Most liked posts in thread: SuperTurbo Mini Project

Yes, I'm still working on it. Designing & building the new garage has been pretty time-consuming. Fortunately that process is just about done!

I really wanted to create a workspace that would enable me to work on all aspects of the car (and other projects) including electronics, metal fabrication, welding, carbon fiber, etc. I had to achieve this with a limited budget & physical constraints. I think my solution will work out well...

Here are my original design renderings:






And here is how it turned out (I'm still experimenting with the interior layout):








The Mini Split A/C unit should be installed next week & the drywall after that. Then I can start using it in earnest.

And I finally brought over the car last week. Here he is waiting to go into his new home:



In the mean time I've been taking the time to practice Tig welding and to plan out some changes for the engine & electronics. Once I get the car actually *in* to the garage I'll post an updated plan.

I posted a build thread on the whole project here:

[ame=http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144464]New Post-Modern Garage/Workshop - The Garage Journal Board[/ame]

:crazy:

 

Another video

FYI,

Here is a video from the session last weekend:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzdcLKfNNuE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzdcLKfNNuE[/ame]

I'm taking it pretty easy, but it gives you a bit better idea of what it sounds like.

And yes, that's a TRUCK I pass...but trust me he was no ordinary little truck (or driver). Everyone was commenting on how fast he was....he even had a duel with a full-fledged racecar that was there practicing...

 

Very good questions. Here's some initial thoughts:

Generally I like to use 225-width tires on 7.5" wide rims. That width gives me plenty of grip without sacrificing tight cornering. I'm currently running 225/45 R16's.

For R-comp tires, I'm currently running Toyo Proxies R888. I've only run them so far during my fairly brief test & tune time, but so far they seem to have excellent grip even when it's a bit damp.

I've also run BF Goodrich g-Force R1's. They had *unbelievable* grip, but they only had 225/50 R16's, which was a bit tall for the Mini. They also lasted a long time. I actually never ran out of tread on them, but with so many heat cycles the rubber started to change. I knew it was time to replace them when I spun out twice in one run!

For brakes, I'm running Detroit Tune's BBK. They use Outlaw calipers. They work great - no fade, warping, etc. I think the Wilwood's are equally good. But actually for most people I think the best choice are the JCW brakes+disks & after-market pads.

I do have molded brake ducts similar to the old JCW Challenge cars. But with a good brake setup, I don't think these are critical.

I haven't tried many different pads yet. From what I have tried, I prefer the Ferodo pads. I don't like the Hawks.

Braided brake lines are a *must*. A lot of the fade occurs when the rubber hoses start to soften & expand.

Keep the back pads soft. It's very easy to get the back wheels locking up before the front's. This causes the ABS to kick in too early. Switching back to a softer rear pads fixed this & made the car feel much more settled under heavy breaking.

Hope this helps.

 

Story of my life....

 

Thank you all for your kind words. It has been an interesting path.

The funny thing is that before the Mini I had never modified any of my cars (although I had worked on them...usually out of necessity).

Next up: Aerodynamics!

 

I have not had a chance yet to get it weighed. I'm aiming for 2300lb, but I'm probably still a bit over that. I'm planning on replacing most of the windows with plexiglass & going with a CF hood & trunk.