Richspecs Rebuild - Trackday Weapon!

[Richspec]

It was asked for so here goes... :lol:

First a bit of history.
My Red Hot had evolved from a 998 through a selection of 1380's and a turbo conversion to an XE in an AMT road frame, it was one of the first on the road but not one of the first frames, and i went to loads of shows, trackdays etc and always had LOADS of interest, always directing people towards Andy (AMT).
I even met a certain MattG who can blame me for his obsession!!!
Does that mean this sites my fault too :?: :lol:
The various stages of evolution are covered on my website:
wwwDOTmini-performanceDOTcom
which really needs updating!

It finally ending up looking like this:
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Galleries/Clubstands/Dalemain_2004_12.JPG

It had changed quite a bit since the feature in Minimag, but the shell was getting increasingly tired and i wanted it to be more track and less road use.
To this end i was looking for another shell as to do what i wanted to the existing shell was asking a bit much, and was gonna cost a small fortune. :cry:

At about that time Stu, a user of the forum (the first one?) had decided to sell his ongoing project and I'd been following the work he'd done and decided to buy it all 8)

So a deal was done and i went waaaaaaaaayyyy down south to collect:

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Rightline.JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Rightline%20(1).JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/unwrapped%20(6).JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/unwrapped%20(7).JPG

This is the original add text and what i brought home :D

Brief
This Mini has been extensively modified to accommodate a Vauxhall 16v "Red Top" engine and transmission. We have used an AMT Raceframe as the basis (no point reinventing the wheel)
Nothing has been sacrificed in this project, probably the main reason why it has cost me so much and I ran out of money!!
Bodyshell
The bodyshell is believed to be from the c1998 and is completely rust free, it has been extensively modified with the full installation of a "Works" rollcage designed using aerospace technology using fully seamless tubing. The rear end of the car has been tubbed to allow the fitment of 2.25" fully adjustable coilover shocks.
Further strengthening has been incorporated into what was the rear seat squab, subframe mountings and of course the drivers seat mount.
Incorporated is a custom mount for a "Reverse mount" pedal box with split braking cylinders with the ability to adjust brake bias.
A built for purpose Gearstick and handbrake mount has been made to accommodate the alloy hydraulic handbrake and the Quaife gear stick.
The boot floor has been modified to accommodate a Curley Composites flat carbon/kevlar floor which holds the 8 gallon polycell fuel tank.
Specials
Included in the sale are various special parts these include;
Custom made seats using a Corbeau shell and trimmed in dark grey.
Quaife gearstick as seen in all top race and rally cars.
Formula 1 radiator, originated in the sidepod of an Arrows F1.
Big brake system using 4pot Billet calipers and 280mm XDrilled and Grooved disks and Poly Pads for Very fast road/competition (this set up cost in excess of £800 to have made.
Custom beam axle and modified radius arms.
Vauxhall XE Engine and Box and 2 sets of injectors (original ECU if required)
Included
8 Gallon "Jaz" Poly Foam Filled Fuel Tank
Wilwood Reverse mount 2 pedal assembly inc 3x remote reservoir cylinders
Custom Fabricated accelerator pedal
Custom Brake setup using 4pot Billet calipers and 280mm discs
Brand new, still wrapped Sparco suede steering wheel
Avo ProRace shocks for each corner including springs
Removable steering wheel hub and custom steering column
Alloy hydraulic hand brake assy.
AMT Raceframe (Cost £1200)
4x original Superlite 7x 13" including BRAND NEW Yokohama A008 Tyres
4x original Superlite 7x 13" (no tyres) - Put your slicks on these!!!
BRAND NEW - Swivel Hub Disc Type and mounts
Minisport Superfin Drums
Allegro 1750 CV Joints
Steering Rack
Quaife GM Gear Stick assm
Footwork Arrows Aluminium Radiator
Curley Rev 3 Kevlar/GRP Head Support Seats
Carbon/Kevlar Boot Floor
Custom Rear Beam / Rad arms / Shox / Brakes
Seatbelts 6point Aircraft buckle LUKE harnesses (cost £120 each)
Pair of lightened steel doors

[DarrenW]

Great stuff, cant wait to read the updates :D

[Richspec]

So the new shell was squeezed into the garage and i started to make a list of what i needed to buy etc!
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/'workshop!'%20(9).JPG

At this time i was still running the 'doner car' :lol: as a more or less daily drive.
I quickly realised i'd need a trailer to take the 'racer' to trackdays and the like so after a lot of searching a decent project trailer was bought, with a bit of work it was soon fully legal.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Trailer1.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Trailerdone_1.jpg

It needed a bit of welding and I moved the front axle forward as it was way too nose heavy :!:

Next the mot etc expired on the road car so set to stripping it down and selling what i could.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/RH_Strip1.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/RH_Stripped.JPG

I sold the cage easily, its since been in another magazine feature and the road frame was sold to a friend from the NE.
The rest was stored away. someday I'll find it all :lol:

Then work started on the new rolling shell fitting the bits i stripped off.
My throttle bodies on the upside down independant manifold fouled the frame, or at least the linkage did.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Throttle_Clearance.JPG

With no bulhead like before finding somewhere for the wipers motor and washer was needed next.
The washer went under the wing with a feed through into the engine bay for the tube, in a perfectly sized hole already there!
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Washer_Bottle.JPG

Pump on the inside on a wee bracket.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Washer_Pump.JPG

And the wiper motor and modified tubes on the underside of the scuttle again on more fabricated brackets, all these stupid fiddly brackets are what takes the time :x
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Wiper_Mount.JPG

[Andy_S]

:D Loving the retro build diary and am looking forward to the next installment.

