MED EN40B STEEL BILLET CRANKSHAFT - MINI
Description
The MED crankshaft is CNC machined from EN40B steel billet and nitride hardened, with extra large C-shape counterbalance webs to reduce potentially damaging harmonics.
Cooper S size big end journals with counter-bored webs reduce weight and further enhance the counterbalance effect. An improved counterbalance helps to reduce the 'whip' often encountered with the three main bearing A-Series crankshaft, to improve longevity and performance at higher RPM levels.
This crankshaft is ideally suited to race series such as Mini Miglia and Appendix K historics where a more traditional stroke length and big end size must be retained. It would also suit high performance road, rally and trackday builds.
Design features:
- CNC machined from EN40B steel billet
- 81.33mm standard stroke for series such as Appendix K historic and Mini Miglia
- 1.625" big end journals as per 1275 Cooper S
- 2.000" main journals
- Extra large C-shape counterbalance webs
- Counter-bored big ends for further weight reduction
- 100% crack detection and material certification
- Extra long keyway for crank pulley
- Weighs just 10.5kg
- Nitride hardened journals
- Balanced to within 1 gram
As used in our own FIA historic race Mini and the vast majority of our race engines, from five-port to eight-port and 16-valve. With hundreds of crankshafts sold worldwide over the past decade, this remains the best value EN40B steel billet crankshaft available for the 1275 engine.
Please note - the timing gear end has a carefully machined radius for extra strength - please be sure that your timing gear sprocket has a matching radius or damage will be caused on assembly.
We also offer a complete crankshaft kit package with a choice of pistons and MED steel conrods. If you're not restricted by race regulations, you may be interested in upgrading to the more radical MED Multiweb crankshaft kit, which further improves the counterbalance effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an MED steel crankshaft better than a standard type?
Our cranks are lighter, stronger and better balanced. Most factory crankshafts were made from lesser grade EN16T, as opposed to certified EN40B steel billet. The counterbalance effect is far greater with this design, so it is both stronger and better balanced. An improved counterbalance effect helps to reduce the 'whip' often encountered with the three main bearing A-Series crankshaft, to much improve longevity and performance at higher RPM levels.
How does a new steel crank compare to a re-worked standard Mini crankshaft?
Whilst standard crankshafts can be effectively re-worked to improve their counterbalance effect, it is not possible to add material, only subtract. You're also unlikely to know the history of a second-hand crankshaft - it could be over 60 years old!
Is a steel crankshaft lighter than a standard crankshaft?
Yes - standard 1275 Mini crankshafts weigh between 11.5kg-12kg, and this weighs just 10.5kg. A heavily modified factory crank could potentially weigh less, however, but it is unlikely to have the weight in the right places for the benefits of strength and balance.
Are MED steel crankshafts cross-drilled?
No, it's not required, as we have moved the oil way drillings compared to the standard crankshaft. For high RPM use on standard A-Series crankshafts, it was always necessary to cross-drill the big end journals, relocating the oil ways to help reduce the chance of oil starvation to the bearings.
Where are MED crankshafts made?
Our crankshafts are manufactured just 20 minutes from MED at Arrow Precision Engineering - the very best in the business! We've worked with Arrow for over 20 years to create the best possible product.
Which conrods and bearings do I need?
The big end journals are sized at 1.625" as per the original Cooper S, so standard S rods will fit if you're able to find a set in usable condition. Alternatively we would highly recommend upgrading to a set of MED steel conrods for extra strength and considerable weight savings. Main bearings are the standard 1275 size, 2.000" diameter, and thrust washers are also the standard 1275 type. We can supply a complete crankshaft, piston, conrod and bearing package if you prefer.
What's better, steel billet or forged classic Mini crankshafts?
We've tried both and have found no tangible difference in strength and reliability between the two manufacturing techniques. Our preference is to have crankshafts CNC machined from EN40B steel billet, as this allows for regular design development without needing to make a new forging tool each time, which would not be economically viable.
Can you make me a Mini crankshaft with an alternate stroke length?
Unfortunately it is not viable, cost-wise, to have a one-off special produced. Sorry. We do keep 86mm stroke crankshafts in the Multiweb Mini design, if you wish to build a 1460cc engine. Otherwise, these are the standard 81.3mm stroke.
Does this come with any certification?
Absolutely. Each crankshaft is supplied with a test report, fully balanced, 100% crack detection and with certification of material and heat treatments. Critical detail inspection reports are also supplied. There is an incredible amount of work involved in producing, machining and testing each crankshaft, using Arrow Precision's 50-plus years of specialist experience.
What is the maximum RPM potential of this crankshaft?
This crankshaft will likely withstand higher RPM levels than the A-Series engine will as a whole. Typically on the most severe over-revs, usually changing accidentally from fourth to first gear, the valve train will fail first. We would not recommend testing this! We would recommend, however, a set of MED steel main caps and studs to better support this area of the engine block, if planning to rev the engine regularly to over 6000rpm.