Hi all,
my name is Chris and I live in Switzerland at the Zürich lake. I fulfilled myself the long for wish and will build up a classic race mini as fun track tool for me.
After racing several years in mini challenge with the new minis I though it was time for a 500kg and 200hp track tool as I always wanted to go back to the roots to a classic mini. Another major reason for the classic was that I started to hate trailering and the classic mini fits in the back of a transporter e.g.. Fiat Ducato. No more with 80km/h over several hours the highway from or to switzerland, the Ducato is good for 160kmh Already on the search for a suitable large wheelbase Ducato for a good price....
Origin of this project is that I came across a ex BCT-Mini which was only raced one season in 2009 and then put on into garage due to family, kids and house. Last year he sold A-series engine with gearbox but saved the rest as it easy to get a new engine but nearly impossible to get a complete rust free race shell. This year twins came unplanned and he had to realize that racing won't happen soon and sold me the complete car without engine/gearbox.
So perfect setup to swap an R1 into it.
Why an R1 engine:
a) R1 is more powerful and less weight then A-Series
b) R1 engine is much with 500 to 800 Euro incl. semi-sequential gearbox much cheaper then modded A-Series, have already 3 engines so if I blow one up don't care. Yes you have to invest once into conversion kit but follow up costs are cheap.
c) I love that sound
d) perfect combination for circuit racing and swiss slalom tracks: long first gear, other have to switch gear twice and in 1000ccm class only twingo&co will compete against me, R1 Mini eats them for breakfast)
setup planned:
as I said I want to come close to 200hp, there are 2 ways: heavily modify the R1 or add a soft turbo or turbocharger to it.
I will try to add the supercharger, plan at the moment is the eaton m45 from the old mercedes SLK. Soft means only approx 0,3 bar as I want to keep the r1 internal standard.
In Phase 1 I will
- swap in the lynx kit with a polestar ecu
- fit upgraded cooling, accusump and oilcooler
- modify steering and seat setup to fit a 192cm tall guy, me seat and belt are from 2008 so needs replacement due to FIA rules anyhow.
- fit one piece composite flip front
- throw everything out that has no function
- convert 13 inch to 10inch wheels
- get the car race ready and get experience with it in 2015
Phase 2 will be:
- fit the supercharger
- convert the chain drive to a belt drive
As I am a newbee with the classic mini I hope I will get some support here and already excuse myself for some idiotic or simple questions I may ask. Have a well sorted and heated own workshop where I prep my cars and modify them.
So today I started the project and:
- took of the metal front
- took of driver door
- started to sort out the existing electric setup what is what and mark it
- ordering the lynx cradle and buffle sump plate
pics will follow soon.
Edited by Helldriver, 21 November 2014 - 08:04 PM.