[Marcus Nordblom]

Lovely! It´s going to be at serious track machine when done 8)

Btw, is that a young MattG in the flamed hat eating chips :wink:

keep it up!
//marcus

[mininut]

Is it any faster than before?? does that mean you'll keep up with me on the motorway now?? :P :wink:

M.

[evolotion]

Lovely! It´s going to be at serious track machine when done 8)

Btw, is that a young MattG in the flamed hat eating chips :wink:

keep it up!
//marcus
and is that tony wells car to the left in a previous life?? :wink:

[Richspec]

Is it any faster than before?? does that mean you'll keep up with me on the motorway now?? :P :wink:

M.

HA HA!! that was a laugh...
but no! I'd have to take too many brave pills....and i really really need my driving licence nowadays :lol:

Next installment will be friday when i'm home.


Rich

[garyshoose]

Interesting angle on the front coilovers. How does that handle? Only asking cause I'd like to bring the offset of the wheels in a bit, and it's not possible with the standard AMT set up bolted to the inner wing.

[Richspec]

Interesting angle on the front coilovers. How does that handle? Only asking cause I'd like to bring the offset of the wheels in a bit, and it's not possible with the standard AMT set up bolted to the inner wing.

no idea, as its not driven with this setup yet.


This frame and suspension setup is quite a bit different from the road frame and 'normal' coilover setups.

The rear coilovers are inclined and mount where the cage meets.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Rear_coilovermount.JPG

And the front top arms are different to the road frame with the coilover lower bracket as part of the arm.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Race_Toparm.JPG

I had four different bootlids to try, 3 fibreglass and the original metal one, i tried all the 'glass ones and the fit was crap, so i went with the steel one for fit and security, but decided to lighten it a little, i could have done more but got sick of it!
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Boot_Lightening.JPG

The doors came already cut out, all i had to do was trim and tidy up, and alter the opening lever position and rods.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Door_as_bought.JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Trimmed_Door.JPG

I started to mock up what would go where, mounting my old fuel pump and running the rear loom through to see how it was going to fit.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Fuel_Pump.JPG

The braided hose i had was run and p clip postions sorted.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Fuel_Lines.JPG

Under the bonnet i had a look at the full width deep bulkhead box and the 'tray' that the ecu was going into, I had to cut the box 'floor' into two sections to make inspection of the pedal box or ecu easier.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Pedal_Box.JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Air_box_1.JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Dash_Tray.JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Dash_Tray_Top.JPG

The Dta ECU was mounted in the tray and holes cut for the various bits of loom to go through.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/ECU_Mount.JPG

The coilpack was fastened to the bulkhead box floor, I'll need to get some long leads.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Coil_Pack.JPG

[DarrenW]

The coilpack was fastened to the bulkhead box floor, I'll need to get some long leads.

Sure you are already aware, but anyway, if you plan to buy some, then I would recommend Magnecor. I used them for mine and they were very good.

http://www.magnecor.co.uk/

Surely there must be some more pictures, its almost been two full weeks since the last lot!!! :shock: :P :lol:

[Marcus Nordblom]

Be sure there is some space between the coilpack and ecu 8)

//marcus

[Richspec]

The coilpack was fastened to the bulkhead box floor, I'll need to get some long leads.

Sure you are already aware, but anyway, if you plan to buy some, then I would recommend Magnecor. I used them for mine and they were very good.

http://www.magnecor.co.uk/

Surely there must be some more pictures, its almost been two full weeks since the last lot!!! :shock: :P :lol:


Yep, i've got the magnecor form here to fill in with all the lengths etc.

Yes there are more pics which i post maybe this weekend, and I've even had the chance to work on the car :!: , making progress with the wiring.

Marcus, why the question about the ecu and coilpack?

[BassAddict]

Could be wrong - but I'm guessing you might get some interference probs with the ECU close to the coilpack - could give some odd effects.
Looking like a nice rebuild though - its gonna be a nice track car when its done - think I met you at Elvington years ago when it was in its previous life - was there with a few mates doing a track day in shared 205gti :)
Rich

[Marcus Nordblom]

Marcus, why the question about the ecu and coilpack?

Rich is correct, with my dis system it is recommended to separate the coilpack/ecu with atleast 6 inches for the purpose of reducing electrical noise in the ecu…

Have a peak here: http://electromotive-inc.com/pdf_files/xdi_manual.pdf

tells you everything about selecting sparkplugs, leads, gaps, sensor alignment etc, etc

//marcus

[Richspec]

i'd better measure how far away it is and have a read of that thread too!

[hillbillyracer]

You dont get any better do you Rich, another total rebuild! Then again have a look at my recent posts, I just cant be helped either! :lol:
Looking like you're going to end up with an altogether more focused machine this time.
I'll call in & see you sometime when I'm down that way, this thing needs a veiwing! (& I need some advice :lol: )

[Richspec]

Hi Kev, you're more than welcome to pop in for a coffee and a natter anytime you are in the vicinity.

On with the updates..

One of the things that was included in the buy was the big disc kit, so i took it apart to see how it was made, at some point I'd like to have another set made up. I already had a set of wilwood calipers ready to use.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Big_Brakes1.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Big_Brakes2.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Big_Brakes3.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Big_Brakes3.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Big_Brakes5.JPG

One of the next jobs was to have a look at the wiring loom and strip out all the extra's i'd added over the years, and then lay it out in place on / in the car to see how i was going to make it fit.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Electric_Layout.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Electric_Layout2.JPG

I codged up a bracket to hold the upper section of the old steering column in place and mounted the switchgear to see how it was gonna look / work.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Electric_Layout3.JPG

I split the loom where possible , running wires where i wanted them to go, and chopping sections out where the front and rear looms met as the rear section was too long now in its new layout.
Feeding the loom through the bulkhead(s) and generally working my way through it.
I made a copy of the original wiring schematic and tipex'd out wires as they were removed, and made copious notes on the changes i made.

