Drivetrain Update on what's coming from MINI-Motorsport
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From: Denver
I have had a lot of inquiries on what MINI Cooper Motorsport has been up to.
We have been doing quite a bit of development work. Here is an update on what's going on.
Brakes:
We currently have a set of the EBC "race" rotors and EBC red pads on a car undergoing evaluation.
A set of Power Slot rotors are on the way for installation and evaluation as well. The brake system on the evaluation car has already been replaced with Motul, so after the rotor install and a pad upgrade, the "Stage 1" kit will be evaluated on-track.
Capitol, the manufacturer for most companies' backing plates on the pad, is still in the process of getting them to the pad manufacturers, so there has been some delay in getting a pad for the MINI. We're researching options with Hawk, Pagid, and a carbon-kevlar compound. We'll be checking out several different options for the street, track, and autocross.
Big brake kits are under evaluation for testing - under consideration: Brembo, Tar-ox, Wilwood, AP Racing, and Stoptech.
Suspension:
LEDA, the manufacturer for several F1 teams, WRC teams, Porsche Motorsport, etc. etc., will now be available for the MINI.
The evaluation process will start as soon as the units arrive. They are custom spec'ed for valving and spring rates for each individual car, and can be had in three states of tune (and price).
Stage 1
Oil struts, custom valved, with spec'ed spring rates and fully adjustable ride height - comparable to the KW V1 and H&R coilovers but with more tunabilty with the customer's use in mind. These are being sent for evaluation (thanks for that offer dpayne!).
Stage 2
Gas/oil struts, custom valved, with 24 position strut body adjustability for both bump and rebound, with spec'ed Hyperco springs and fully adjustable ride height. These are on their way here for a full evaluation.
Stage 3
Race only gas/oil struts, with remote reservoir, custom valved, with 24 independent (48 total per shock) settings for bump and rebound, with spec'ed Hyperco springs and fully adjustable ride height. These are a special order item only, and will be developed on an as needed basis.
The H&R system was installed and evaluated, and did not pass the quality test for MINI Cooper Motorsport, so at this time will not be offered. H&R is aware of the issues with the system, and is working diligently on a solution. A further eval will be made at that time. I will be posting the coilover how-to on these soon, however.
Still waiting for a set of KW V2 in the States to evaluate. It sounds like SMG was rather happy with them, so they may have potential.
Spax are currently under consideration for evaluation. More research is being conducted on this system.
Also being developed are front camber plates and rear adjustable control arms, front and rear swaybar systems, and a revised Madness rear swaybar.
Bushings for the entire suspension are now available as well.
Engine:
I am very excited about the potential performance kit that we are currently developing. I know it has already been mentioned, but the kit looks like it will be an intake, exhaust, and an ECU upgrade that works in conjunction with a 15% reduction pulley. The kit will be well north of the 200 hp mark. Testing is already under way, with track time scheduled and a dyno day set up for next week.
Other developments include a header with race cat, throttle bodies, cam, intake options, ECU mods for cars without the pulley, and larger intercoolers. Custom ducting is on the way as well for further intake air.
Gearbox:
Due to the development on so many other fronts, only info gathering has taken place in this area.
We have still been gathering data on the Quaife issue with fitment problems and possible solutions.
The flywheel and clutch package is ready for testing, but the time to do the install doesn't look available for the next few weeks. We have been in discussions with the limited number of people who have done this modification, however. Information is being gathered.
Website and Company related stuff:
The shopping cart function is coming soon.
All of the new items mentioned above will be incorporated into the website once they are available and tested.
A paper catalog is in development.
New designs for stickers and T-shirts are underway as well.
MINI Cooper Motorsport has potential sponsorship deals with some national level SCCA Solo II MINIs, a Lap of America entrant (maybe two), and the four car Team MINI here in Denver running the eight event autocross series.
Full support to all of the Denver area motorsports events will also be available through MINI Cooper Motorsport.
OK, I think that covers a lot of the upcoming stuff. I realize I tipped my hand to some of the other vendors out there, but I'm confident that our testing program and customer support, as well as the products we bring to market will build a loyal customer base (right guys?). I feel I owe continued support to all of you here on MCO, considering the amout of business you all have generated.
