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/

Thanks for the help.
JayParke

 

This has been done for over 45 years....welcome aboard... :smile:

You need to speak with the California Mini tuners...

Seven Enterprises/Fortech Racing http://www.7ent.com/index.cfm

Mini Mania minimania.com

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.

 

You'll also find lots of info over on the MiniMania.com forum.