Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S GNAT - The Resurrection

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by Nathan, Feb 23, 2012.

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #261 Nathan, Apr 10, 2012
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2012
    The current setup is 2 x 12" Hushpower resonators in the back with an 18" Hushpower resonator in the center. The new setup will replace the Hushpower units with Vibrant Performance ones.

    I'll dig around and see if I have any pictures of the Hushpower setup.

    This was the only image I could find. It's not the best and well was to show a break, not the full setup but you can get an idea from this.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Is this a normal use of the resonators? I always thought they were simply a way to slightly modify the sound before getting to a muffler.
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Since I've not heard from Chad there no real updates from him, but that doesn't mean there is no news.

    Not that really exciting stuff, more procedural.

    Have tracking info on the exhaust parts that will be trucked up Middle America via FedEx Ground.

    Way shipped the brake rotors to Chad. These are some well traveled rotors so far. From Coleman in MI to ATL back to MI. Efficient use of resources here!
     
  4. Detroit Tuned

    Detroit Tuned Well-Known Member
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    i am about to go work on the car now. it needs a valve cover and going to hook the engine up the the trans i think tonight..going to work on it a bit..or till i pass out.. :donut1:
     
  5. Todd Wilson

    Todd Wilson New Member

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    I am having the same problems with my car... #1 Cyl is 140, #2 Cyl is 85, #3 Cyl is 135 and #4 Cyl is 140...
    I have been saving money to send the car to Jan but everytime I get close to having the money I spend it... My 16 yr old needed a car and then I found a 1968 Camaro that had my name all over it...
    I think that the key to a rebuild of this caliber is having a mechanic that is willing to go above and beyond... Just my two cents...
    Good Luck Nathan!!! I miss seeing ya!!! TW
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Woohoo...Todd, great to hear from ya, sorry you are having some issues too..
     
  7. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Scott, you got me on this one. I went looking for muffler vs resonator information and all I could find was a bunch of speculation. Not sure what the real differences are and in what situation each is ideally used.

    Hopefully someone can edumacate us!
     
  8. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    A resonator is for sound attenuation, and a muffler is for sound reduction to a specified acceptable level.

    The resonator can before or after the muffler, or not at all....
     
  9. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    So then what about some of us using only resonators and no mufflers. How does that affect the sound?
     
  10. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Haven't you driven Gnat with your window down?????? :lol:

    Jim
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    When Nathan first moved to town I thought we were having a lot of thunder storms. Came to find out it was just Nathan firing up Gnat.... :D
     
  12. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Storms are forecasted for Detroit.... But expected to be somewhat milder leading up to the 21st of April.... With the storm gradually moving towards Columbus.... Arriving with mild thunderclaps towards evening..... True forecast....:D
     
  13. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #273 Nathan, Apr 12, 2012
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2012
    It's obvious Chad is watching this thread.

    Sent me a pic of the current exhaust so we can compare the look after the new bits go in.

    [​IMG]

    For those playing the home game...

    Thats a race header, 2.5" dia out into a race cat to an 18" long blown-out Hushpower resonator then split, reduced to 2.25" then sent through a 12" long blown-out Hushpower resonator on each side, finally exiting via Thermal R&D Exhaust Tips built from T304 stainless steel and hand crafted with a high luster polish.

    The new version will be a race header, 2.5" dia out into a race cat to an 18" Vibrant Performance bottle type resonator then split, reduced to 2.25" then sent through a 12" Vibrant Performance bottle type resonator on each side, finally exiting via Thermal R&D Exhaust Tips built from T304 stainless steel and hand crafted with a high luster polish.
     
  14. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Not to change the subject yet again, but those donuts on the back are seriously shot. Time for new donuts Nathan! Don't do what a friend of mine once did. Saved money on tires only to cost himself a car. True story.
     
  15. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Good eye. yep, looks like the inside edge of the rears are scalloped. And no small potatoes.

    Might be an excuse for a wheel change too...

    Anyone want to do some horse trading? Work VS-XX 17x7.5 Polished Lip, Custom Painted centers. Need a good cleaning and one is slightly curbed just a tiny bit.

    Pics here: http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/member-garages/8311-gnat-2006-mini-cooper-s.html#ixzz1rsATRy2Z


    Chad recently sent over this, hopefully Matt will polish those tanks before the engine goes back in. Sure are a lot easier to get to right now.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    Mmmmmm, Dooonuuutttsss!:drool

    Dave
     
  17. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    A text assured me the lighting makes them look a lot worse than they really are.
     
  18. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Bit of work on the lower control arm bushings this evening.

    Subframe removed

    [​IMG]

    Really hosed old PSRS that was welded in place.

    [​IMG]

    After cutting the old one off.

    [​IMG]

    Cleaning up the mess

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    All cleaned up and ready for the new Powerflex bushing.

    [​IMG]
     
  19. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Damn....that was ugly.
     
  20. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Sure was...

    My review on those Alta Positive Steering Response System (PSRS) bushings now that I've had them for like 40k miles is go with the Powerflex ones.

    Lesson learned here...thats for sure.

    I feel darn lucky the lower control arm was salvageable. Really would of hated to have to buy some new ones.
     

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