could it be related to the shift point that the mini wants to use?

This guy http://members.tripod.com/austin_america/id72.html

has some interesting thoughts, specifically


I have done one driveability adjustment and it has made a huge difference in acceleration power. I noted when reading the AP Automatic Factory Service Manual that the shift point specification given for 3rd to 4th under full throttle was 56mph with a window of 4mph in either direction. So basically, 52mph-60mph at full throttle. This transmission was actually shifting out of 3rd and into 4th at about 47mph. That early shift was really keeping the engine from winding up and making some good torque and horsepower, especially when merging onto the freeway at speed.

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Mini-less ... for now

We had 2 as we grew up. Dad always wanted them treated gently as he was the one who had to fix them. He always preferred we shift manually when they were dead cold and be gentle on the throttle a little with each manual shift. Once they were warmed up we just used drive, but they were great to be able to throw it into 3rd as you hit a corner. They can also frustrating if not kicking down when you want going up a hill.

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

I think my comment may have been misunderstood. I wasn't commenting on using the box in manual vs automatic mode. Some people drove it as an automatic but with the car always in 4th (manually selected) not D. Similar to driving a manual box always in 4th but slipping the clutch when moving off, etc.

Can you do flat to the floor manual shifting without risk of damaging anything?

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

Sure can.
But watch downshifts, you can zing the motor to nasty rpm if you do stupid stuff.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.