Quick & Easy
- Alloy rocker cover
- Replacing the standard rocker cover with an alloy one will
cut down a bit on your rocker noise. This happens becuase
the alloy is thicker, and absorbes more sound. This is
probably the simplest engine mod sound-wise. Approximate
cost of a new (quality) alloy rocker cover is currently
30 UKP.
- Performance Filter Element
- In pursuit of more horsepower, many people replace the standard
air filters with a set of performance filters such as K&N
or Piper. Filters such as these are known to let through
a lot of induction roar. One way to get a bit of performance
while keeping the noise down is to use the standard airbox,
and replace it with a performance filter element. This gives
improved air flow while maintaining a reasonable level of noise.
About 20 UKP might be needed here.
Minor Mod
- Roller Rockers
- If you want to go for a small mode that cuts sound, and at
the same time improves performance, then you might invest a
bit into a set of nice alloy roller rockers. Based on
adverts in Mini Magazine, I would estimate a set of
new ones to be around 100-150 UKP.
- Cam Belt
- Quite a bit of the engine noise comes from a worn timing chain
which tends to rattle. The performance guys fit duplex chains
in order to keep the chain from stretching. Another way to
go is to fit a cam belt. This almost completely eliminates this
particular source of noise. The costs vary, but I recall seeing
a figure of about 50-100 UKP for a conversion kit.
- Electric Fan
- Aparently a lot of noise is caused by the older metal radiator
cooling fans. This happens especially at higher revs. It
also robs you of a bit of top-end power. A solution to this
is to convert to an electric fan. Price? About 60 UKP for
a complete kit which hooks up to a thermostat.
Major Fun
- Engine Balance
- A fully balanced engine will run smoother, hence giving out
less noise as it shakes. Good engine brackets won't harm
either. This is pretty expensive joy though, and requires
the lump to come out for a while. Prepare to spend all your
christmass money on this.
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