Someday I'd like to find them again :lol:
When i came to put it all back (recently - a year later!) it was...
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Smilies/sign65.gif

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Wiring_1.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Wiring_2.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Wiring_3.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Wiring_4.JPG

I decided to fit aftermarket fuse boxes.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Fusebox.JPG

I finally got it all chopped and where it would be in the end.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Wiring_7.jpg
And it all worked!!!!!!!!
1. Lighting relay/Dim Dip resistor, hazard and indicator flashers.
2. Main loom from starter solenoid and to front lights
3. Warning light wires, indicators, oil pressure etc
4. Hazard/Lighting/Fog switches
5. Brake light connections, will need altering
6. Yellow wire to fuel pump.
Also you can see the starter button loom (big red bit and black convoluted tubing) as well as the ecu and coil loom (black tubing at bottom).

Rich

[Richspec]

Once the wiring was working I then started working on fitting the Curley Dash, as anyone who has had one will know they take loads of fitting.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Dash%20(4).JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Dash%20(1).JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Dash%20(3).JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Dash%20(5).JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Dashback.JPG

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Wiring_6.jpg

[Marcus Nordblom]

looks great Mate, good guide with the relay/fuse stuff!

//marcus

[Richspec]

thanks Marcus, the only probablem is it hasn't worked when i put it together this time. :(
What i will do when i start on it again is disconnect everything apart from the engine and get it running,
Then worry about getting all the lights etc to work later.

[Tom]

Man this thing is going to be a beast when it's finished. It'll be interesting to see how the race frame compares to the road. I don't think I've seen a finished race version.

[Richspec]

I don't think I've seen a finished race version.

Me neither :!:

One of the next things on my list was to modify the exhaust.
The original Astra manifold pointed downhill as it passed under the engine, enough so that on this build it was in the firing line for getting smacked too often, with my low ride height.

The back end of the system was chopped,cut and shut to end up pointing nicely down the tunnel.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/ModdedExhaust_1.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/ModdedExhaust_2.jpg

The playmini rear silencer was chopped and converted into a centre exit, I needed it to exit close to the floor as possible, so made up an adjustable bracket on the rear beam and a bodge up bracket on the boot floor which will be redone at some point.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Exhaust%20Hanger.jpg

[Richspec]

One of the next jobs was to sort out the floor, it was painted in a mixture of original paint, primer and surface rust. The car was emptied and tipped up on its side so i get to work on the underside and arches.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Floor1.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Floor2.jpg

The floor was taken back to bare metal and treated, primed, etc etc.
It still looks rough but the many bits of welding have distorted the floor and there's nowt i can do about it!

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Floor3.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2502.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2530.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2531.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Painted%20Floor.jpg

Rich

[DarrenW]

You have sprayed painted the floor :shock:

Any reason why you removed everything? How come the carbon boot floor has what looks like plywood on the bottom? (never seen the underside of a carbon floor before) :oops:

Coming together tho :D Are you hoping to take it racing this year(2009)?

[Richspec]

You have sprayed painted the floor :shock:

Any reason why you removed everything? How come the carbon boot floor has what looks like plywood on the bottom? (never seen the underside of a carbon floor before) :oops:

Coming together tho :D Are you hoping to take it racing this year(2009)?

Everything was removed so i could physically roll it over onto the mattress by myself. It was still f*%&*$g heavy!!
The carbon floor is carbon/kevlar so maybe its different to others?
And yes it will be out and about next year, there's quite a few local shows i want to take it to and once setup properly i want to get back into trackdays..

[Richspec]

Next job - Gearchange hole.
The existing hole was in the wrong place so I re-fitted the frame and a gearbox to work out where it ideally needed to be.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Trial%20Fit.jpg

Then I cut a section out and made a box to weld back in with the correctly located hole. Dropped off the subframe and welded it in.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/BulkheadBox.jpg

The bulkhead was painted and the subframe refitted, this meant i could refit the engine and box, which needed to be done as I'm so tight for working space.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2649.jpg

Subframe painted.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2651.jpg

Fitted.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2662.jpg

Built up.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/SubframeBuildup.jpg

Engine in.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Engine%20refit.jpg

[mininut]

Good stuff, making some progress eventually :D

M.

[Richspec]

Next i got an ABS two pice clubby front to fit, it was good quality but didn't fit anything like the existing metal one, i had to keep cutting and cutting to get it to fit, in the end i gave up as it was loosing all rigidity :(
couple of pics to show where i got to:
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2865.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2871.jpg

I also slotted the front and pulled it out like the steel front but it just wasn't going to fit :(

The original front was refitted after altering the mounting brackets and it looked like this:

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2902.jpg

[Richspec]

Good stuff, making some progress eventually :D

M.

This retrospective diary makes me look like a quick worker :lol:

[Richspec]

Next I realised I'd cocked up :oops:
The old bonnet was distorted and even with the new ABS one which was a lot better quality the bonnet sagged at the back edge of the engine bay as the original lip had been removed.
So i had to cut one off a scrap mini (pickup!) and weld it on as best as I could.
During:
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Scuttle1.jpg

After:
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Scuttle2.jpg

[XEValver]

this is impressive 8)

although... your door mirrors are the wrong way round :lol: :lol: :P

[Richspec]

Anything insde had to be removed and i started the massive job of cleaning up the interior, rubbing it down and priming it ready for my interior coats of paint. ( I had agreed to do the inside to cut down on the cost of the respray)
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Boot_Cleanup.JPG
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2669.JPG

Every inch of rollcage tubing needed rubbing down, welding splatter under the primer removed etc etc. Major ballache :x

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2671.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2672.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2859.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2860.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2861.jpg

[Richspec]

this is impressive 8)

although... your door mirrors are the wrong way round :lol: :lol: :P

Thats so I can check my hair as I'm working on the engine :lol: :lol:

[Richspec]

Ok, the inside was rubbed down and primered as good as i could get it, I'm fully aware its a track car but it needs to look ok on casual inspection.
So onto the red paint...

