General Discussion Competiting with the new MINI on track or at a SCCA Solo event.

Rennfahrer's Barely street legal track toy build

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Old Mar 14, 2016 | 12:33 PM
  #201  
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Originally Posted by Rennfahrer555
I have been told that super pro bushings are harder than powerflex black/race bushings by a vendor who only sells super pro bushings lol.... Anyone know the right answer to this?
We sell both, the different is not the durometers per-say, its the resiliency that makes the superpro feel softer. " resiliency is intentional as it aids in the abatement of road noise, vibration and harshness in the cabin and permits some articulation in the material as well as increased durability. "

Thanks and hope that helps.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 08:06 AM
  #202  
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Tiny update ... unfortunately not much has been done at all. But I am still working hard at my job and parts are piling up in my apartment again which is always a cool feeling. I will take a pic of the full pile when the next couple of goodies arrive.

I simply have not had time to do any install work at all... been working like crazy and a little under the weather. Then this weekend is the GF's bday so I will be taking her on a mini vacation.

I was under the car this past weekend checking on the oil cooler and I noticed that the lower engine mount is totally blown out.... looks like an exploded mushroom. It could basically fail at any moment so this will need to be replaced and upgraded of course.

Anyways here is the list of uninstalled parts collecting dust at the moment:

1. Hsport lower control arms (I got these for xmas they should be on by now...embarrassing)

2. Headlight Armour GT yellow headlight tints (also going to do a full headlight restoration before these go on)

3. Powerflex RACE front sway bar bushings

4. Powerflex RACE rear trailing arm bushings

5. BSH Catch can

6. Brake stiffening bushings

7. M7 ultimate rear grille (stomp out any potential parachute effect)

8. M7 cannards

9. DEI reflective gold tape (the battle to fight under hood temps continues)

Lastly, I am looking into getting an Aim solo because it is time I start measuring myself against the clock. Up until now I have not really run a lap timer, only if I borrowed an instructors. I am not sure if I get the basic model for GPS lap times or upgrade to the Aim Solo DL to get throttle and brake position which would be really cool. The price difference is stout... but this is a piece of kit you can keep forever and transfer between different cars. This will be my big March purchase for sure :D. Your thoughts guys?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 08:46 AM
  #203  
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Thats a good list, get the new lower mount and press in the small and insert the large insert bushing.

We carry M7 stuff now, so let me know if you need anything. Part numbers are on the site, I have the M7 USS on my R52 , really like it one the track. tightens up the front. Did have the M7 stb ( well made ) also , then went to the ECS STPs.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 08:49 AM
  #204  
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Thats a good list, get the new lower mount and press in the small and insert the large insert bushing.

We carry M7 stuff now, so let me know if you need anything. Part numbers are on the site, I have the M7 USS on my R52 , really like it one the track. tightens up the front. Did have the M7 stb ( well made ) also , then went to the ECS STPs.
Please pardon my ignorance on some of these acronyms but USS STB STPs?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 08:56 AM
  #205  
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No problem, MINI Club slang here M7 USS ( Under Strut System ), STB Strut Tower Brace, STP, strut tower plates.

R53 2005 M7 Speed ( M7 Tuning )

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Search/SiteSearch/M7_Speed/
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 09:03 AM
  #206  
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My buddy has something on his phone that he uses to time his laps. I can find out what it is if you want. I can't remember the name off the top of my head. I do think it would be good to focus on your times now.

Sounds like it's time for some Powerflex engine mount bushings: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg4.htm#item22
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 09:10 AM
  #207  
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Originally Posted by PelicanParts.com
My buddy has something on his phone that he uses to time his laps. I can find out what it is if you want. I can't remember the name off the top of my head. I do think it would be good to focus on your times now.

Sounds like it's time for some Powerflex engine mount bushings: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg4.htm#item22
Harrys lap timer?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 09:29 AM
  #208  
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Originally Posted by Rennfahrer555
Harrys lap timer?
Yessss! That's the one, "Harry's Lap Timer Grand Prix." It's usually within .1 of the transponder. Great cost efficient timer that you could use for now until it really counts if/when you start running in TA/TT. My buddy who uses it runs in a NASCAR series and is very active in the racing community so if he says it's worth it, then I believe him. Same guy with the iRacing set up I told you about a little bit ago.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 12:26 PM
  #209  
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I have my Aim Solo DL in the box next to me at the desk. Recommended by the pro I am going to have coach me, and others. Phone based apps are great for lap times, but not accurate enough for analysis or coaching.

First outing will be at TWS next month with NASA.
 

Last edited by Alan; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:59 PM. Reason: I can't spell worth a damn!
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 12:28 PM
  #210  
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Originally Posted by Alan
I have my Aim Solo DL in the box next to me at the desk. Recommended by the pro I am going to have couch me, and others. Phone based apps are great for lap times, but not accurate enough for analysis or couching.

First outing will be at TWS next month with NASA.
Nice who will be 'couching' you lol ?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 12:58 PM
  #211  
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Originally Posted by Rennfahrer555
Nice who will be 'couching' you lol ?
Ha! I are an engineer!

Eric
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 01:02 PM
  #212  
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Originally Posted by Alan
Ha! I are an engineer!

Eric
YOU SIR... do not mess around ...

I plan on doing some coaching with NASA instructor Scott Adams
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 02:10 PM
  #213  
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Originally Posted by Rennfahrer555
YOU SIR... do not mess around ...

