 45 years later, and is trading from the same address! Although he is no longer involved.
Through his interest in forced induction he developed the "Bob Soper High Torque Ram Pipe" on the face of it a bent tube that fitted to the carb air intake, this was however reviewed as follows;
Sporting Motorist said;
"Acceleration was definitely improved................much smoother at lower revs.......................a worthwhile Mini mod!"
Car Mechanics said;
"We knocked 2 secs off a staff Mini Cooper 0 - 60.................cold starting is easier and top gear acceleration improved"
To read what Cars & Car Conversions said CLICK HERE. (Courtesy of Simon Wheatcroft)
Read the full brochure for the Soper Hi-Torque ram pipe
