Professors R53

Discussion in 'Car Builds, Projects, Idea's Experiments' started by Professor, Mar 19, 2011.

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  1. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    May 22, 2010
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    Very nice!
     
  2. Rixter

    Rixter Well-Known Member

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    Professor

    Enjoying the progress of this thread. Just curious the switch to smaller wheels. Is it a ride/comfort thing?
     
  3. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    I did it mostly for weight savings. I think these weigh in at 15lbs.
     
  4. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    Had to add a JCW center pipe today. Mynes header with no cat and no resonator will kill the ears ;).

    But with the resonator its much better under 4k.
     
  5. ED955S

    ED955S New Member

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    Nice project. Pls. keep going...
     
  6. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    Mini has been doing well with the new mods, been to MOTD and several trips without any mechanical issues.

    I have it in my head that I want to do a strait exhaust and raise the battery tray. Just trying to find a way to use the OEM battery and still cover it up.

    Also looking to add a front splitter but not sure how I want to build that either. I want function for sure but subtle if possible.

    And for the hell of it...

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Professor

    Professor New Member

    May 4, 2009
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    Been a while but I am undertaking a new project this week. Keep in mind that my Mini is not tracked currently and I am just looking for a little better performance. So far the Thumper head and JCW bits feel great!

    I had planed to replace my gearbox with a later facelift with LSD. But honestly I dont see spending that kind of money currently. I am replacing my OEM open diff with a factory option LSD thanks to Beaner! He hooked me up with a fantastic deal on this unit.

    Now I know that the 900+ dollar options work far better but again, not a track car. I have all the items I need to perform the swap and started today...

    Started around 1:30

    The patient
    [​IMG]

    The items needed. Gearbox case sealer, thread lockers, gearbox oil, OEM limited slip differential
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Start by removing the front bumper
    [​IMG]

    Removed the front impact beam
    [​IMG]

    Removed intake and electrical harness over the gearbox
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Place front into "Service Mode" for more work room.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Removed throttle body and air inlet hose
    [​IMG]

    I always suspected a very small vacuum leak in the system. Turns out there is a small leak where these parts are melted / joined. Thinking it can be repaired with an epoxy maybe?
    [​IMG]

    Few steps ahead but the sub frame and axles are removed, tomorrow the trans comes out. Time so far is 4 hours taking time to clean and inspect items removed.
    [​IMG]
     
  8. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Apr 22, 2009
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    That engine bay is brilliantly clean!
     
  9. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    Thank you. I tend to clean as I go when removing parts. Helps inspect for damaged items and such.
     
  10. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

    May 9, 2009
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    :Thumbsup:

    :Thumbsup:
     
  11. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    Reading about your exhaust--a word of warning: a straight pipe with a BVH, header, and cam will be LOUD!!!

    I tried this setup and it was just too loud, with too much drone. Without the split pipes, it's miserable. I ended up with a magnaflow muffler up front, 2.5 inch pipe into a 2.25 inch pipe into my old JCW twin cans (Brought them together just before the split for the JCW's, to keep it 2.5 as far back as possible.). This worked fantastic--still loud when you get on it, but civil around town and on the highway. Before, I couldn't even hear the radio on the highway, and the drone was so bad, I had to have all the windows down.

    Talking with people, unless you split the exhaust, be prepared for some potentially painful noise...
     
  12. beaner

    beaner New Member

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    Following along. I'm sure that you will enjoy the LSD.
     
  13. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    I owe you buddy :).

    I got everything buttoned up a few moments ago. Going to shower, test drive, then post pics :)
     
  14. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    Kind of dull on the images today sorry.

    Trans case apart with oem open diff.
    [​IMG]

    Removing ring gear from open diff.
    [​IMG]

    Ring gear removed.
    [​IMG]

    Comparing the open diff and the OEM LSD.
    [​IMG]

    LSD in ring gear and secured using Keith's instructions.
    [​IMG]

    LSD back in the case.
    [​IMG]

    No point in images of the trans going back in as well as the car assembled. I found no issues placing the facelift LSD into an early Getrag at all, went like clock work.

    Again this was a cheap and easy upgrade!
     
  15. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    Blah, I also bought the wrong fluid fro the trans. Get to drain that this weekend and refill.
     
  16. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    May 4, 2009
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    OOps.....what fluid are you using?
     
  17. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

    Jun 12, 2009
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    Which fluid are you going to use?
     
  18. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

    Jun 12, 2009
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    jinx
     
  19. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Was there something wrong with the Mobil 1 LS in the pic????
     
  20. Professor

    Professor New Member

    May 4, 2009
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    Yes its a GL-5 and the Getrag will function best with a GL-4 in my application. I picked up some Redline MTL locally
     

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