Thanks again everyone!
Let me know if you have any other questions. Keep the input coming to the e-mail and PMs, I read all of it.
Randy
720-841-1002
randy@mini-motorsport.com
_________________
CLICK THE SIG PIC!
More is not enough
We have been doing quite a bit of development work. Here is an update on what's going on.
Brakes:
We currently have a set of the EBC "race" rotors and EBC red pads on a car undergoing evaluation.
A set of Power Slot rotors are on the way for installation and evaluation as well. The brake system on the evaluation car has already been replaced with Motul, so after the rotor install and a pad upgrade, the "Stage 1" kit will be evaluated on-track.
Capitol, the manufacturer for most companies' backing plates on the pad, is still in the process of getting them to the pad manufacturers, so there has been some delay in getting a pad for the MINI. We're researching options with Hawk, Pagid, and a carbon-kevlar compound. We'll be checking out several different options for the street, track, and autocross.
Big brake kits are under evaluation for testing - under consideration: Brembo, Tar-ox, Wilwood, AP Racing, and Stoptech.
Suspension:
LEDA, the manufacturer for several F1 teams, WRC teams, Porsche Motorsport, etc. etc., will now be available for the MINI.
The evaluation process will start as soon as the units arrive. They are custom spec'ed for valving and spring rates for each individual car, and can be had in three states of tune (and price).
Stage 1
Oil struts, custom valved, with spec'ed spring rates and fully adjustable ride height - comparable to the KW V1 and H&R coilovers but with more tunabilty with the customer's use in mind. These are being sent for evaluation (thanks for that offer dpayne!).
Stage 2
Gas/oil struts, custom valved, with 24 position strut body adjustability for both bump and rebound, with spec'ed Hyperco springs and fully adjustable ride height. These are on their way here for a full evaluation.
Stage 3
Race only gas/oil struts, with remote reservoir, custom valved, with 24 independent (48 total per shock) settings for bump and rebound, with spec'ed Hyperco springs and fully adjustable ride height. These are a special order item only, and will be developed on an as needed basis.
The H&R system was installed and evaluated, and did not pass the quality test for MINI Cooper Motorsport, so at this time will not be offered. H&R is aware of the issues with the system, and is working diligently on a solution. A further eval will be made at that time. I will be posting the coilover how-to on these soon, however.
Still waiting for a set of KW V2 in the States to evaluate. It sounds like SMG was rather happy with them, so they may have potential.
Spax are currently under consideration for evaluation. More research is being conducted on this system.
Also being developed are front camber plates and rear adjustable control arms, front and rear swaybar systems, and a revised Madness rear swaybar.
Bushings for the entire suspension are now available as well.
Engine:
I am very excited about the potential performance kit that we are currently developing. I know it has already been mentioned, but the kit looks like it will be an intake, exhaust, and an ECU upgrade that works in conjunction with a 15% reduction pulley. The kit will be well north of the 200 hp mark. Testing is already under way, with track time scheduled and a dyno day set up for next week.
Other developments include a header with race cat, throttle bodies, cam, intake options, ECU mods for cars without the pulley, and larger intercoolers. Custom ducting is on the way as well for further intake air.
Gearbox:
Due to the development on so many other fronts, only info gathering has taken place in this area.
We have still been gathering data on the Quaife issue with fitment problems and possible solutions.
The flywheel and clutch package is ready for testing, but the time to do the install doesn't look available for the next few weeks. We have been in discussions with the limited number of people who have done this modification, however. Information is being gathered.
Website and Company related stuff:
The shopping cart function is coming soon.
All of the new items mentioned above will be incorporated into the website once they are available and tested.
A paper catalog is in development.
New designs for stickers and T-shirts are underway as well.
MINI Cooper Motorsport has potential sponsorship deals with some national level SCCA Solo II MINIs, a Lap of America entrant (maybe two), and the four car Team MINI here in Denver running the eight event autocross series.
Full support to all of the Denver area motorsports events will also be available through MINI Cooper Motorsport.
OK, I think that covers a lot of the upcoming stuff. I realize I tipped my hand to some of the other vendors out there, but I'm confident that our testing program and customer support, as well as the products we bring to market will build a loyal customer base (right guys?). I feel I owe continued support to all of you here on MCO, considering the amout of business you all have generated.
