Rally Mini Cooper

Discussion in 'Car Builds, Projects, Idea's Experiments' started by RallyMini370, Mar 27, 2012.

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  1. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Wow those are some meaty baloneys. It's been a while, but I always found rally tires run a bit larger than the same size in a street tire. I wonder if they will rub a bit with the steering on the lock. You can always make some clearance if need be with a BFH. :biggrin5:

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  2. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    hahahaha with the extra ride height and 8mm wheel spacers I think I should be okay.
     
  3. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    Been a busy 2 weeks. I pulled the gearbox out and replaced the 2nd gear and the bearing housing thanks www.minigearboxws.co.uk Once the box was back in the noise was better but still a noise remains which I think is the selector shafts rattling due to the solid engine mounts. All the bearings were good, I fixed them loose in the housing. I did notice the sector shaft selectors were a little worn which explains when I move the gear stick to select a gear with the clutch in the noise stops. I figure in time I will need to replace them.

    Last Friday was an odd problem. Since I bought the car the engine cooling fan was running. So I wired in a manual switch as when crossing a water splash the incoming water tends to destroy the fan. Anyway I’m arriving home the monsoon raid when I notice the windscreen wipers going really slow, also the brake warning light came on as did the left side middle turn signal, front side marker light and the fan ran very slow. 4 hours later I found out the fan wiring was to blame. So I kept the incoming power wire (red/blue) then cut the other 2 wires. The larger brown wire I connected to the switch then the return wire to the chassis. All worked well after that.

    I spent 14 hours at a local Mall promoting the Mini on Saturday. I think around 300+ viewed the car and liked the rally tyres!. Also Mo Joe’s now make smaller burgers called Mini Joe’s which is cool! also picked another sponsor. G oil who will supply all the racing and road oil I need.

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  4. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    So there went another 3 weeks. I did lots of driving in the Mini finding a few issues that would have put me out of a rally. The fan, a leaking oil filter housing and the gearbox. So far the Mini performs great. A little bouncy on the handling but with 1 1/2" more ride height it's to be expected but saying that I'm hitting corners at 70mph plus and getting a little sideways!

    I'm still fighting with Mini USA to get a new PSP for free, latest news is the Costa Rica Mini dealer confirmed to Mini USA the pump is bad so I'll pull off the pump and bring it back in the hope I get a new one.

    So as of today there is less than a month before the first rally for this project. I'm getting nervous but over the years experience has taught to take it easy and feel the car on the stages. The rally will be based around a beach town of Jaco. Around 11 stages of 5.5 and 9.5 Km . all tight and twisty which should suit the 5:1 final drive.

    Jobs to do, Fit front skid plate, fit PSP (finger crossed) , Homologation papers, Rally tech test, Rally license, recce and rally! I'll be back in CR on Oct 27th.
     
  5. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Looking forward to seeing the car in action.

    You'll get it all done.
     
  6. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    Me too! It's been a long time coming. The strange thing about the Mini is it feels so slow compared to the Suzuki but it is way faster if that makes sense. Maybe because the Mini is a better build solid car compared to the tin pot Swift? so I'm going to have watch that as an off is not on the books. I'm be watching rally videos on the play to get in the mood....hahaha Those MA decals will protect the Mini!

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  7. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I think you are on to something Chris. The MINI has a pretty stout structure. Adding a cage only enhances that. Wear your helmet while you watch those rally videos for best effect. :D
     
  8. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    That's something I noticed about the Mini..not much body flex. The Swift,even with the cage I had issues openning the doors when I jacked a corner up. With the Mini nada! well you might laugh becauce when I first the Mini and jacked it up Ithought wow the body really flexes....ah but I didn't know the windows drop down , I had the battery off..hahaha

    I'm back and the PSP made it....
     
  9. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Replace those clamps on the PS hoses when you replace the pump.
     
  10. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    I was in the area so I dropped off at Mini of Beford...to meet the super nice parts department. Lovely showroom and a car park full of Mini's! I really enjoyed the visit!

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    Also on that day I dropped off my defective PSP ......then on the way back to work Mini USA called to say they cover the cost of a new pump and give me a little extra cash for my troubles! Way to go Mini USA...it took about 2 monts of emails but finally I'll be having a new pump! Hoooooooooooo Ray!
     
  11. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    It was great to finally meet you in person Chris.......Had a great visit with you.

    Cant wait to see some pictures from the winners podium.....Go # 37 woohoo
     
  12. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Hey, that map is in Spanish!
     
  13. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    There is no scale on it either???
     
  14. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    they sort of keep things very low profile. doing the recce is a nightmare as we never know where the stages are...hahaha
     
  15. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    A BIG thanks to Mini Of Bedford who stuck by me as they waited for MINI USA to approve the PSP.....on the final day before I leave the PSP is on it's way to me!

    The squeaky wheel was squeaking very loud! Control arms and axle will arrive today. Bags of stuff to take this time.

    Rally numbers are ready (37) , just need to fit the PSP, axles and skid plate....then tech test, gravel test, recce then rally!

    Been a long time coming , thanks for your patience and help.
     
  16. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    The folks at eminiparts are great folks. Always going the extra mile for the customer. :Thumbsup: Glad this worked out well for you Chris.

    http://www.eminiparts.com/
     
  17. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    bags packed with PSP, control arams, axles,chocolate and beers for a 2:40am start tomorrow morning. Lucky this flight gets me in a mid day CR time so I have the afternoon to fit the parts.....hopefully it won't be pissing it down. .going to be a busy 2 weeks up to Nov 9th. rally on
     
  18. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    Drum rooooooooooooooll! I have power steering! I got it fitted yesterday....funny thing is after 3 months of driving with no PS I nearly drove of the road this monring. I put too much effort into the turn and oooooooops. Anyway I think the PS is going to be a good thing for the rally. Thanks again eminiparts!
     
  19. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    Turning is good for you......Cant wait to see the pictures from the winners podium...:cornut:
     

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