How strong is it?

[Laner]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to buy/build a road legal buggy to use green laning in Devon. Many of our lanes are steep wet climbs often with a stone base. The sort of thing where wheel spins and then instant grip are common. I wonder how strong is the Mini gearbox and diff?
Also any suggestions as to the type of buggy best suited would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Rob.

 

[Steves2580]

Hi Rob,

Welcome to the forum!!

As far as I know the off road capabilities of the Freestyle are very good (I've never took mine off road and now it's in pieces), but some of the vid's on youtube show a very capable machine.
The blitz buggies at work get punished quite regular, and they run 1275cc engines, gearboxes, difs and driveshafts, we've not had any problems that I know of!

Try to avoid the cheap imports, they do break and you'll struggle to find parts for any repairs!

Let us know what you decide on, then get some pictures up ;D

Steve.

 

[Laner]

Thanks Steve, I've had some experience with standard mini's off road and managed to break a couple of diffs. Am I right in thinking that up rated diffs are available?
The freestyle looks the perfect buggie for my needs because its rear engine and cheap for parts and also easy to modify.
Would you know of a web site where i can buy one new?

 

[Steves2580]

I believe there are none standard diffs available, someone on here will be able to point you in the right direction ;D
Have a look at minisport, they're my local mini parts specialist and do mail order!
If you've been off roading in a mini and it did ok, just think that the freestyle buggy is a lot less weight, giving more power to weight ratio!!
Loads of fun ;D

Steve.

 

[HolyCount]

Hi Rob and welcome. I'm afraid, at the moment at least, Freestyles don't come new. The guy who owns the rights and makes them (Dave) has taken some "time out". Best to keep an eye on the Bay of E and here for part built kits .... in fact you just missed an absolute bargain (not that that'll help!).

 

[Mini Mad Max]

Hi Rob,
Welcome to Muddy Buggies.
Diffs, love em! Well there is the 4 pin diff or aka X-pin diff. These are stronger because they have 4 planitary gears rather than 2 and have two diff pins that form an X rather than just the one. They are much stronger, and are a reasonable cost (£150ish). Then you can start upgrading in terms of LSD for better traction. There are a couple types: the clutch type and gear type. Either way in the back of a freestyle in the wet going round a bend reasonably quickly can be quite hairy. However your solution to this is a Quaife Automatic Torque Biassing Diff (ATB). LSD's and ATB's tend to be rather costly though.... but a brilliant modification if you ever end up with one of the driven wheels of the ground!
Hope that helps!
Max

 

[Danny]

yeah what max said....lol

GEEK (SLACKER)

Danny








PS just kidding max great answer.... I have know idea what your on about theough

 

[Phaeton]

But if you are going to do any competition with the Freestyle you'd best find out the rules before changing to an LSD some like PCT (Production Car Trials) ban the use of them. X-pin diff's are acceptable but any torque limiting etc is not.

Alan...

 

[Steve]

Hi and welcome to the site.
I will leave it at that as I know nothing about diff's etc.
Best of luck with getting the buggy of your choice.
Steve