Thanks again everyone!
Let me know if you have any other questions. Keep the input coming to the e-mail and PMs, I read all of it.
Randy
720-841-1002
randy@mini-motorsport.com
_________________
CLICK THE SIG PIC!
More is not enough
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Very cool Randy! I can already guess a few comon questions people will have on that performance kit:
-How will it effect warranty? and reliability?
-How will it effect MPG?
-Any issues w/ transmission if well it produces well north of 200 hp?
Thanks
-How will it effect warranty? and reliability?
-How will it effect MPG?
-Any issues w/ transmission if well it produces well north of 200 hp?
Thanks
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From: Denver
Good questions Messore.
It will void the engine and gearbox warranty for sure I would think - but you could always still give it a shot. The things that seem to be a problem with the S - the water pump seal, the coolant tank leak, etc. shouldn't be affected. If you blow the head off the car though, you would have a very difficult time getting BMW to believe it had nothing to do with the kit. That's why I'm doing the extensive testing before it is marketed. I want to make sure there are no surprises.
The drivability is actually better - that low end lack of power is gone. There are no rough idles, no check engine lights, no emissions issues, no clutch slip - so far, no adverse side effects whatsoever. I still have no quams about jumping in the car and running down to Blockbuster, but it is equally at home on the track.
MPG will probably go down; I am still doing the calculations over a range of conditions. It will take a while to see everyday driving numbers, considering all of the testing going on. Even a stock S gets around 8 mpg
on the track, so the numbers are a little skewed right now. I am guessing (and that is all it is, so take it for what it's worth) that the MPG will go down 2-4 from whatever you are getting right now. The new software does lean the mixture, but because you are always going to be harder on the gas with the new power, it will probably still go down. I'll keep you informed on that.
The gearbox should be no problem at 220 hp. I've talked with both Ford and BMW engineers on that.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hope that helps!
Randy
randy@mini-motorsport.com
It will void the engine and gearbox warranty for sure I would think - but you could always still give it a shot. The things that seem to be a problem with the S - the water pump seal, the coolant tank leak, etc. shouldn't be affected. If you blow the head off the car though, you would have a very difficult time getting BMW to believe it had nothing to do with the kit. That's why I'm doing the extensive testing before it is marketed. I want to make sure there are no surprises.
The drivability is actually better - that low end lack of power is gone. There are no rough idles, no check engine lights, no emissions issues, no clutch slip - so far, no adverse side effects whatsoever. I still have no quams about jumping in the car and running down to Blockbuster, but it is equally at home on the track.
MPG will probably go down; I am still doing the calculations over a range of conditions. It will take a while to see everyday driving numbers, considering all of the testing going on. Even a stock S gets around 8 mpg
on the track, so the numbers are a little skewed right now. I am guessing (and that is all it is, so take it for what it's worth) that the MPG will go down 2-4 from whatever you are getting right now. The new software does lean the mixture, but because you are always going to be harder on the gas with the new power, it will probably still go down. I'll keep you informed on that.The gearbox should be no problem at 220 hp. I've talked with both Ford and BMW engineers on that.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hope that helps!
Randy
randy@mini-motorsport.com
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 139
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From: SoCal
Randy, will you be putting up a copy of all of the "how-to's" you've posted here on this website on your company website too?
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: socal
Sounds great Randy! Just a few questions...
For the Stage2 Leda setup, it's hard to tell from the description....is it a high-pressure hydraulic twintube or a monotube? The Stage3 sounds like a monotube also, but want to make sure?
For the powerplant, do you have any plans to look into headwork and efficiency of the supercharger? The stock setup gaining only about 50hp from the base at nearly 12psi of boost suggest that the head and blower are major restrictions in flow. Making those more efficient should net good power gains.
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JSRacing
www.listentomyexhaust.com
For the Stage2 Leda setup, it's hard to tell from the description....is it a high-pressure hydraulic twintube or a monotube? The Stage3 sounds like a monotube also, but want to make sure?
