7 replies to this topic

[OG-Mini]

I’m Thinking About Rallying my mini or at least having a good/hardcore time in it. What would be the most important things I’ll need to improve or update. Thanks

[nicklouse]

get hold of the relative rules and regulations and fulfil them. then think about updateing/improving things.

[Spider]

Gravel or Tarmac ?

[DeadSquare]

You get a better deal if you up date your life insurance before you start.

[Cooperman]

What sort of rallies will you be doing (historics/modern/road/tarmac/gravel/special-stages)?

That will determine what needs to be done. Whatever you choose it will not be low cost.

A Mini will not be competitive in any sort of modern rally. Only in historics in a pre-1968 Mini will you have any chance of good results. In modern rallies there are lower cost cars which are easier and cheaper to prepare and which can achieve really good results. For example, an MG-ZR needs less preparation, but is capable of an outright win on some UK events.

[MiniBGT]

First thing to do is join the Historic Rally Car Register https://www.hrcr.co.uk/ and look at the various rally options that are available and see what training courses are on offer.  Their technical website http://www.hrct.co.uk/ gives a lot of information about preparation and what is and is not allowed for the different age categories of Minis.  Mine is a '69 car.

[Swift_General]

Read a copy of the 'blue book', or at least the parts relevant to your intended use:
https://www.motorspo...isedversion.pdf

[Cooperman]

Without knowing the type of events in which you want to compete, it is impossible to help with  build sheet specifically for a MIni, but as a guide you will need the following:

 

A full welded-in roll cage

Full harness seat belts to the appropriate specification

A full-length sump guard

The fuel, brake & battery lines running inside the car

Approved seats bolted in and non-tilting (it makes the car a two-seater)

Fire extinguisher(s).

Battery master cut-off switch

Adjustable height suspension raised slightly above standard ride height

Adjustable dampers

Additional instrumentation (trip meter, clocks, large oil pressure warning light, auxiliary power sockets,)

Seriously improved brake pads (typically Mintex 1166 or carbon-Metallic)

Competition brake fluid with high boiling point.

For night sections two additional serious driving lights

A quieter exhaust system with additional mountings and skid plates welded onto the leading edges of the two silencer boxes.

An oil cooler.

Probably stronger drive shafts with the circlip groove at the CV end not machined and a washer tack welded on instead.

 

Engine and transmission improvements will depend on the type of event, but a cross-pin diff is virtually essential as will be a lower final drive ratio.

The engine will need to be in top condition.

 

Once you define the types of event I could provide a comprehensive build sheet.

 

Be prepared to spend some serious money!