Well, finally the first race is under my belt, though it could have gone better.

Attended the BMWCR race up in New Hampshire at NHMS this past weekend and it was a blast even though it was disappointing.
The track was very green and everyone was struggling to keep their cars from sliding every which way.

The road to this race was quite rough. I had some very poor A/F ratios that were not from the tune. Finally found that I had miss wired the T-Map sensor and the ECU was confused on the inputs and was leaning me way out. Unfortunately I let this get away from me and it seems that I damaged the head gasket when in St Louis.
Arrived at the track with no knowledge that I had a bad head gasket. The A/F was now OK so I felt that the high coolant temps would be remedied. Well, they were a bit, but not for long. I was still running hot, but it was spikes. Long story short, we believe that we have an understanding now of just what might be going on. Motor will be taken down this week.

So, race day. First, I don’t think I have ever driven so poorly. Seriously embarrassing. I was never able to get into any rhythm what so ever. There were two reasons why I believe. One is that I had no clue how fast I was and how fast the competition was. This was my first time out with these guys and I knew very little about what my times could be in this type of situation. I was up against some very fast IP, DM, and SM cars, so I was ready to get run down. Second reason, and the main one for driving like poo was that things were still not right with the car. Still running hot, and now I had intermittent shut downs that I was clueless about why they were happening. I was never able to focus on any rhythm or smoothness. Never went into a corner the same way twice.

Well, first practice and I was second fastest of the day. Then out for qualifying and still issues, but even worse. I managed though to take pole. Well, I do know that my car is faster then it has ever been. Field was quite small, but a good way to get the bugs out I think.

I must thank a sponsor that has really stepped up to the plate here and that’s Emil of Vitesse Pro. Emil has spent many hours getting my tune right on the factory ECU, and that’s no easy task being that he is on the west coast and I’m on the east. But with the modern day of the internet we can get data to him with ease. Emil and I have been working together on this for a few months now and I can now say with commitment that he knows how to make a Mini fast.
I must also thank Nick Czerula from Bentley Publishing. His input has been invaluable. Thanks to Bentley for coming on board as a sponsor. Fact is that this entire build was done with my Bentley manual by my side. I’m on my second one as my first has been beaten to death.

Thanks to sponsors;
Richey Racing Group, Tuner Motorsports, CravenSpeed, and M7.

So, things are more then promising. This Mini is dang fast, even when driven like crap, which I did this last weekend. Lessons learned the hard way are unfortunately the best way.

Thanks to all the visitors at the track. My crew has heard how people always stop by to see this car, but were really taken back to see it first hand. The car seems to always be somewhat swarmed with the curious, and those that have followed the build on line and now have the chance to see it in real life. I appreciate all the nice comments as this has really been a long labor of love (sometimes hate).

I am sorry though to the Mini owners that I was not able to get out of the grid at the start of the race. On the way out the car finally gave up. It shut down on the way out and never was able to start again. I hope I have not done too much damage to the motor, but we will see this week.

Here is an in car vid from the first session. You will see how HORRABLE my driving was. Uggg. You will also see the coolant splash up on the windshield (designed that way) when temps went too high. What we believe now is that the pistons were just pumping air into water jacket.

VIDEO

 

There's not a whole lot I can add to this thread above what Greg already wrote. His MINI was definitely getting attention in the paddocks. A few people commented that "that's not a MINI anymore".

There were more than a few cars that wound up having issues over the weekend. The second place qualifier(?) also had to retire from the race part way through. And the next day, at least two other cars suffered from overheating / head gasket issues. It was around 90° both days...

I also have to thank Greg for getting my Cooper rebuilt in his "spare time" since last fall... my car was faster than ever out on the track also.

 

Greg

Good to hear you are on track. I know this has been a long process for you and those that have assisted. Congratulations.

With regard to the A/F, a flash can be "overridden" buy sub maps within the ECU. I think you may want to keep a close eye on this and discuss this with Emil.

Congratulations again, I would love to see the car run, maybe at LRP sometime in the future.

Mark

 

Nice job, Greg! No doubt you and the car will develop rapidly!

 

nice work, greg. to be that quick w/ a blown head gasket and a less than stellar driving performance. with a healthy motor and a little more seat time, you will have a potent machine. it looks as if those long hours will pay off for you. good job.

 

Man, I totally spaced that you there this weekend. I was in NH too, at Silver Lake, just got back a little while ago.

Let me know what you need after you tear down the engine.

Sorry to hear about the bugs, but sounds like you got a handle on it.

 

Call me when you can. I do need a new crank pulley puller. Mine stripped out last I used it. Woule like to get it asap?

 

 

Nice job with the car. Sorry to hear about all your problems. It's been a long trip to have this happen to your car.

 

Hey Larry, thanks.
So far so good, ... I think. Spent a couple of hours on removing motor and stuff last night. Head is not off yet, busted a tool and hope to pick one up today. #1 is real wet. Oil looks good so far. Just trying to look on the positive side.
So far all signs point to "my bad"

 

Pole, first time out with a new car!!!! You'll get it sorted out.

 

Hope the motor is Ok. #1 being wet isn't a good sign. With your A/F problem that cylinder usually goes first. I hope it's just a bad gskt. Good Luck!!!!!!!

 

Too bad about your coolant temp issues Onasled. Thanks for posting your video. Now what's the status of your motor?

Jeremy

 

Yeah.. what's the status?

Too busy playing with the e30 LeMon?

 

Pole, first time out.....with or without problems, the competition is probably hoping you won't manage to get that car fixed.....

Well done!

 

Update on motor.

 

Car looks good, Greg. If you want to bring it out west and have someone who knows the tracks out here drive it, just let me know!!

Cheers,
Jerry

 

Greg, are you talking bout the factory crank pulley removal tool? KD makes one that I think is a little better and probably just as cheap. Like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/CHRYSLER-HARMONI...2em118Q2el1247

 

Just heard about this on Saturday from Paul...I was cracking up at the name!
Should be very interesting.