For the powerplant, do you have any plans to look into headwork and efficiency of the supercharger? The stock setup gaining only about 50hp from the base at nearly 12psi of boost suggest that the head and blower are major restrictions in flow. Making those more efficient should net good power gains.
_________________
JSRacing
www.listentomyexhaust.com
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 71
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From: LA CA.
Hey Randy , Have you done any eval's on the Hothkis suspension components? I talked to one of the guys at the factory and they seemed to be coming out with some neat stuff in the near future. Do you know who makes the MINI"s original struts? I'm wondering if it is worth going to the cheaper coil-overs or staying with the factory shocks? Thanks for all your help and info.
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From: Denver
Priscilla,
I have the internet retail part of the business, and I have a shop here in Denver. When you read all of those how-tos, those are performed here at MINI-Motorsport. We also do quite a bit of product research at a "secret" facility, at Second Creek Raceway, dyno testing coordinated with facilities here and around the country, and driving out and about on the Rocky Mountain streets. The facility here in Denver includes the full shop details - except the lift which will be here soon. The shop includes fabrication capabilty with a welder, compressor and full air tool assortment, parts washer, pulley removal services, glass beader, etc. etc. We also have secret access to some BMW engineers and factory information. It is a three bay facility, and is currently at my residence/office.
bhcvc,
The stage 2 is a gas/oil twintube type. The stage 3 is a pressurized oil with remote gas reservoir that keeps the strut oil from foaming. The LEDAs use a proprietary synthetic oil that contains 150% more oil than other set-ups and prevents foaming at extreme operating temperatures (from moving the piston rapidly, such as during track conditions).
Headwork and intake are already in development. They are pretty rough and restrictive. The package that we are doing doesn't address these areas, and I still believe it will be more than the Hartge package, for example. I promise to post the numbers as soon as we have them.
rrmixn
Welcome to MCO!
I have already spoken with Hotchkis Racing (H-Sport). MINI-Motorsport will be getting one of the first production runs of the new components. Full evaluation and track use will follow. They are expecting to have the products available to me mid-February.
The original struts are Delphi. I have been happy with the results of the springs with the rear swaybar. I will be interested to see how much of an advantage the coilovers have. There are several advantages to having coilovers. Here are three:
1. Corner balancing
2. Correct strut height for the new ride height - so no part of the suspension goes unused
3. Adjustability - in some systems that is just ride height, in others it is ride height and strut valving
Let me know if you guys have any other questions.
Hope that helps!
Randy
I have the internet retail part of the business, and I have a shop here in Denver. When you read all of those how-tos, those are performed here at MINI-Motorsport. We also do quite a bit of product research at a "secret" facility, at Second Creek Raceway, dyno testing coordinated with facilities here and around the country, and driving out and about on the Rocky Mountain streets. The facility here in Denver includes the full shop details - except the lift which will be here soon. The shop includes fabrication capabilty with a welder, compressor and full air tool assortment, parts washer, pulley removal services, glass beader, etc. etc. We also have secret access to some BMW engineers and factory information. It is a three bay facility, and is currently at my residence/office.
bhcvc,
The stage 2 is a gas/oil twintube type. The stage 3 is a pressurized oil with remote gas reservoir that keeps the strut oil from foaming. The LEDAs use a proprietary synthetic oil that contains 150% more oil than other set-ups and prevents foaming at extreme operating temperatures (from moving the piston rapidly, such as during track conditions).
Headwork and intake are already in development. They are pretty rough and restrictive. The package that we are doing doesn't address these areas, and I still believe it will be more than the Hartge package, for example. I promise to post the numbers as soon as we have them.
rrmixn
Welcome to MCO!
I have already spoken with Hotchkis Racing (H-Sport). MINI-Motorsport will be getting one of the first production runs of the new components. Full evaluation and track use will follow. They are expecting to have the products available to me mid-February.
The original struts are Delphi. I have been happy with the results of the springs with the rear swaybar. I will be interested to see how much of an advantage the coilovers have. There are several advantages to having coilovers. Here are three:
1. Corner balancing
2. Correct strut height for the new ride height - so no part of the suspension goes unused
3. Adjustability - in some systems that is just ride height, in others it is ride height and strut valving
Let me know if you guys have any other questions.
Hope that helps!
Randy
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