Pedal Box area, a real pain to good coverage around.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2673.jpg

Ist coats inside.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Paint1.jpg

More paint.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Paint2.jpg

It takes loads of coats from different directions to get in all the holes/behind the bars.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Paint3.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Paint4.jpg

My lighting is a single halogen inside and extraction of overspray/fumes is a hoover.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Paint5.jpg

The front end got some extra holes for cooling, the slam panel was perforated and the wings were cut up and an edge formed, plus a layer or two of primer filler and colour on the front where it was very short of paint from the first time.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Paint6.jpg

Minor fettling (but time consuming) included fitting of the arches and the old rear boot as none of the fibreglass ones fitted very well.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF2851.jpg

The rolling shell was then trailered up the road for some paint and bodywork.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSC00079.jpg

There it underwent a lot of panelwork, much more than anticipated, there was a lot of rippling in various panels, and the primer was reacting to various contaminants in the paint. I suppose I should have taken the outside back to bare metal and then sent it, but you live and learn :lol:
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSC00136.jpg

The engine, frame and all suspension components were shrink wrapped at home to eliminate overspray issues.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSC00137.jpg

And i left it there for a month or so...no hurry!

[matt]

Nice looking mini. Im liking the lightening holes.
What do you mean by the fibre glass boot lids not fitting properly? Where they flimsey or was the shape bad. Just being noisey because i was going to get one :?.

[Richspec]

I had three and they were all a bad shape, not matching the curve of the boot. I did find that after the respray when re-assembling with a seal that the metal one wasn't too good either :oops:
I had to physically bend it more to seal properly.
In my mind the metal one was more secure, at the time I was thinking 'road car', now I'm thinking 'track car' :lol:

[Richspec]

Well it was eventually ready and I went to pick it up...

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Image004.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Image005.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/Image006.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/19052008.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/19052008(001).jpg

Back Home..
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/19052008(002).jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/19052008(003).jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/19052008(004).jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/19052008(005).jpg

In the garage.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/19052008(006).jpg

[evolotion]

undecided on your choice of color (yes, im one to talk) but think it would look awesome on a hot sunny day all polished up! Just a case of sticking all the nice bits back on now?

[Richspec]

Yep, I'll do that on the next update, I'm getting square eyed being on here most of today!

The roof is amazing in sunlight, but this will need respraying.
(You'll see why :oops: )

Rich

[caveman]

hi rich just wanted to say top mini this is one of the first 16v mini,s i ever saw witch inspired me to build mine i still have the mag it was featured in,in april 2004 front cover glad to see you your keeping it redhot, keep up the brill work adam

[Richspec]

Cheers Adam :D

[MINI_BOY_IAN]

looks amazing but your gonna be pissed when you drop a screwdriver or the loose change from your pocket rolls in under the rear cage webbing :lol:

[mininut]

That's very shiny indeed, you turning into a show boy now?? :shock: :lol:

M.

[Richspec]

That's very shiny indeed, you turning into a show boy now?? :shock: :lol:

M.

Its one of those ten feet specials unfortunatly..

Needs various parts re-done and full polish to get s**t out of paint :(

But i will be showing it a lot locally.:)

[jiminwatford]

hi rich just wanted to say top mini this is one of the first 16v mini,s i ever saw witch inspired me to build mine i still have the mag it was featured in,in april 2004 front cover glad to see you your keeping it redhot, keep up the brill work adam

Agreed ^^

Rich, i had a conversation about your car whilst stood on the driveway of the seller of mine (2001). i asked why he didn't consider fitting injection and yours was the only car we could think of which had it - he seemed to think you had/were having trouble setting it up and it wasn't worth the bother.

Glad its still rolling :) Big-Up the Rich!

[Richspec]

The only trouble i had with getting mine set up was nowhere near really knew much about dta, but thats not the case anymore :)
I can get it done either at Minisport or at a new dyno place in Kirkbride.

I think it probably went 'off balance' a bit but gave good driveability / economy. I'm going to use exactly the same setup to start with now.

[Richspec]

Now I could start the good bit, refitting all the parts.

Seat and harness.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3278.jpg

Fuel Cell.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3279.jpg

Electrics starting to go in.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3280.jpg

Boot lid electrics / fastenings.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3281.jpg

Front lights etc
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3323.jpg

I then had the chance to show it at Mini Mania, so as a result, with help from my brother we chucked it together in the space of a week.
The perspex windows went in. (Mobile phone pics)
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/05062008(001).jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/05062008.jpg

Arches went back on.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/05072008(002).jpg

The dash was fastened in.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/05072008(003).jpg

And this is what it pretty much looked like.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/05072008.jpg

[Richspec]

Then i noticed this.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3368.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3371.jpg

As well as that, there was some other marks coming up through the paint from underneath. :verymad:

So it never went to Mini Mania.

Next job on the (getting smaller) list was to sort out the fuel piping and brake pipes. The first of several orders went into speedflow and rally design.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3380.jpg
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3383.jpg
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3385.jpg
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3387.jpg

Then i could start plumbing stuff in.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3450.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3451.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3452.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3453.jpg

[Richspec]

I changed from braided hoses to this blue rubber stuff, I found that the fittings i had bought didn't fit the braided and the fittings i had on the tank were too large for the blue pipe. I had some conversion fitting from -8 down to -6 but it looked....crap..untidy.....so more fiitings were ordered to keep all the fuel line the same size throughout.
http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3601.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3602.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3603.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3604.jpg

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3605.jpg

And thats where it stands at the moment. I've redone most of the wiring, but not everything works this time. :? I've added a dash display for indicators, main beam, oil pressure etc.
The fuel system just needs the new regulator (and more speedflow fittings) mounted up and connected.
The brakes are 90% done, I just need to replace the feed line to the handbrake as it was not from speedflow and its a tiny,tiny,tiny bit different and my speedflow fittings won't.....fit :x

Overall i've spent over a grand on the fuel and brake piping / fittings. :oops:

At the moment its sitting out under cover but looks like this.

