I bought a brand new H-Sport front sway bar from the classifieds here on NAM for $80. I just got up from the shop after a 3 hour install. Not hard, as it was more awkward then difficult. Disconnecting everything to get to the bar was a snap. Removing the bar, bolts and actually getting it out, was a chore.

Don't be afraid of this install if you have the tools, place and good wrenching knowledge. I do need to thank Randy Webb for publishing a "How To" on his website. Without this I would not have attempted the job.

Look forward to tracking it soon and will report my impressions when I do.

 

Do you run adjustable endlinks to match your cornerbalancing you did

last week (?).

 

Yep. I'm using the Altas. They could use some re-thinking by Alta, but they are OK.

 

I printed-out that How-To well over a year ago with the hope of doing it also, but I'm going to wait and do the front control arms at the same time; given that it's not exactly an easy job...

So... when are you hitting the track next? Look forward to hearing your impressions, and what combo of settings works the best for ya. Randy has some nice drop-links, but just for the rear currently. He said that he will have some for the front though...

 

Tony, what front arms you gettin? M7?

 

Those are the only ones that I'm aware of. He did a ver 2 several months back that made them stronger, but still very light. They are not up on his website though. I'll ask him...

 

As the front sub frame needs to be droped to change the bar you may want to get the alignment checked unless you know it went back in exactly the same place. The sub frame is sloted and allows for some side to side movement which can effect camber. If you were centered before and went all the way to one extreme it MIGHT make a .3 deg difference.

 

I've had my front subframe out several times (blush!) but never noticed any slots; in fact the two highest bolt points near the front are sort of pin located on bushings.

 

Alignment is already scheduled for Wednesday.
My fifth trip this spring! I have a very good relationship with these guys I'm always right there doing it along with them. If I want .05 more negative camber, they do it. They treat me real well as they love the car. They're kinda my pit crew, but they never show up at the track ....

 

Follow up;

Alignment was not effected by this installation, but it was needed from me lowering the car a bit more, mostly in the rear though.
I’m extremely happy with the new front bar. I have it set to the softer setting and now have the rear set to the firmest setting. Tracked the car and it was basically glue like. Car is extremely well balanced and throttle steers unbelievably

 

Love the vid - AGAIN!!! I was trying to find the Cobra one for the Caterham guys to see

 

like being there. are you keeping track of lap times?

 

yeah, onasled's video rocks. I love it.

 

Unbelievable! Had i not seen it I would have not believed it. WOW

I have yet to track my car but after seeing this video I am really up for it

 

"Unbelievable! Had i not seen it I would have not believed it. WOW "


no offense to onasled, who is a seasoned and skilled track junkie, but it would be difficult to pass 911's driven more competently.

I've scooted around Lime Rock in my rig and it is a major blast. That is a perfect track for the Mini with the entry to the straight a good test of the LSD.

 

onasled, time to fess-up. You've stated in the Cobra forum, and somwhere here that you are a track novice, or relatively new to paid driving time. jlm, and I'm sure others, see a 'seasoned/skilled track junkie,' so let's hear the truth buddy . Is your MCS the first car you tracked? I know it wasn't your FJ40!

I started this OT discussion, and I apologize, again. It's your dang fault for keeping vids in your sig .

You might be interested in this frame brace, and with your track time, might be an ideal evaluater to see if it really works:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=45277



Glad the front sway is treating you well! If you keep a current list of mods, do share...

 

I really admire Onasleds driving on this Lime Rock circuit, he has really good lines, and looks like he has his own lines lol, that always makes him catch up to the cars ahead. Keep the vids coming Sled. Although, I would not be surprised if you lose it on a corner soon, because you are really testing the cars limits. Really good stuff.

 

Hey all, thanks for the nice comments. Been taking out the old steam heat system in my home today and at the same time try and catch up on the 24 hr of LM on Speed. They just had to to stick some freaking NASCAR in there today ….

Anyway, I appreciate hearing you comments. Tony, I am a novice, and I am addicted .
JLM is right as some of these drivers are not doing near 10/10ths and doing this in an advanced group will be a bit tougher. I will say though that My Mini is just a fantastic track car and I don’t know that there is much out there that can handle better, even full out race cars. I do think my Mini can eat up most 911s out there with equal drivers.

Camelpilot, http://members.tripod.com/ghmyc_1m/deepbrake.wmv
Was going for deeper and deeper braking. Not really bad at all, but...

Here is an interesting video. I was coming up on a very well driven green 911. Basically a club racer with many mods in the suspension, R compounds, lightened and basically completely race ready 1972 911.
The funny thing is that just as I passed him, my camera came loose and was just spinning all over the place. It actually gave me some interesting shots and may give you who watch it a little more feel for the speed. Just note that when we were out of traffic, my Mini made me proud …
http://members.tripod.com/ghmyc_1m/lrppca9.wmv

 

Trust me when onasled says this is his first year,he's not given you the BS. We have very similar cars and his is about 2 seconds per lap quicker. I'll tell you it's all in his suspenion setup. The coilovers transformed his car to a great cornering machine. His car sticks like glue and has no body roll and yet he doesn't have a full rollbar which will help even more. I know he's mulling over a big valve head and cam but I believe he may wait. He's getting ready to club race and get a full cage. He's a GREAT guy and a real MINI lover. I really like meeting up with him at the track. We're kind of the know as the Black Magic twins. Trust me his car runs. A really great guy to know and run with. Greg I'll see you at the track. Have fun and stay safe. Remember Big Ben got ya once. I just wish I could be at Watkins when you're there. That's My track. Thanks for the vids. PM me on you schedule. I'll try to catch up with you again.

 

... thanks for the kind words Larry. You should try and make the NHIS two day event hosted by the White Mountain Chapter BMWCCA.
http://www.wmc-bmwcca.org/event/230

 

ONALSED,


I love the videos, keep em coming ....

 

This video is great. I love the way the Camera auto twists on the G-forces. I'm glad you have rollcage in your car Sled, dont wanna see you get hurt. You are by far one of the better MINI track drivers out there, even if you're a "Novice"... yeah right, you're far from it, or the car drives on Autopilot, which is it?

I've saved every one of your movies, they are GREAT!!!!!!!

I would like to see you smoke EVO's though.... can you smoke EVOs?? Or are you saving those for the Directors cut?

 

I timed one of your video laps at about 1'15"

 

I've never timed 'myself', but someone did at the SCDA unmuffled day. You might see in the video that I have a small timing clock attached to my wheel. This was lent to me by Morefun. I never touched it and basically forgot it was there. I really don't even look at the speedo as my focus is so much on the track alone.

I would say JLM that you pretty correct with that time being the traffic I was in.
I appreciate all of the nice comments, but, I do need to be careful with all of this as I still have gobs more to learn. I'm hoping to make the BMWCCA Racing School in Sept down in VIR. My goal now is to be racing next season in the 'Prepared Class'. So far I don't see any problems with my mods for this class, but I believe that my wanting a prepped head is out, though the cam should be OK.

Any input from experienced racers in this class would be very much appreciated.

Here are the rules if you care to look. http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com/_for...5_Physical.pdf

 

Onasled, quick question. How did you mount your camera to the interior? Can you post a pic with details of your setup? Thanks.