Thanks Dave, On Feb 10th I'll be off back down to CR with STI rear dampers, adjustable brake bias, Hydraulic hand brake, battery boot relocation, sadly the oringinal radiator as my WRX conversion will not be allowed in the rules plus a bunch of other stuff and decals. The goal is to have the engine running by the end of Feb. First rally date is April 14th. More photos to follow.
one of the most popular questions I get is to why did I go with Subaru STI for my suspension. 1/ good past experience 2/ cost 3/ gravel spec availability . There seems to be a ton of tarmac spec dampers but nothing for gravel at a cost I can afford. I'm using road dampers to start with, then could use this set up. Ksport Adjustable Coilover Systems, Camber Kits and Suspension Products | Ksport Store
This visit I got the cam shaft in and most of the engine parts back where they should be. With a few hours work I was able the fit the Subaru STI rear dampers to the R56 trailing arm. Work required was to make a new top mount using Subaru/Mini , bore out the bottom bolt hole to 14mm and grind a little bit off the trailing arm. Ride height went up by 3/4" and I get around 1 1/2" extra . travel. Brake line I will attach later.
Found these two monkeys checking out the increased ride height! looks high due to no fuel in the tank and spare wheel etc.
This visit I got the engine back together less the radiator and S oil heat exchanger. The radiator I left off as I plan to fit a new alternator and S oil heat exchanger on my next visit. The rear STI suspension, R56 trailing arms and Helix lateral arms are fitted. Steel trailing arm weighs 23lbs, the R56 15lbs, Steel laterals 8LBs a pair, Helix 4Lbs a pair. So 22lbs less of unsprung weight. Next trip back won't be until March 27th with the first rally being April 14th. I'm going to be really busy to finish on time but if not the next rally is in May. Last thing I want to do is rush and miss something important.
It was this month in 2012 that the R50 shipped up from PA after the Ebay purchace! Wow a year flew by so quickly. Since then I found the original head was junk. I added a “S” head, fixed all the tech test issues. Stripped out the interior, added the race seats, STI front struts and STI radiator. Then I drove the Mini in MA for a few months. In August the Mini was shipped to Costa Rica. I drove the Mini in Costa Rica for a month on MA plates then started the rally build in October. The Mini went to Customs jail, got sprung out, now I’m in March with the final push to finish. Considering all the parts was carried in my check in bags to Costa Rica since October this has been a very interesting rally project. A big thanks go to the folks on this forum for advice and patience, eMiniparts for prompt delivery of all my parts, Helix, Way Motors, Mod Father, Beaner , Crashton, Nathan, monkeys , Ebay I hope only another 9 weeks to go before I drive the car. Then let the fun times start on the stages.
Chuck, I think I'm more excited about this car than any other I built mainly because there is nothing as cool looking as a Mini! this visit, I have to take TRS tow straps, coolant fan, Helix short shifter, alternator, powerflex bushes (control arm), roof Union Jack and rally checker side decals, S oil filter housing, hatch battery relocationkit, JCW rocker panel decals,1 15" wheel, some curry and some IPA beer if I have room!
I just read this thread and good luck to you !!! i think its awesome and would love to see pictures of Rally in action !!!
Just got caught up on this. I wish you the best in getting through the rally stages. Your doing something here that not many private people ever do or even think about doing with the MINI platform. Hats off to ya, and keep the ideas and innovations coming as always I am here to give any advise you might need along the way. Oh check the RMW site, Colin has brought a new upgrade to the market, that you might want to look in to... It just might save you some headaches and possibly a clutch or two.
Thanks Modfather for the motivation, you have been a big help so far and I'm sure you will be in future. The rear top mounts you send me (shipping only) helped me a lot. Once the Mini is running I see this year as a trial and error development. In rally you never know. OOOOOOOOO I'll take a look on RMW, thanks. I do have some ideas for the clutch slave cylinder bracket as another Rally MC with a S box broke the bracket off. I have a 150LBS pressure plate which might break the bracket. 2 more weeks to go before I'm back in Costa Rica.
The RMW site does not have everything they offer. You have to call Jan or PM Colin if you are on the RMW forum.
found these 2 for $80 and free shipping makes them 1/2 price BMW Mini Cooper s R53 00 08 Powerflex Front Wishbone Rear Bushes PFF5 101 | eBay