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Red%20Hot/Trackbuild/DSCF3749.jpg

Rich

[pritch]

very nice mini hats off that looks stunning but a grand on hose fittings :shock: u must be mad
although that said petrol is not the sort of thing you want leaking into the car after your cheap brake pipes failed causing you to crash, so i guess its money well spent
top work 8)

[caveman]

gutted for you about the paint work, i had a simalar thing a few years back on my r5 gtt when it came back 1 week after spray.they said the only thing they could think of was a delayed chemical reaction so it whent back to bare metal soul destroying :cry:

[Owen]

Looks awsome!

I like what you've done with the front valance. Was that cosmetic or does the frame require it?

[Richspec]

very nice mini hats off that looks stunning but a grand on hose fittings :shock: u must be mad
although that said petrol is not the sort of thing you want leaking into the car after your cheap brake pipes failed causing you to crash, so i guess its money well spent
top work 8)

It was a catalogue of errors!! I did my original order, which involved some guesswork :wink: then a re-order because some bits didn't quite fit how i wanted then a re-order because i changed something else, then a re-order....when you look at one fitting at maybe twenty quid and you need two or three..it soon adds up! But it looks alright and any fittings left over will get used someday :!:

gutted for you about the paint work, i had a simalar thing a few years back on my r5 gtt when it came back 1 week after spray.they said the only thing they could think of was a delayed chemical reaction so it whent back to bare metal soul destroying :cry:

The guy that recently resprayed my Audi wants to do it, plus the rear wheel arches have gone manky too! But that was a bit i did!

Looks awsome!

I like what you've done with the front valance. Was that cosmetic or does the frame require it?

Its a cosmetic solution to clear the front of the frame :lol: :lol:

Rich

[46]

Looks great, a real inspiration to get mine finished.

If you dont mind me asking, what capacity is your fuel cell?

[Richspec]

off the top of my head...12 gallon.

[Allan McD]

12 gallons where you going 10 miles down the road :lol:
Allan

[Richspec]

i thought a standard tank was 5.5 or 7.5 :?:
so whats wrong with 12??

edit:
just had a look, its either 8 or 12.

http://www.jazproducts.com/circle_fuel_cells.html

[evolotion]

*whisper* allans had a few shandys, just pretend hes talking sence *whisper*

:twisted:

[Richspec]

http://www.mini-performance.co.uk/Images/Smilies/party15.gif

[PaulW]

i thought a standard tank was 5.5 or 7.5 :?:
so whats wrong with 12??

edit:
just had a look, its either 8 or 12.

http://www.jazproducts.com/circle_fuel_cells.htmling

nah hes got a thing about big fuel tanks :?

[mininut]

Rich, you do know that with all the braided brake lines you'll have trouble getting a solid feel to your brake pedal? looks nice though I have to say :D

M.

[PaulW]

Rich, you do know that with all the braided brake lines you'll have trouble getting a solid feel to your brake pedal? looks nice though I have to say :D

M.

I was planning to use goodridge flexi throughout mine and i have concerns about the pedal feel as well :? Am doing it all internal as well.

Paul

[mini1]

Nothing wrong with my pedal feel, and I've used goodridge throughout. As long as its clamped down well, Goodridge is no different to copper pipes, with the added bonus that goodridge wont fatigue with vibration.

[PaulW]

Nothing wrong with my pedal feel, and I've used goodridge throughout. As long as its clamped down well, Goodridge is no different to copper pipes, with the added bonus that goodridge wont fatigue with vibration.

just out of interest Paul what have you fastened them down with? Ive bought the "P" clips with the rubber insert.

Paul

[mini1]

Yep, thats the best thing to use, like these.

http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/product/322

I think 8mm ID was the best size i found for Goodridge hoseing. I used 1 every 8" or so.

[Richspec]

The braided brake pipe isn't like braided for fuel its got a teflon lining, hence stiff as owt :)

[PaulW]

The braided brake pipe isn't like braided for fuel its got a teflon lining, hence stiff as owt :)

Thats the goodridge stuff isn't it, same as i bought and i'm asuming mini1 has :D

Paul

[mini1]

Yep, thats the same as I'm using, although my ends have been crimped on and are not the re-usable stuff like Rich has got.

[mininut]

Good stuff, as long as you're happy with it. :D

M.

[Richspec]

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/473470/04042009.jpg

Latest (very) limited progress as I've not touched it for months, its still sitting outside under cover and I can only work on it when the weathers good. I don't have room to open the doors fully so nowt much happening inside.

Picture just about shows fuel lines in engine bay completed and new fuel pressure regulator to back of bulkhead area. Also done were the front brake pipes from the 'T' to each wheel.

[tommi_balls]

thats a very nice looking engine bay mate 8)

[Richspec]

ta. :D

More work done.
New redtop battery fitted into butchered fibreglass box (it didn't quite fit :x ), cut-out switch fitted and everything all wired up. I still need to add the cabling and connector for starting assistance off a big slave battery.

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/481534/15042009(002).jpg

Got my oil cooler takeoff adaptors in.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/482417/16042009(004).jpg

And new speedflow fittings on (left over from earlier fuel tank system)
Lots of tweaking needed as the tyres was catching on full lock using the setup i had before :(

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/482421/16042009(006).jpg

and my new smaller plates came :)

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/482429/16042009(005).jpg

[Marcus Nordblom]

Great stuff! Looks awesome 8)

Really neat with the bulkhead unions on the brake pipes,
have you countersunked the battery in the crossmember to?

