KugaWestie Posted July 27, 2018 Posted July 27, 2018 As some of you will know, life after the Westfield for me is in the guise of a dedicated cheap track car, which is a 2002 Mini Cooper S. I bought it a few weeks ago. It has already been modified with a reducer pulley on the blower, an uprated air intake system and an alleged tweak on the Ecu. The guy I bought it from reckoned it is running 210bhp. I don't think it it is quite that high, but no doubt will find out at some point. I took it to the speed series celebration at Shelsey and discovered a seized rear brake caliper, so I replaced the rear calipers, discs and pads with new. I took it to Blyton and totally shagged the front brakes. It is an R53 model, and the front brakes are a known problem for track use. I thought I would test this known problem to see if it is true, and can confirm it is . I went from a progressively softening pedal to melted caliper seals and no pedal at all. The recommended upgrade is the facelifted R56 discs and calipers, which I now have in stock ready to fit. Blyton was a real test of the car for me. If I didn't enjoy it on track, it was destined for sale. If I liked it, it would be a keeper and a little project. You all know I like a project, so it's a keeper. 3 Quote
Kingster Posted July 27, 2018 Posted July 27, 2018 2 minutes ago, KugaWestie said: so it's a keeper. Was never in doubt mate 1 Quote
KugaWestie Posted July 27, 2018 Author Posted July 27, 2018 So as I am keeping it and it is a dedicated track car, it's time to take some weight out of it. I started with the radio, 1.45kg 1 1 Quote
KugaWestie Posted July 27, 2018 Author Posted July 27, 2018 Tonight I did a well documented exhaust mod. The Mini has two boxes at the rear, one is a resonator box and the other is a silencer. The "One Ball Mod" is basically the removal of the resonator box, a bit of pipe rerouting and welding. The result is a slightly deeper exhaust note and more pops and bangs. But most importantly, a weight saving of 8.8kg. 10.25kg saved so far 2 Quote
B.RAD Posted July 27, 2018 Posted July 27, 2018 I hope the interior is next!! Watching with interest. Weirdly, I can't wait for my next go.... Quote
B.RAD Posted July 27, 2018 Posted July 27, 2018 On another note, just seen my signature. Did I write that, or has some tricky nefarious being been at my account??? 2 Quote
KugaWestie Posted July 27, 2018 Author Posted July 27, 2018 Just now, BCF said: I hope the interior is next!! Watching with interest. Weirdly, I can't wait for my next go.... Front brakes next Then it's the interior I need my go in the ****ter first before you get another go 1 Quote
6carjon Posted July 28, 2018 Posted July 28, 2018 Hope you enjoy it. I loved my Citroen zx 16v track car. I got it down to 1050kg with half cage. It was almost totally stripped out. However it kept the heater and hrw. These are great for damp mornings and road legal usability. When you strip the interior there is lots more condensation from bare steel so these are invaluable. I removed the headliner which obviously lost weight but did mean lots of condensation which collects in voids and then drenched you when you first apply the brake. You have been warned Lighter weight means less wear on brakes and suspension so you should be able to save money and enjoy less brake fade now? I didn't use expensive brakes just normal stuff but I fitted front spoiler hoses to duct air to the brakes Lots of wheels are useful too. Are you going to try slicks ? I loved them ! 4 Quote
B.RAD Posted July 28, 2018 Posted July 28, 2018 8 hours ago, KugaWestie said: Front brakes next Then it's the interior I need my go in the ****ter first before you get another go You're welcome in my ****ter anytime mate. When's the next trackday? Fancy Bedford? Quote
Kingster Posted July 28, 2018 Posted July 28, 2018 9 hours ago, BCF said: On another note, just seen my signature. Did I write that, or has some tricky nefarious being been at my account??? Haha wasn’t me so I reckon you did it yourself whilst unde the influence 1 Quote
darve Posted July 28, 2018 Posted July 28, 2018 1 hour ago, BCF said: You're welcome in my ****ter anytime mate. Quote
KugaWestie Posted July 28, 2018 Author Posted July 28, 2018 10 hours ago, BCF said: You're welcome in my ****ter anytime mate. When's the next trackday? Fancy Bedford? Ooh err Next one for me is the Llandow job organised by @Tom (T3OMF) - Cotswolds AO in September. If the car survives that I may look at doing something in October 2 Quote
KugaWestie Posted July 29, 2018 Author Posted July 29, 2018 I had a spare hour at lunchtime today and the rain had stopped. So rather than start the brakes upgrade and get soaked doing it, I decided to take some more weight out. I removed rear seats, boot carpet, boot edge trim, parcel shelf, rear speakers, rear seat belts and brackets, seat brackets, rear pillar trims. That lot totted up to 33kg. Running total is now 43.25kg 4 Quote
KugaWestie Posted July 29, 2018 Author Posted July 29, 2018 The rain stopped, so I stripped the front brakes off (I done them in at Blyton) I think the technical term for them is Fubarred 1 Quote
KugaWestie Posted July 29, 2018 Author Posted July 29, 2018 New larger disc, uprated caliper carrier and new brake line fitted to passenger side. I am waiting for pads to arrive so can't do much more. On the drivers side I need to change the inner CV joint and boot, that's next 1 Quote
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