Hi all...

Running a JCW Challenge car here in the UK, recently taken it onboard from another race team who despite a few successes, were not taking maintenance seriously with the car, despite the money being forthcoming from the owner/drivers. We took the car on before a 6 hour endurance race, but the apparently refreshed parts were not refreshed. Bad times.

So to cut a long story short, our Quaife ATB is shot and is destined to become a table centre piece, the input shaft on the box it wrecked, the clutch is missing its splines now, and the turbo looks like its been tampered with.

So, I pass the bad news onto my new customer.

We know we need a donor box - sorted.

We have arranged for a new diff - sorted.

We can have the turbo refreshed, its only compressor damage.

So, I have a few restless nights, knowing my drivers are in for a big bill with the turbo, box and diff alone. But I'd not be doing my job if I didnt recommend an engine refresh at least "while its out".

They agreed. Its costs more to turn up to race and not race, than to get it right. They are wealthy customers, doing this for fun. 3 laps into a 6 hours race when the diff lets go isnt fun, for anyone.

So.

I know the gearboxes arent the best, so massive power isn't a good idea. (We also have a 320bhp miata, so we know how things can break!)

We have a clean slate - our current engine made 215 fly bhp with the turbo in the state it is in.

Where do we go from here.

Refresh - so new chain, guides, rings, bearings, turbo rebuild only and go out with what we have currently?

Or add in some knife edging, balancing, and go for reliable?

Or do something else, aiming for what, 250? 270bhp?

Budget, lets say $6000... I know its not much, but ultimately, we want reliabilty, I'd rather bring the weight of the car down.
Not including diff/box/turbo work.

 

DSC_0464 by TrackToysRacing, on Flickr

 

DSC_0465 by TrackToysRacing, on Flickr

 

DSC_0479 by TrackToysRacing, on Flickr

 

No responses.. sad :( How did this turn out?

 

Well seeing as I didn't really get any help, I parked the car up, and have since been deciding what to do next.

So far - the engine made good power (215bhp fly) with the busted up turbo.

So I have so far:

Bought a very low milage gearbox
Bought a new Quaife ATB diff
Either getting a Spec but more than likely a Clutch Master FX400 incl Aluminium Flywheel
About to order an Owen Developments Hybrid turbo

...and then a map from 1320/Manic

And see where that gets me.

 

If you are bothering to spend the money I would go with the OS Giken clutch setup.

 

That should be a good start and get you some decent power. What is the exhaust like on the Challenge cars? That's typically where people are seeing big gains.

What class are you guys running in? I'm not familiar with the UK race series stuff so is it strictly power/weight classing? Seems like upgraded turbos would quickly bump you into fairly prepared categories.

Why?

 

for endurance races, its not all about speed, I think some basic work is all you need. not sure what the requirements are, but I think an uprated front mount, new turbo lines from helix. down pipe and basic tune should be the best. you already have brakes and the diff.


id also get something to keep the turbo cool. I think theres a challenge scoop OEM mini that diverts the hood scoop air to the turbo. or just use the JCW tuning stuff, and the JCW turbo

 

The OS Giken isn't a re-engineered stock pressure plate like the clutchmaster/spec/etc. Its machined aluminum pressure plate and assembly will flex less at high rpms than the stamped steel assemblies. Also, you can normally purchase individual parts of the assembly from OS Giken which can lower costs if you are going to be consistently servicing it. Not to mention its the lightest total clutch/flywheel kit.

 

Update

Been a busy off season - many race cars to fettle and build.

But, the Mini - after a lot of hassle we finally get to put it back together.

We went with the original TTV flywheel, and a Spec Stage 3+ (According to the website, thats the sprung plate) so that went well. Wasn't sprung, sent it back to the states.

OS Giken it is. - STR with the ultralight flywheel.

DSC_1866 by TrackToysRacing, on Flickr

Hybrid Turbo from Owen Developments.

Replacing all the hoses etc.

New gearbox, yes, new.

New quaife ATB - not the ideal choice, but was sort of a warranty item

There are some more pics here...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/108993...7646326935027/

Engine will be in soon, then off for a Manic map @ 1320 mini.

Oh, and hopefully a race on the 18th april!

 

Hmm, I am sure I just posted a reply to this.

Anyway.

Went for a spec, sent it back, Bought a Giken STR with the ultrlight flywheel.

Engine goes in at some point in the next couple of weeks.

 

Hows that STR clutch doing?
Looking at clutch masters 400 myself

 

Ya any updates?