[tommi_balls]

Great stuff! Looks awesome 8)

Really neat with the bulkhead unions on the brake pipes,
have you countersunked the battery in the crossmember to?

i think so unless hes got duracel's in there lol

[Richspec]

Great stuff! Looks awesome 8)

Really neat with the bulkhead unions on the brake pipes,
have you countersunked the battery in the crossmember to?

i think so unless hes got duracel's in there lol

Yep, whacking big hole in the top of the crossmember.
you can see it in an earlier pic.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/142208/DSCF3070.jpg

[Richspec]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v79hi5GxJoQ

[mini1]

Bet that felt good rich! Not being too critical, but will those red led's at the top of the dash stay on all the time? If they do, you may want to think about changing it as I made a mistake like that because its sooooo off putting when your driving especially at night! I got a bright blue Led used to indicate full beam but at night all I can see is the led, not the road in fornt of me!!!

When do yo think it will be ready for the road/track?

[Richspec]

Bet that felt good rich! Not being too critical, but will those red led's at the top of the dash stay on all the time? If they do, you may want to think about changing it as I made a mistake like that because its sooooo off putting when your driving especially at night! I got a bright blue Led used to indicate full beam but at night all I can see is the led, not the road in fornt of me!!!

When do yo think it will be ready for the road/track?

Aye thats a fair point, but I wouldn't worry as they look brighter in the vid (mobile phone footage) than in real life, I had toggle switches with leds on the end when it was on the road and it was fine.
As its now track use only night use is not going to be an issue! I do have led footwell lighting though so still an led tart :lol:

As for a deadline, well its going to a local show in two weeks on the trailer, I'll make it look like a fully useable car no matter what!
It will still need repainting after that though.

I'm going to book a test day later in the year, maybe September time, as I'm chocka with work and mini shows over the summer.

[mininut]

looking good matey, not long now i expect :D

M.

[matt]

Love the dash setup, very neat.

[Richspec]

First public outing in.............a long time, yesterday.
We had a club stand at our lcoal RSOC show, and I trailered the mini there. Lots of attention all day long as its a long time since anyone local saw my car.
I spent the past week wet sanding and machine polishing the bodywork, the bad weather towards the end of the week put a stopper on me getting it all done but it looked OK on the day :)

more pics later but this for now 8)

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/502578/PICT0028.JPG

[Andy_S]

Looking good :D

[MattG]

aye , looking good rich , hope mine looks half as good ...

Matt

[MarkLD]

Looking excellent, hope its finished soon 8)

[Richspec]

Looking excellent, hope its finished soon 8)

you and me both!

[graemec]

Heaves Hotel?
Didn't realise there was a show on there this weekend, bu66er!

[Richspec]

Heaves Hotel?
Didn't realise there was a show on there this weekend, bu66er!

Yep, Cumbria RSOC regional show.
It was absolutely heaving, the busiest I've seen it.

Sent you a PM btw

[Mini Vlatko]

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/502578/PICT0028.JPG

Well this pic made me decide to go for miglia arches!

AWESOME! :twisted:

[caveman]

i have a blended in body kit on mine and am contimplating ripping it off just to have arches like that, never been really keen on bodykits anyway.rich you done a brill job there mate looks the buiss :D

[Richspec]

i'm not saying its tight between the arches and the tyres, but we struggled to get the wheel straps in and over the wheels :lol:

[caveman]

do u know what the distance is,should get a few pics from the side it looks mentally low,maybe start a thread with distances between arch and tyre :twisted:

[Richspec]

do u know what the distance is,should get a few pics from the side it looks mentally low,maybe start a thread with distances between arch and tyre :twisted:

I can definitely say its 'not enough' :lol:

Although i only have minimal suspension travel the tyres are tight to the top of the arch in the clubman wing, maybe 10mm!, the gap round the edge of the arches to the tyres is maybe 5mm or so.
I don't want to trim anything more till the wheels are aligned, and i know the wheel in is its final position relative to the hole in the wing.
The drivers side wheel arch is tighter to the tyre still, like 0mm clearance at the front edge :oops: But both arches are hanging slightly different on their brackets so hopefully theres scope for adjustment.

Its not as low as Andys's I don't think, it was funny people at the show trying to have a look underneath, all they would see was grass!

[Andy_S]

Its not as low as Andys's I don't think, it was funny people at the show trying to have a look underneath, all they would see was grass!
Maybe not as low as the General, but way neater looking with those arches ........ I've been on e-bay this evening to price some, cos that look is too cool. 8)

Imitation being the greatest form of flattery & all that. :wink:

[BassAddict]

Very nice indeed sir :)
You do realisem, though, that you'll be getting recruited for the sprint season soon :)
Rich

[Richspec]

http://cumbriaclassicminis.myfreeforum.org/ftopic32-0-asc-90.php

:verymad:

[mininut]

looking good matey.

M.

[BassAddict]

Buggerrrr! Sorry to hear about the sheared oil take-off :( Hope you manage to sort it without taking the engine out - good luck!
Rich

[Richspec]

Copied and pasted to spare writing it twice!

