13 replies to this topic

[oakrichardson]

As above really, wanted to know what people run for there rally cars, what spec, power/torque etc, what's suitable and what isn't, what works, what does not and any useful tips.
I'm getting to the stage were I'm having to think what I should be doing to my engine and am lookin for ideas, the reason being that I don't want to waste money unnecessarily, and to have a good useable and reasonably reliable engine.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[monster_mini]

More importantly what's your budget and what's the rules and regs of the class you'll be rallying in:)?

I've never done any rallying myself, only track racing, but You'll want something torquey to pull you out those tight corners and get you out of trouble when trees start getting closer than they should!!!

[jaydee]

As above, its all depending on your budget.

What you dont need, is an LSD and lairy camshaft with durations above 290 degs, you need torque and durability.

Most cars runs 276 or 286 cams indeed.

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

is this for Historic Rally Car Register events ?

and is so stage or club mans

or  Classic Regularity Rallying

or things like this 

 

http://www.heroevent...Jog/lejog_2013/

 

we are doing this one again this year

not a mini but A series engine 

Edited by grumpy dad, 13 November 2013 - 12:16 AM.

[rally1380]

If it's for Historic events (be it HRCR or HERO) then you will find you have to build the engine to 'period' specific modifications and more often than not use an A series (not A+) block.

 

But (and this is a big but) that rule may well be changing next year and allowing A+ blocks in whatever category you intend to run.

 

If it is 'normal' rallying you are talking about then spec really does depend on how deep your overdraft is!!!!!!

 

What sort of rallying is it you are intending to do???? Then i'm sure we can advise a bit better.

[smudger068]

Sorry to high jack this thread if anyone could answer this(its only similarly relevant not directly related)

but I didn't think that you could use a different engine from another manufacturer in your vehicle reason I ask is because I was pretty sure I saw a Vauxhall red top in a MK2 Escort? is there ways around this?

Thanks sorry again

[rally1380]

Sorry to high jack this thread if anyone could answer this(its only similarly relevant not directly related)

but I didn't think that you could use a different engine from another manufacturer in your vehicle reason I ask is because I was pretty sure I saw a Vauxhall red top in a MK2 Escort? is there ways around this?

Thanks sorry again

 

Some classes allow engines from different manufacturers (and age) to be used. Vauxhall redtop is a common engine to be used.  There are rule changes coming in (next couple of years i think) where road rally cars have to use original manufacturer engines....but that is road rally specific.

[smudger068]

OIC Thank you

No the reason I ask is because I could afford to rally and be competitive if I used a micra engine in my Mini,(I could buy a Micra but there so expensive due to the challenge cars holding there value) so im guessing you would have to enquire directly to the MSA for special requirements such as this

[rally1380]

OIC Thank you

No the reason I ask is because I could afford to rally and be competitive if I used a micra engine in my Mini,(I could buy a Micra but there so expensive due to the challenge cars holding there value) so im guessing you would have to enquire directly to the MSA for special requirements such as this

 

Best bet would be to look at what rally you fancy doing and read the reg's...that will tell you what classes there are.

 

Now back on topic......

[oakrichardson]

should have put this in the orignal post sorry! 

 

i am planning to do stage rallying

 

the budget isnt huge to be honest, cant really put a figure on it though

[Cooperman]

To a large extent it depends on how much rallying you have done in the past and what sort of events you intend to do.

If new to the sport, just build a reliable car with around 85 bhp and learn how to drive.

Is it Historics you'll be doing - a Mini won't be competitive in much else?

If doing modern events in up to 1300 or 1400 cc class, you'll be 'wiped out' by modern cars even though it will still cost as much to compete.

[rally1380]

Rob Jones on here Stage rallies a mini...might be worth sending him a message with a few questions.

 

Stage rallying???  What sort of stage rallying??  Single Venue??  Tarmac?? Gravel?? Mixed surface??

 

I have to agree with Cooperman....unless you are rallying in historics you are not going to be that competative.  But that said, if you are just doing it to have fun and gain a bit of experience then go for it and have a laugh.

 

Reliability is always going to be your first priority.  And a torquey engine is always going to be better to drive than a more race-like engine that needs to be revved and revved!!

 

One thing to consider (that isn't engine related) if you are doing gravel stage events is tyre choice...you ain't got one really!!  Its either 10" maxsport or 12" maxsport....unless you import some mega pricey rubber from scandinavia.

 

Personnally (and don't shoot me TMF!!!) but if you want to rally cheap...buy a micra or corsa or MG ZR and rally in under 1400 class....better engines, stronger shells, better suspension etc etc

 

If it has to be mini.....I wish you all the luck in the world and keep posting on here with how you are getting on.

 

There are a few people on here building and running rally mini's so check out the build section.

[grumpy dad]

you will have to comply with 2 sets of rules 

MSA this is about safety

and the  organizer of the events age mods ect

I hope to have are car built for next year

to use on   Historic Rally Car Register stage events

 

the season for 12 car events has started 

and most motor clubs will let you run a modern

these are navagnal  rally's

if you have not rallyed before try them

as a bit of fun 

[Cooperman]

My historic rally Cooper 'S' has a fairly full-on engine with c.115 bhp at 6400 rpm. My Rover 214Si Endurance Rally car had about the same bhp, was heavier, but the modern suspension meant that on a bumpy road it was very significantly quicker. This applied on gravel or tarmac, but it's the result of it being a 40 year newer design. It's rather like comparing a 1961 997 Cooper with a 1920's Austin 7 - no comparison.

However, in Historics the Mini still takes some beating on twisty tarmac, although on gravel a Lotus Cortina will probably be at least its equal.