I plan on doing some coaching with NASA instructor Scott Adams
Scott is a great guy and a great coach. He is the lead instructor - all us NASA instructors report to him during the event. Just tell him you want to be faster than that damn green MINI.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 02:52 PM
  #214  
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Originally Posted by Alan
Scott is a great guy and a great coach. He is the lead instructor - all us NASA instructors report to him during the event. Just tell him you want to be faster than that damn green MINI.
You may see me in your mirrors one day ... and then see a whole lot of my bumper









.........years from now
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 07:18 PM
  #215  
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Originally Posted by Alan
I have my Aim Solo DL in the box next to me at the desk. Recommended by the pro I am going to have coach me, and others. Phone based apps are great for lap times, but not accurate enough for analysis or coaching.

First outing will be at TWS next month with NASA.
For Harry's you need the add-on GPS antenna and the accuracy should be good for analysis. Depending on the antenna you get, you will have either 5 or 10 hz sampling. It is worth considering.
 
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Old Mar 20, 2016 | 06:32 AM
  #216  
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Subscribed!!!!! :D
 
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Old Mar 20, 2016 | 02:40 PM
  #217  
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Originally Posted by Eddie07S
For Harry's you need the add-on GPS antenna and the accuracy should be good for analysis. Depending on the antenna you get, you will have either 5 or 10 hz sampling. It is worth considering.
I should also note that to get throttle position with Harry's you will need one of the OBDII readers that works with the Harry's app. The disappointing part is that you don't get anything to do with braking off the car's computer.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 11:11 AM
  #218  
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Originally Posted by Alan
Scott is a great guy and a great coach. He is the lead instructor - all us NASA instructors report to him during the event. Just tell him you want to be faster than that damn green MINI.
Come out to GSS for the April 9 trackday. Would be a blast to run with you !
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 01:44 PM
  #219  
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Originally Posted by Eddie07S
I should also note that to get throttle position with Harry's you will need one of the OBDII readers that works with the Harry's app. The disappointing part is that you don't get anything to do with braking off the car's computer.
AiM Solo DL says it collects BRAKE_SWITCH and BRAKE_PRESSURE. I was told only cars equipped with DSC have a brake pressure sensor.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 01:50 PM
  #220  
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Originally Posted by Rennfahrer555
Come out to GSS for the April 9 trackday. Would be a blast to run with you !
GrandSport is a 4 hour haul for me - too long for a track day.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 05:10 PM
  #221  
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Originally Posted by Alan
AiM Solo DL says it collects BRAKE_SWITCH and BRAKE_PRESSURE. I was told only cars equipped with DSC have a brake pressure sensor.
Thanks for the heads up. I thought it might be there and I have DSC/DTC, but the OBDII readers Harry's uses don't "see" those items. Not sure if I am missing something in the setup, but haven't looked real hard for it either. Maybe it would be worth it for me to contact them about that.

This is kind-of like oil temperature and pressure on the N18s. Some OBDII readers "read" them; others don't. The ScanGageII will do both but you need to get it programmed (or would it be re-programmed?) to get those.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 11:36 AM
  #222  
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Well I'll let you folks know bc I just ordered the Aim Solo DL

Now ill have data to confirm my lack of skill
 
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 08:12 AM
  #223  
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 08:14 AM
  #224  
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Looks good , sorry if i missed it what canards are those ?
 
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 08:43 AM
  #225  
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27 March 2016

This weekend I was finally able to get some work done on the car and it feels like it is really coming together now. But there is so much that needs to be done. I have my vision for the ultimate project and it WILL be realized, its just a matter of when and at how much cost. In the meantime I am having a lot of fun and learning a lot. I just wish I could spend more time on the track. For some reason, the build is equally important to me as track time ... something that I did not think would happen.

So this weekend, the Hotchkis rear control arms went in so will be needing an alignment soon but first ... camber plates. Next I installed the brass brake bushings from WayMotorWorks which did more for brake feel than stainless steel lines. The brass bushings will also insure even pad wear.

Next I decided to add a bit to the looks of the car with the hopes of marginal performance gains. Since my car usually runs with some very expensive cars, it could use some TLC in the exterior/looks department.

I saw M7 was having a sale last weekend - if you can call 7pc off a sale - so I picked up their carbon fiber cannards and their 'ultimate' rear grill.

Ever since I removed the stock exhaust I have been worrying about air stacking up in the rear of the car and causing a parachute effect at the rear. My fears went through the roof when I noticed that the stock rear grills are just solid pieces of plastic made to look like grills. The grills from M7 are good quality pieces - I should add they are not actually made by M7 but just carried by them. While heavy sturdy pieces, I don't mind having the added weight over the rear of the car. Install was stupid easy and they look great. I decided to cut some of the heat shield away to further improve airflow. Hopefully this helps high speed stability... or even give me some driver confidence through placebo effect (more likely).

Lastly, the M7 carbon fiber cannards look incredible and are stupid light. I doubt they will do much (other than intimidate others at the track or cut my leg now and then) because the angle of attack isn't very steep, but they look incredible! They are held on by sturdy 3M tape, but I opted for the optional mounting hardware since it will be a track element. I should add that even if you are only streeting with these cannards, you should still use hardware or some sort of fasteners because carbon fiber makes for very sharp and dangerous road debris not to add the sting of losing an expensive piece of bling off your car.

I am very excited because this weekend I found THE garage that will be helping me complete this build: Track Time Performance. These guys are solid dudes and have experience ranging from stock street cars to track cars all way up to GT3 racers. I can't wait to get a shake down of my car with their experienced eye. I plan on bringing the car there soon to get all of the front and rear bushings swapped out for powerflex race bushings.

But first! - I got a recall notice from BMW for something involving the power steering, so I will be bringing her to the dealer on April 6 for the work. I am not excited about having those dealer clowns work on my modified car... OR do I just remove the power steering because racecar?

Vorshlag camber plates will probably be ordered before the day is over. Stay tuned ....
 
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