22/06/09
Itsa fixed:D


First job was to get out the existing adaptor piece, which when i jacked the car up onto ramps, was dead easy which was nice!
(it was finger tight, which doesn't make sense )

I ordered some fittings from speedflow, here they are pictured with the original failed part.
http://galleryserver.myff.org/gallery/536917/DSCF3988.JPG

This didn't work :rolleyes: the piece on the left is an adaptor from -6JIC to 1/8npt, which is your usual thread for oil takeoffs etc.
Unfortunatly it had a flat end to it and the pipe up to the T-piece above had a female conical end inside the nut - end result - it wouldn't tighten up and seal, bugger

I then had a think and realised i could replace the original braided pipe with some I already had and use some left over fittings from the brakes
I ordered a simple adaptor from the block to the -4 fittings i had and another adaptor up top of -4 to 1/8npt...SORTED
and it doesn't leak

Fittings from rear of oil pump.
http://galleryserver.myff.org/gallery/536920/20062009.jpg

fittings onto gauge and warning light T-Piece
http://galleryserver.myff.org/gallery/536923/20062009(001).jpg

I've spent this weekend working on the gear linkage, which is unrecognisable from the standard item now. Its not perfect but its getting there.
We've also connected up the clutch and are attempting to bleed it.

27/06
Another frustrating day, continued to try and bleed the fluids through the brakes and clutch.
First problem was easy fixed, i added a 90 deg union to the passenger side caliper so the brake pipe doesn't catch on the gearbox ends. Then moved to the drivers side to tighten it all up as there was a leak between the 90deg union there and the flexible pipe.
We then started to bleed the brakes, we got clear fluid through but when i started to tighten the hub nuts the brakes would not lock. Chris then suggested that perhaps we weren't getting full pedal movement as the pedal was hitting part of the cage integrated into the floor, as it looked like he was right

The only solution was to move the pedal box back further into the car, the problem here was the pipes into the master cylinders fouled the dash rail of the cage. Arse

The only fix was to turn all the cylinders upside down, this meant undoing all the connections, changing some of the ends, and everything was full of fluid.

Anyway after a messy test of contortionism under the dash i had it done, we had a go at bleeding the fronts and gots lots of air out but no pedal pressure...

I decided to have a bleed of the back brakes, i cracked open the nipple with the pipe attached and the fluid fair flew out, lots of bubbles then nice and clear, i tried the other side and with chris pushing the pedal we got nice clear fluid through.

While under the back i got Chris to try the hydraulic handbrake and i bled some bubbles out but then......

Dad was looking at the reservoirs and and as the handbrake was pumped the fluid was dissappearing from one reservoir and reappearing in the other....

Which doesn't make sense as there's no connection

Time for Coffee and a think!!

Giving up on the brakes for a while i went back to the clutch, we realised we weren't getting full pedal / cylinder throw here either which is (hopefully) why the clutch has no pressure.
I'm fixing that by re-fabricating the clevis that connects the pedal and master cylinder to give more adjdustment.

Overall a very frustrating day

( I now know whats needed to attempt to fix this, but not had the time to touch it since :( )


28/06
I think I know whats wrong..according to one description i found the handbrake should be inline with the rear system, as it is at the moment the fluid is pressuring the system and passing back up through the master cylinder. The feed for the front and handbrake is shared, thats where the join is...

Another order has gone into Speedflow:p

All i have to do before the weekend is stripout half the braking system and I may have brakes

Wether the clutch is working and i can get gears, well that remains to be seen, it depends on the weather as to how much i can get done.

(the answer was sod all, as it rained a lot)



July!
Getting the car ready for another show, fitted my door squares to give the competition look.

http://galleryserver.myff.org/gallery/547520/PICT0120.JPG


August 30th..
The cars hardly been touched, I've fitted sill finishing strips, the correct fitting wheelnuts and made a stainless plate to go round the hole in the dash where the gearlinkage passes through.
I've bought a new car trailer and sold the old one, I've also bought the green mini pictured here:cool::cool:
http://galleryserver.myff.org/gallery/592472/DSCF4337.JPG

I hope to get back on with the red hot in october, by then, after a massive sort out and move around, it will be in the garage with the other minis.

[fatlad]

love the look of this car! as others have said it was one of the first i saw with a valver in, the quality of parts and workmanship is awesome! hope to see you about at some of the local shows!

[Pooler70]

How are you getting on with your gear linkage? I am having a right nightmare with my standard setup and have tried loads of different things including rose joints, new bushes, quickshift, different mounting positions etc so I am going to go down the Quaife route? Is it worth the money and can you find the correct gears easily?

[2lrMiniVan]

How are you getting on with your gear linkage? I am having a right nightmare with my standard setup and have tried loads of different things including rose joints, new bushes, quickshift, different mounting positions etc so I am going to go down the Quaife route? Is it worth the money and can you find the correct gears easily?

i had the same problem and found out it was the gear lever had to much play in it. got one from the scrap yard and worked 1st time.

[Richspec]

i had the same problem and found out it was the gear lever had to much play in it. got one from the scrap yard and worked 1st time.

The last time i did anything on it was ages ago and i didn't have time to persevere with it. The much tweaked linkage on the box was fine, I could get the gears twisting it etc but as soon as i connected the rod from the quaife I lost enough movement across the gate and it all went super stiff, as though something was binding, somewhere:confused:
Once i get the clutch working i can get a better grasp of what i can and can't get for gears.
but I've still kept my old standard housing / gearstick in case i need to use it instead.
Even if the quaife does work the gears will be reversed, which everyone says will be a nightmare, but i see it as learning a new box layout anyway, its such a long time since I've driven the XE.

[Richspec]

love the look of this car! as others have said it was one of the first i saw with a valver in, the quality of parts and workmanship is awesome! hope to see you about at some of the local shows!




Cheers fatlad, there's a few of us from up here on the forum now:D

I found some more pics of my most recent purchases, one lot slightly more expensive than the other....
http://galleryserver.myff.org/gallery/635705/13052009.jpg
and
http://galleryserver.myff.org/gallery/635706/16052009.jpg

[Richspec]

After building my 8 Port I thought it was time to drop back onto the valver and decided this weekend to crack on with one of the outstanding issues - i couldn't get any gears using my much modified gearchange and quaife gearstick assembly, so the idea was to replicate the seriously expensive kits on the cheap...

these are the proper bits.
http://www.hh-ms.com/database/index.php?SelCategoryID=5&SelModelID=1&SelSubCategoryID=22

I bought a bearing off ebay for around a fiver, some steel tube and a couple of old stock universal joints from demon tweeks ebay clearance site.

