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Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 3:37 am
by 360gts
Haad a really good weekend with the min at our new track this weekend.
Short twisty layout with 16 turns....suits the mini.
15 entries in the vintage class....ranging from GT4 BMW's,, Super 7....Toyota ...Mustangs etc.
Was the only Mini....thought I'd be a back marker....was surprised with the performance of the mini...ended up 8th in all of the events.
Not bad considering the horse power of the front runners.

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 1:06 pm
by Oneball
Well done. Glad it’s going well. Looks warmer there than it is here!

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 2:43 pm
by Peter Laidler
Isn't it amazing how a well set-up and engineered Mini can STILL compete and hold its own among the big players - and big spenders too?

Well done Dermott

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 3:36 pm
by 360gts
Thanks Oneball/Peter.
Peter, you make a great point.....my car has changed little since I built it back in the 70's.
Few safety additions.....that is about it.
Pretty ancient technology when you compare to the later cars......
Hard to believe that this Longman engine is still going strong...I can pull 10K all the way in 4th from turn 16 right through to turn 2...no lifting at turn 1
Old pushrod engine hitting 10K....and staying together :)
A 5 speed box would be nice as the ST 4 speed close ratio box is a bit dated.....some corners are too fast for 2nd but just not right for 3rd.
Anyway, a fun car....enjoying the revival.

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 4:25 pm
by CooperTune
A Swift dog box would make a world of difference. Steve (CTR)

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 5:07 pm
by 360gts
CooperTune wrote: Tue Jul 16, 2024 4:25 pm A Swift dog box would make a world of difference. Steve (CTR)
But then it wouldn't be a true Vintage class car!

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 5:56 pm
by Exminiman
360gts wrote: Tue Jul 16, 2024 3:36 pm Thanks Oneball/Peter.
Peter, you make a great point.....my car has changed little since I built it back in the 70's.
Few safety additions.....that is about it.
Pretty ancient technology when you compare to the later cars......
Hard to believe that this Longman engine is still going strong...I can pull 10K all the way in 4th from turn 16 right through to turn 2...no lifting at turn 1
Old pushrod engine hitting 10K....and staying together :)
A 5 speed box would be nice as the ST 4 speed close ratio box is a bit dated.....some corners are too fast for 2nd but just not right for 3rd.
Anyway, a fun car....enjoying the revival.
Reving to 10K, is it a short stroke 1300 ?

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2024 8:02 pm
by AndyPen
Good for you Dermot, keep it running mate ;-)

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2024 2:18 am
by 850RS
Sounds like you are ready for the CanAm Mini Challenge this October!

Re: Good track weekend

Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2024 2:30 am
by 360gts
Exminiman wrote: Tue Jul 16, 2024 5:56 pm
360gts wrote: Tue Jul 16, 2024 3:36 pm Thanks Oneball/Peter.
Peter, you make a great point.....my car has changed little since I built it back in the 70's.
Few safety additions.....that is about it.
Pretty ancient technology when you compare to the later cars......
Hard to believe that this Longman engine is still going strong...I can pull 10K all the way in 4th from turn 16 right through to turn 2...no lifting at turn 1
Old pushrod engine hitting 10K....and staying together :)
A 5 speed box would be nice as the ST 4 speed close ratio box is a bit dated.....some corners are too fast for 2nd but just not right for 3rd.
Anyway, a fun car....enjoying the revival.
Reving to 10K, is it a short stroke 1300 ?
Certainly not a long stroke crank :D It was a Richard Longman crank....came with the block/head etc. Richard was/is a genius...far ahead of his time.
I have two of those engines.....high revving units.
Tell tale needle is pinned at 10K when I come back to the pits.....tach only goes to 10K...it might be even a bit higher!!!