glad to hear Tim but you forgot the cam though

don't we all wish we could drive like Ian

this post is worthless without video.....LOL

 

One of the cars I'm fortunate enough to race is an S2000 in the Touring 3 class. I've kinda used it as the measure of what the Mini needs to beat. I can tell you running a quick lap in the mini is a whole lot less work then running a quick lap in our T3 S2000. It's one of the absolute hardest cars to drive and we've got BIG BIG bucks in it to try to overcome the short comings of the stock things we can't change in the suspension per the rules. 1st lap out in it at a new track is always starting from scratch on getting the handling down. I like the S2000, I like the rush from driving it. I'd much rather be in our Mini!
And the Mini will run Circles around the S2000 now. One of the reasons why the S2000 owner is looking for a Mini to Build to go run the Targa Newfoundland in 2010!

 

sounds like fun

 

the cam, ah yes.....i was trying to impress everyone that it was mad driving skills. the cam is all good!

and since you asked....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPrfoF6yjXI

 

 

Ian
What tires and size are you running?

 

awesome job ian! but what track record? for nasa time trials?

 

Yes, Nasa Time trials....
Running a 205/50 15
15x8 front
15x7 rear

Limited in tire size due to points. Thinking of trying to run a 15x9 with the 205 after seeing someone do it this weekend. Got a stern warning from Hoosier that I shouldn't do it.

 

why stretch? is there a purpose?

 

It's not as good as a wider tire, but it does help get a little bit more contact patch on the ground. The 205 on the 8's is noticeably more tire on the ground then the 205 on the 7's. And I compared my 8 with a 9 and the same tire and it was about 1/4 more rubber down. So I think 9's are in the future.

 

does that change the tires sidewall flex, reliability, response, or characteristics in general?

 

Ian
Are you limited to tire size and a points penalty for running larger tires?

 

It's Fairly Complicated. We all know HP is king on a race track. In autox it's who can fit the widest tire. I know from testing the relative grip I'd give up from running a 205 to a 225 in a hoosier in fairly small. How the points system works is they class the car in a base class. The mini goes to TTE but receives a penalty of 14 points in TTE. Every 20 points you move up a class. They give you a base tire size in the class in which you receive no points for using that tire size but will recieve + points for going larger or - points for going smaller. The base tire for TTE is a 235. I wanted to run a 15 inch wheel. 2 benefits here, Less rolling weight, smaller diameter for shorter gearing. 3rd benefit is they are much cheaper. My options for Hoosier in a 15 inch wheel is 205 , 225 , and 275. The original plan was a 275/35 15. When I started looking at it, it was going to stick out so far it was going to be a massive wind block going down the road. The car already isn't very aerodynamicly gifted why add 4 barn doors sticking out that not only cause drag but also cause me to not be able to use those points towards making it go faster. I bought a set of 225's (which at the time 949 racing didn't make a 15x9) and used a set of 205's off my civic race car and compared the size difference. It was Marginal on a 8 inch wide wheel to say the least. On a 9 I think the 225 would be a big increase but we start to run into the barn door hanging out the side again.
Running a hoosier is worth 10 points
Running a 205 vs the 235 is worth Negative 7 points.
So basically I've managed to increase grip massively over a street tire without adding drag for only 3 points. Lap time difference between the 205 hoosier and 225 street tires at sebring is in the relm of 6 seconds. You'll never find 6 seconds for only 3 points anywhere else on the car.
The other biggest worth while addition is the Water/Alcohol at 6 points it's a good hit but man is it worth it. I just did some data logging scaring the locals cruising around on hoosiers. With the Alcohol blowing I was seeing Wide open throttle intake temps of just over 100 according to the computer. I had a bobble in the system which I think I got some dirt sucked through and it didn't work for one pull and intake temps shot to 135 instantly. I saw the timing get pulled. Power fell off massively. This kit is absolutely seemless on the track and it's well worth the 6 points.
Basically the run down on the car is...
6 points water injection
3 points hoosiers
1 point No cat
2 points cat back exhaust
2 points header
1 point intake/hood
6 points camshaft
4 points Supercharger Pulley
2 points for injectors
3 points for the LSD (yes they would make you take points for the factory diff since it wasn't factory STANDARD model)
2 points for springs
3 points for shocks
2 points for sway bar
1 point for rear control arms

+ the 14 points they give the mini
+ the 5 points they give all Forced Induction cars (which I think is BS on a supercharged car)
That = 57 (which means I missed one because last time I added up I was at 58).
That's the breakdown!
Camber plates, Clutch and flywheel, and a reflash are free mods.

If your picky and choosey you can make one MEAN TTD Mini! But in our Area the Good drivers are in C so I'm going after the harder prize!

 

Thanks Ian for the info! I've often wondered about the tires sticking way out when watching Minis or anything else racing, espeacially high speed tracks...

 

Thanks Ian
Looks like you did your homework on your setup. Continued good luck and thanks for the great explanation.

 

Have him contact me. I'll rent him one. It's cheaper than building. Ask me how I know .

 

edit

 

Ian, what Cylinder head/Clutch/flyweel/LSD/suspension and brakes are you running?

Just wondering what other goodies you have on your mini apart from the mentioned RMW parts

 

Check for a thread on OS Giken clutch, flywheel, lsd. I believe he has the complete setup.

 

don't bother telling him, he won't buy it anyways

haven't you figured this guy out yet?

 

Yes I have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A long time ago.

 

Someone posted video of me getting temp in the rear tires....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ICh-xmfqw

 

LOL... great shot

you came up on him like he was standing still

 

Nice job Ian!!
Can't imagine results once suspension get sorted out.
Great work RMW!
Always impressive guys.

 

Looks great. HaHa