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I am looking for LOTS of info for taking an old classic mini and turning it into a race machine. Any websites, anyone doing/done it? I've ordered a book by Bill Sollis to help me further, but it won't be here for a while. I want to build one into a daily driver that has the performance like the ones here. http://www.mini7.co.uk/
Mincomp Racing
Contact: Bill Gilcrease
1041 West 18th St. Bld 101, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 USA
Tel: 949 650 3058 Fax: 949 650 0816
Huffaker Motorsports
Contact: Joe Huffaker or Jim Dunford
28013 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476 USA
Tel: 707 935 0533 Fax: 707 935 0776
and others. Prepped motors are available to your spec. You can also buy a motor in kit form from Mini Sport in the UK (minisport.com). A mildly tuned A-series is a hoot to drive on the road. :smile:
I would speak to a few experts about the type of engine that you want. A super tuned Mini engine is not necessarily the best ride on the street and can be quite miserable to drive in traffic. My first Mini was a former racecar that I converted to street use – put the lights back on, etc. The engine was a 1480 with a straight-through exhaust, big cam, dual Webbers, etc. Believe me, that was not suitable for the street! I ended up replacing the engine with a saner MG1100 engine and had a much better time driving it!
Most people make the mistake of putting in a cam and carburetor that is waaaay too big and then installing a super light flywheel and race clutch – a horrible combination for the street. But the desire for power is worth some sacrifices. Despite knowing better, I just rebuilt my engine a few months back and went a little over the top with some of my choices. Now I have a car that is marginally annoying to drive due to crappy idle and noise. A good tuner such as Mincomp, Heritage Garage, or Seven can get you a very capable state of tune without sacrificing much streetability.
>>I am looking for LOTS of info for taking an old classic mini and turning it into a race machine. Any websites, anyone doing/done it? I've ordered a book by Bill Sollis to help me further, but it won't be here for a while. I want to build one into a daily driver that has the performance like the ones here. http://www.mini7.co.uk/
Jay,
Aloha and welcome to NAM.
There are many classic mini magazines with info on minituners and sample upgraded minis.
MiniWorld and Mini Magazine are good UK publications.
Check your PM-I sent you a message.
You might also talk to Randy at Webbmotorsports.
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#43 Street Modified (SM) Class SCCA Hawaii Region
2005-2009 Solo Run Off and Points Champion (Hawaii)(2nd 2006 Points)
2005-2008 Overall PAX: 8th 2006, 7th 2007, Tied 10th 2008.
2010-2011 Modified FWD RallyCross (Points Champion) http://www.sccahawaii.org/pics2008/s.../img_38944.jpg
