tracking my mini...wise idea? advice needed!
Discussion
Hi all, i've just signed up for this and since my Ginetta is in storage I rather rashly decided to use my mini.
I was wondering about the problem with oil starvation caused by not having a centre oil pickup pipe though - is it a 'real' risk? would it minimise the problem if I overfilled the engine by a bit, and can I get away with this?
also, my pads are not new but they are greenstuff pads which I have found to be good. is it better to replace them just for the day with standard pads?
should I do an oil change prior to the event?
am I likely to gain any real benefit from running slicks for the day? (i've been offered a service from protyre motorsport which is very reasonable)
help appreciated
I was wondering about the problem with oil starvation caused by not having a centre oil pickup pipe though - is it a 'real' risk? would it minimise the problem if I overfilled the engine by a bit, and can I get away with this?
also, my pads are not new but they are greenstuff pads which I have found to be good. is it better to replace them just for the day with standard pads?
should I do an oil change prior to the event?
am I likely to gain any real benefit from running slicks for the day? (i've been offered a service from protyre motorsport which is very reasonable)
help appreciated
Sounds like a good day.
If you don't have a centre pick up you should fill the sump to about 1/8" above max on the dipstick. It could be wise to fit a 22psi oil press warning switch. That way you'll get a bit of warning if too much surge does happen and can kick the clutch out. That will be cheaper than a new set of bottom end bearings!
The GreenStuff pads should be fine, but test them beforehand on a twisty 'B' road and use lots of braking to get them nice and hot.
Without a centre oil pick up I would avoid racing tyres. They do generate huge 'G' force and that will cause surge.
Could I also suggest that you get the wheel alignment checked - zero toe in on front.
It could be worth putting in some better brake fluid if the car's been standing. Don't forget brake fluid absorbs water. I use AP600 racing fluid - you won't boil that, but it ain't cheap.
Have a good day, as they say,
Peter
If you don't have a centre pick up you should fill the sump to about 1/8" above max on the dipstick. It could be wise to fit a 22psi oil press warning switch. That way you'll get a bit of warning if too much surge does happen and can kick the clutch out. That will be cheaper than a new set of bottom end bearings!
The GreenStuff pads should be fine, but test them beforehand on a twisty 'B' road and use lots of braking to get them nice and hot.
Without a centre oil pick up I would avoid racing tyres. They do generate huge 'G' force and that will cause surge.
Could I also suggest that you get the wheel alignment checked - zero toe in on front.
It could be worth putting in some better brake fluid if the car's been standing. Don't forget brake fluid absorbs water. I use AP600 racing fluid - you won't boil that, but it ain't cheap.
Have a good day, as they say,
Peter
Just one more thing. Change the oil as it does degrade with time. My personal preference on a Mini is Valvoline Racing 20/50 or Morris Oil's Multivis 15/50. The Morris brand is not a well known name like Castrol, but their products really are terrif. The Multivis is an API/SK, which is the tops.
vrooom said:
It would be better idea to use green stuff pad as they work good when they are hot. wore them out. them put it on new pad in when you done track day
About ther oil. no idea. i say one thing. you lucky git! i alway wanted go on donnington as track day.
Jay
if you're in derbyshire then gat yourself down there this sunday! only £95 for open pit lane!
Cooperman said:
Sounds like a good day.
If you don't have a centre pick up you should fill the sump to about 1/8" above max on the dipstick. It could be wise to fit a 22psi oil press warning switch. That way you'll get a bit of warning if too much surge does happen and can kick the clutch out. That will be cheaper than a new set of bottom end bearings!
The GreenStuff pads should be fine, but test them beforehand on a twisty 'B' road and use lots of braking to get them nice and hot.
Without a centre oil pick up I would avoid racing tyres. They do generate huge 'G' force and that will cause surge.
Could I also suggest that you get the wheel alignment checked - zero toe in on front.
It could be worth putting in some better brake fluid if the car's been standing. Don't forget brake fluid absorbs water. I use AP600 racing fluid - you won't boil that, but it ain't cheap.
Have a good day, as they say,
Peter
thank you peter
I was just worried about ruining the road tyres...guess I better order some new ones! the brake fluid is fine I guess, I use the car every day but i'll get it changed anyway the oil...well I don't know TBH whether it's worth changing as it must get fully changed by dint of me topping it up with approx 1.5 - 2l every 160 - 200 miles (buggered stem seals!) 
but I might do it anyway.update:
thanks all for the advice, just to let you know that the mini performed brilliantly, didn't miss a beat despite at one point holding 7000rpm in third trying to catch a BMW cooper S up in to craners! (got him coming out of redgate!!!!!)
the lean green flying machine caused a bit of a stir because I found it uneccessary to brake into bends, usually after being overtaken on the straights I would then be hassling the bigger cars through the bends and even having to slow down! gah! anyway what a great day, wholeheartedly recommend it, i'm hooked on this now....
thanks all for the advice, just to let you know that the mini performed brilliantly, didn't miss a beat despite at one point holding 7000rpm in third trying to catch a BMW cooper S up in to craners! (got him coming out of redgate!!!!!)
the lean green flying machine caused a bit of a stir because I found it uneccessary to brake into bends, usually after being overtaken on the straights I would then be hassling the bigger cars through the bends and even having to slow down! gah! anyway what a great day, wholeheartedly recommend it, i'm hooked on this now....
minimax said:
the lean green flying machine caused a bit of a stir because I found it uneccessary to brake into bends, usually after being overtaken on the straights I would then be hassling the bigger cars through the bends and even having to slow down! gah! anyway what a great day, wholeheartedly recommend it, i'm hooked on this now....
It's great, isn't it?
I fondly remember a track day at Castle Combe that I went to with my brother. It was an open session and we had the only 2 Minis there amongst a collection of significantly more powerful and expensive machinery, including some 944s, an NSX, Griffith, Tuscan etc. In the paddock before the first session we got some stick from "the bigger boys" but after the first run, and for the rest of the day, we had any number of people asking "what's in there then? 1380? Turbo? Vauxhall 16v?" No, sorry guys, just a good old 998 and no need to brake!
miniman said:
just a good old 998 and no need to brake!
so 
at the briefing a chap said to me how're you going to do out in the advanced section? I said "a dogged determination not to lift off will see me through!" I love my mini 
ps. if you want to see a picture of it, here it is
wow what a looker
miniman said:
Are those Group 5 arches you have there? Looking at a set myself - any recommendations for supplier? Found a set on eBay for £40.
group 5 euro arches....I have a set of brand new group 5's still in their wrapper which you can certainly negotiate with me on
bought them online without realising they weren't the same as the group 5 euro's D'OH!
miniman said:
Yes, it's the euro ones I'm looking at. What's the difference (apart from the euro ones presumably going on strike and burning sheep at some point...)??
quite a lot...the euro ones are curled under the front and rear, they're considerably wider as well with a greater outside lip...i'll see if I can get some photo's
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