First job was to get the tube to fit in the bearing so I 'lathed' :roll: it down a touch - ie turned it round and round by hand while filing it!
The bearing is way too heavy duty but all i could find at the right size, so i set to with the pillar drill to lighten it a bit.

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/877761/18092010198.jpg

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/877762/18092010199.jpg

I made a cardboard template and marked up on the bulkhead box where the mounting holes were needed.

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/877768/18092010200.jpg

The tube was fed through the bearing and roughly into the right position.

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/877773/19092010202.jpg

yes i know the bearings not quite square but it was a hell of a job holding it in place and bolting it up!
I cut up the existing universal joint and drilled it so i could fit a bolt inside it, this will connect to the tube after I've cut it to length and tapped it, this will give length and left/right adjustment.

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/877778/19092010201.jpg

A trial fit of the rods and joints.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/877780/19092010203.jpg

[alexcrosse]

looks like some good stuff, ill be doing this at some point to make it feel like im changing gear rather than stirring soup!

[PaulW]

Does the tube slide ok in that cased bearing? I can see a grease nipple but i assume thats for the actual external of the race?

paul

[Richspec]

Yep it slides ok, I cleaned up the top end of the tube to make it;), bearing was 13mm ID supposedly and tube was 13mm OD but it wouldn't fit to start with, yep. nipple is for external race and not really needed.

[mininut]

looks good man, whats the name for the demon tweeks ebay clearance account mate?

M.

[Richspec]

Demon Tweeks Direct
All sorts of random stuff, when i bought the joints (29 quid each btw) there was about 5 items in the whole shop!

[Richspec]

Been doing quite a few odd jobs over the past few weeks.

lots of little jobs on the electrics.
Stripped alternator and free'd seized bush, cleaned up shaft and fit new diode unit.
Redid wiring to alternator, adding in missing ignition live.
Sorted confused wiring to fuse box - some wires to wrong connectors and labelled up fuses so i can remember what they are!
Added wideband to lower section of dash and fit lambda to exhaust (big job to remove exhaust manifold).
Tidied up wiring to dash instruments and corrected ecu and coil driver wiring error.
Added lambda input wires to ecu and ecu loom.

Eventually managed to talk to the ecu and found the air temp sensor has failed (reading 120 degress all the time) and I'm unable to reset throttle stops due to linkage issue and not tight throttle cable - that i can't adjust cos the bodies are upside down and the linkage is underneath.:rolleyes:

some pics.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/907771/20102010225.jpg

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/907772/20102010226.jpg

Joblist!
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/909695/DSCF4888.JPG

To fix the upside down throttle body issue :
New Manifold.:)
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/909697/DSCF4890.JPG

need to blank this off and find out what thread the hole at the top side is so i can bung it up as well.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/909700/DSCF4892.JPG

and this is how it will sit.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/909702/DSCF4893.JPG

[Andy_S]

Nice :cool:

[Marcus Nordblom]

looking good;)

like your concept of ops. whiteboard, should need one of those bad boys myself…
i always get sidetracked:)

[Richspec]

looking good;)

like your concept of ops. whiteboard, should need one of those bad boys myself…
i always get sidetracked:)


We ran out of space on the previous board..

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/678332/DSCF4464.JPG

We need a big board, its got a job list for four minis on it..

[Marcus Nordblom]

yea that was tiny!

[Richspec]

Inlet manifold water outlets blanked off.
Throttle bodies fitted.
air temp sensor fitted to backplate.
Throttle cable adjusted at bodies and also the outer cable at bulkhead where it was fouling the pedal and stopping it from coming back up fully.
Drivers seat moved back 60mm, side brackets adjusted to fit the seat shape better, all harnesses then needed adjusting.
Passenger seat, left where it was but all brackets tweaked for a better fit and again harnesses set to correct length.
New rampipes (longer) ordered
Air inlet ducting for front panel ordered.
New Junior timer connectors, boots and parts ordered so i can extend the wiring for the injectors - the wirings just not long enough now.
New length of fuel hose ordered from speedflow as the old one doesn't quite reach the fue rail now.
passenger side caliper brake connections nipped up and thread tape added to hopefully stop the leaks!

..................................


Stop lamp switch bracket fabricated, original stop lamp switch fitted in, wired in and tested.
Injector wiring renewed in engine bay.
New rampipes bought (3rd set!!!) and fitted.

old rampipes coming off
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/919292/09112010228.jpg

new ones going on.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/919295/09112010229.jpg

Filter on but its dead tight.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/919297/09112010230.jpg

[MattG]

looking good rich

Matt

[Richspec]

quite a lot of small scale jobs ongoing..
The biggie is getting the brakes and clutch to work once and for all,
to help achieve this I've removed the existing master cylinders, relocated the reservoirs (so top ups can be done by one person), and altered the pipe setup slightly.
Pics show the new masters (Tilton short bodied versions) and the totally different design, meaning i can fit them the right way up...

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/941050/DSCF4895.JPG

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/941052/DSCF4896.JPG

next job is to refit all the piping from the reservoirs to the masters and fit a limiting valve inline to the rear brakes.

[mininut]

always good to see some progess... slow and steady wins the race! so i keep telling myself :D

[Andy@AMT]

Looks nice, maz is your done yet?

[leon]

loads of penny spend on this build. Wish i have all the money and time to do a conversion like this to my mini :/

[Richspec]

I should have room to actually work on it again soon too :)

this is the latest engine bay pic, as can be seen I've changed the reservoirs to a better location.
http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/1288348/DSCF5419.JPG