sounds like a great build!!


I question how much some of those braces are doing, even on a strut car. alignment is key with our cars, make sure you get that right

 

On strut cars an upper strut brace is a great mod to do and its pretty much all you really can do.

Once I get the the camber plates on I plan on getting a proper 3d alignment still researching on if I need it done from the wheel or from the tire

 

Also ... ive got a friend who is pushing me really hard to do E85 conversion

what you guys think ?

 

For a track application it's great. I have a 91 and E85 tune for my car (non-MINI). I specifically use the E85 tune for when I have track days and 91 for daily as it gets better gas mileage. With the E85 out on the track, it keeps the car running much cooler, even on extremely hot track days. Plus, that map gives me a lot more power over my 91 tune.

 

Thats how I would handle it except where Im at we have 93 instead of 91.

He estimated it would cost me around $3000 installed maybe more

 

Not bad. I'm not familiar with the conversion on a MINI. What did he say all was required? All I needed was a fuel pump, injectors and a top feed conversion kit, an AP (access port), and a tune. I could've stuck with 850CC injectors, but since I did a built motor and big turbo at the time of the conversion I opted for 1000CC.

 

I havent looked in to it in much detail. The higher octane fuel appeals to me, also I work in the biofuels industry so i would like to burn more corn juice. I assume i would need larger injectors but wouldnt need to change the fuel lines.

The engine was built in Brazil and they burn 100% ethanol. Im wondering if that rubbed off on the mini :D

 

My R53 GTS2 race car has been running E85 for over a year now. You definitely need larger injectors. Still running stock fuel pump and lines - no issues yet, but we are watching things. The car is logged at least once every race weekend.

 

Do you have a link to a build thread or any more details about the car ? Id love to see it

 

Alan's Garage

Here's a link for a view from the inside:

 

Apparently you can't link to the other forum. So check the other forum's garages for Alan's garage.

 

wow really cool ride just noticed youre in new braunfelds we should meet up

Just noticed your middle grill there is gutted so you can see the crash bar any reason for that ?

 

Thanks for helping me find that

 

The plastic one broke years ago. Now there is wire mesh.

I'll be at MSR Houston January 22, 23, 24 racing GTS2 and instructing HPDE. Stop by and say Hello. I'll be in Garage 10 or there about.

 

Cool I will do. I thought you might have just removed it to get more air in there.

I have the aftermarket JCW style grill and in the lower grill the honeycomb mesh has some inserts that block airflow for some reason

 

Update folks ... I replaced the fuel filter this weekend what a fking mess filter was pure black... i just hit 106k miles. Looking at the filter I will be, and highly suggest, changing every 60k miles. The process was fairly easy and not really messy if you are super careful.

I also bled the brakes which I do after every track day. Flushed a whole bottle thru and still not really satisfied with my pedal feel. E46 M3 master cylinder upgrade?

When I was down there I noticed that I forgot to remove the dust shield from one of my front brakes so I took that off ... It really feels good to take a part off that both lowers your corner weight and helps cool the brakes !

If anyone knows of any unnecessary parts to take off please let me know I am always looking to make weight savings, even if marginal. Curious about the cruise control on the R53 and what would be involved in removing that Anyone know much about it?

The next track day is January 10... I was unable to go this month because weather, money and scheduling all worked against me.

Weather was nasty this weekend or I would have taken some new pics of the car for you. Looks to be improving so should have some soon.

The credit card needs a rest for a week with xmas shopping and all so the mods will have to be put on hold for just a little while.

The next two mods I have lined up are:

1. Vorshlag camber plates
2. Madness oil cooler

I am also drooling over the forge intercooler ....mmmm bolt on goodness (homer simpson)

I promise ill have some pics for you soon

 

Also... to catch can or not to catch can?

 

perhaps some stainless steel brake lines to firm up the pedal feel?


interesting on the fuel filter, i'll have to keep that in mind.

 

Yes, if you haven't done SS lines, I'd highly suggest them. Have some here if needed. I run an AOS for my set up just because I didn't want to have to keep checking and it was highly ranked in the market for my car. The M7 Speed "Exact Fit" Oil Catch Can here is a good catch can upgrade. There's always debate about them. There is a good thread on NAM about them here. DIY and some more information here.

 

pardon my ignorance AOS ?

 

No worries! Air Oil Separator. It has coolant that runs through it as well that makes it "heated" to catch more oil than a catch can. It also recirculates the oil back in so that you don't have to check it and dump it out. I'm not sure there are any on the market for MINI and if they benefit them, but for my car they're highly recommended.

 

I see...

what is your car?

 

The track car is an STi.

 

Definitely get ss brake lines, really firms up the brake feel. I like the ECS lines myself.

 

+1 Like them also , they are on sale right now , running them on the R52 and the R58 JCW w/ GP2 BBK. Nice looks and feel.




Very close to JCW brake red , say a hair darker.