I need some help, My MCS is used for hillclimbing here in the UK, the car is pretty well sorted but for one thing the gear ratio's.
Top speed is not required and it is rare to use higher than 3rd gear.
My question is what to do, Mini mania do a close ratio gear kit which is achieved by having a high first gear (50mph) and Minisport sell a kit which retain the orignal ratio's but lower the final drives so first gear speed is about 40 mph. Acceleration is the most important requirement I feel the car may bog down with such a tall first gear.
The engine produces approx 235bhp, has a gripper lsd and runs on race rubber.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated and help me decide what to do.

 

I'm no hillclimbing expert, but I'd go with the second option that lowers the final drive. . . .

A taller 1st gear might really kill your accelleration on the climbs. . . .