These are times of austerity for some of us; performance gain per dollar spent must start with fewest dollars spent from the get-go. Here’s a way to spend fewer dollars for what is normally a high priced performance product in the MINI market, have the OE camshaft re-ground. In conjunction with camshaft manufacturer Crower, Lynn (Nitrominis), co-authored re-grind specs for three separate cam profiles. A primarily street use camshaft called “Nitro Stick”, a street/race version designed for large port/big valve heads named “Nitro Extreme”, and a “track only” race profile for very high rpm/heavy modified motors/high boost/wet NOS systems, labeled “Nitro Stick NOS”.

A year after the first versions of the NitroStick were produced, I had the opportunity to try one out on a previously under performing MCS; the improvement in power above 4k rpm was dramatic, linear and strong straight to redline. That MCS has made substantial gains with bolt-ons, but finally felt like it had a supercharger after adding the camshaft. Up to the time of test-drives on that car I always felt low end and midrange improvements were the most important, the NitorStick effect caused me to reconsider how I view the MINI’s power band. In my application the camshaft’s impact was beyond the expected; tires spun leaving the driveway (zippy power from 2k rpm), which is a different behavior than in the previous installation. Even with rpm kept below 4k it doesn’t disappoint; I can see where this camshaft would make a difference on NA Coopers, especially with headwork. My MINI behaves like an un-neutered Jack Russell Terrier tugging at a leash.

------------------Stock-----------------------NitroStick------------------

I installed the NitroExtreme on an MCS along with an Endyn huge valve head. Although the addition of the head makes delineation of effectiveness between the two components difficult, the fact the MCS now moves in an impressive way above 6k rpm is undeniable.

I don’t have anything first hand to share about the NOS version, but the designer says it is intended for users who are cognizant of hot rod physics, and, it is not street user friendly.

Before installing my NitroStick I had a dry film lubricant coating applied to the camshaft and rocker rails. The coating is a PTFE like Teflon, it permanently bonds to the metal, promotes even distribution of lubrication, and reduces frictional heat; plus the metal will always be lubricated by the coating itself at start up even if the vehicle is inactive for a long period.


I have an almost new (3-mile) valve train to use for donor parts and noticed uneven wear on the exhaust side rocker rail. Lateral wear lines can be seen where lubrication protection skipped. A DFL should correct this issue.


On the intake side, rocker loading can be seen on the underside of the rail (upside down in this photo).


A 100k-mile exhaust side rocker rail, rust has set in on this daily driver, rough oxidized edges line the oil trough and although it can’t be seen easily in the photo, lateral wear lines are still evident.


MINI's hydraulic tappets, until sometime in the second half of 2006, use a nylon retainer to keep the tiny bucket on the end in place. These retainers become brittle when exposed to repeated high heat cycles, then crack and fall off. Sorry no photo of the failed retainer, but I have seen this happen. The hydraulic piston within the rocker can also seize, I’ve seen this too. Unfortunately, BMW/MINI hydraulic tappet replacement parts are unavailable; one must purchase an entire new rocker or get a used valve train to cannibalize. My valve train gets a freshen-up to be on the safe side. Age and heat affected retainer on the left and obviously new on the right. Overheated brittle retainers are usually darker brown than the one pictured below.


The late hydraulic valve lash adjuster versions get durable metal retainers.

 

k-huevo,
NitroMinis was banned, for lots of reasons.
If he wants you to panhandle his wares as a vendor. Signup and do it if thats what the plan is.
But Until then i feel like its unwelcome.
However Im glad that your Thread has some facts in it from the start about the Hydraulic tappets.
I wish you the best of luck becoming a vendor.
Please do.

 

Your kidding.... Right? This is no different from when somebody comes in and proclaims how good product XXXXX is. The only difference here is that K-huevo actually managed to put together a well thought out post. /snark



K, I like your use of dry lubricant, based on the wear patterns going on it certainly seems like a good idea. Where did you have it done? I could certainly think of some other applications for that type of process in my other hobbies.

 

Oh my god i feel like they should get shot down and told to do the proper thing too.
Way to go some guy...
Just an FYI it dose happen to everyone i just happened to be the first one their
This reeks of fail.
I can think of several people who have mensioned someone elses product and been reminded of the site guidelines
The last example that i could think of was Longboard.
that turned into quite the can of worms.
Honestly my objection was the guy was banned for causing a complete ruckus as much as possible.
and now that hes gone its calmed down alot
Why would i want to have it come back.

 

Great post....

How is giving your observation of a product panhandling a product?

 

Good to see another cam option for the mini

Also as it is a re-grind of the OE cam that should keep the prices down, so should be good bang for buck, can't wait to see any dyno numbers

 

 

Keith - great post.

Colin - not so much.

 

Really dude, are you serious? Sounds like you want it to come back just from reading your first post in here. This topic has nothing to do about someone being banned. YOU brought that up.

On another note, thanks Kevin for the information and advice. Anything that can save me some $$$ is great.

 

Wow...didn't take long for an RMW representative to try and shoot down another option for our cars, a whole 9 minutes.


Keith, excellent post as usual...thanks very much.
To second Some Guy's question...where did you have the DFL done and how much?

 

Silversmoke your're a complete idiot. Honestly.

Great write up as usual K-Huevo. Informative, I always learn something reading your threads and posts.

 

He was banned because he brought in truth that some people didn't want to hear. Lynn is one of the most knowledgeable people that has ever worked on a Mini. Why would you not want his knowledge here? I am getting his NitroStick cam and will soon be installing it into a BV Cosworth head, should be a good fit

 

+1 k-huevo where did you get it done? Can this be done at local shops?

 

Uh, Jan is the only representative of RMW.

 

http://www.cradin.com/lubrication.htm , I endorse this shop, but first attempt to locate a coater in your area and research product options; price is listed on the web site.

Thank you for the words of thanks, you're welcome.

 

It would be cool if this thread could stay on topic. I am sure there are many who would like to know about more options for our Mini's.

I have little faith that this will happen but I can hope. I already saw someone reporting a post...........hmm.

 

Ken..any word of prices????

 

I'm glad someone gets it

 

The man's name is Keith.

 

Don't worry...we all get it.

 

In that same vein........... I'm sure Hubie or M7 or Alta want other people making statements for them either but how are you going to police what people say?

 

hahaha..oh yeah..sorry Keith.....where in the world did i get Ken from???

 

Then lets not be mucking it up with anymore personal attacks. Keep this one on topic, for now I'm interpreting it as an observation of a product.

Do we have any video? before and after boost readings? Scanguage or similar #s? Drag slips? Dyno readings? Anything more quantitative that the butt dyno?

 

I am on the phone .. Great read!! Great, another cam from the US vs the UK or the Eu. Crower is always on the cutting edge!!

Just me..........................

Thumper

 

Wake me when we go from butt dyno to actual dyno on that street re-grind.

Do you send in your stocker or is there a core charge?