Race Car Back To Retro Daily by CobraV8

3 minute(s) of a 42 minute read

Well...some progress of sorts. I have semi ordered from Minispares:

- Gasket Set for 1275 and gearbox
- 4 spotlights and brackets
- Interior Chrome Mirror
- External Door Hinges
- Adjustable Bottom Arms
- Couple of trim bits (mk1 door pocket kick panels and switch surround)
- Chrome Number Plate Light
- Quick change unit for Remote Change

I have decided to use my 3 synchro straight cut box, tidy up a 1275 that is available, and use my weber, source a good scatter cam. That will be the interim motor. A friend is very good with head porting.

Will report on progress......

4-29-2010

Well... future motor direction decided today. I bought a motor previously used in a Speedway racer, a 1410 MED motor, big valve head, race cam, forged pistons, 3 synchro sccr box, straight cut drop gears, electronic ignition all good for around 140hp!

Well.... standard no, 5 port yes. It is an MED head, new casting, big valves, huge ports, race valve springs etc. Sounds really crisp motor - looking forward to getting it in.

It is almost ready to drop in, I just have a couple of issues to sort out:
1. need a different diff as it currently has locked diff (for speedway work)
2. need to get a remote change housing and make it fit the car (not a major) as it is currently rod change
3. install a central oil pickup (speedway people only turn left)

I intend on saving some pennies and buying a limited slip diff, so... that may delay the install a little.

Anyone have any comments on the best LSD to get. Gearbox is a 3 synchro SCCR box.

8-26-2010

Slow progress (although I am using the car most days).

I have also put a stereo and speakers in the car (under the back seat) since last posting as I have been using the car most days.

The race motor and box are with a local Mini expert, stripping the gearbox down to install the LSD and central pickup, so tank stripping the gearbox and clutch housing to go back to aluminium. When all together I will paint the block and head in green like the old Mk1 cars had.

The other job is to make a new full width dash as the webber for the race motor is on a really long manifold. I have been collecting new gauges slowly (amps, fancy tach and so on). It will be out past the dash rail and have a removable centre section to allow the carb to be put in through the car. I have also got some fancy sound deadening stuff that looks like vinyl, I will use that to deaden the airbox and the rest of the firewall as much as I can as with a straight cut box and drop gears it is going to be loud!

Other jobs to do - need to look about for sway bars and get some adjustable bottom arms to get ready for racing (tho - not compulsory) my aim is to go and have some racing with my brothers 1380 classic race mini.

11-30-2010

Thanks buddy. Gearbox has had a tidy up. Received my new crown wheel and pinion for LSD from uk today so will be able to get gearbox and motor together. Also purchased adjustable rose jointed bottom arms, front sway bar, quick change, alloy rocker cover, and t bars. Need to make an air box and new dash. Hopefully over the next month or so get it all together.