Warning: Classic Mini Content

"fourvalleys" (fourvalleys)
06/23/2015 at 07:22 • Filed to: classic mini, Mini, Autocross, Autox, SCCA, Austin Mini, Austin, 998cc, British, RHD, UK

I was planning to take my BRZ to Milwaukee this weekend for the Milwaukee SCCA Autocross event at Miller Park but the weather forecast cleared up, so I decided to flip the script a little bit.

Saturday

I made sure to tell myself a million times that I wouldn’t beat on the Mini too hard. I wouldn’t push it to the limit, I wouldn’t hit redline (5500 rpm!), and I wouldn’t focus on anything other than having a good time.

And then I got on course.

(Just ignore that hand placement, it’s really tough when the wheel is that close to you.)

The times!

Run 1 - 86.572

Run 2 - 82.007

Run 3 - 78.567

Run 4 - 77.195 (Video Above)

Run 5 - 76.430

As you can tell, I got considerably faster as the day went on. It wasn’t better driving, it was pushing the car more. I got right up to 5500rpm and had to let off quite a few times. On the street, I shift at 3000rpm, always. In fact, before Saturday I’d never had it on the freeway. It did that just fine, too!

Beginning in 2015, SCCA does offer the “Heritage Classic” class for old British cars including the Mini. However, Milwaukee Region does not. I ended up in H Street with a wonderfully weird collection of cars: Fiesta ST, ‘06 Mazda3, ‘12 Focus (non-ST), ‘01 Civic (non-Si), and a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. It was awesome.

I was the slowest of 185 cars on-course for the day, but only by about 2.5 seconds. I was about 25 seconds behind the fastest time of the day, from the B-Modified class.

(I ran the novice class for several reasons, but I would have been more competitive in regular HS! Funny how that works.)

(Autocross photos taken by !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! )

Sunday

^ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

The real reason I decided to take the Mini was because Sunday was British Car Field Day in Sussex, WI! Seven classic Minis (and a Riley Elf!) came out, in addition to hundreds of other beautiful British cars - Jag, MG, Aston Martin, Lotus, Austin-Healey, TVR, you name it. Surprisingly, they only had to jump start one car!

Here’s a few pictures of the Minis - I didn’t take many photos of the other cars, and so far these are all I’ve uploaded from my camera. Enjoy!

^ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (Seriously, click it!)

^ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

^ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (The closer green one is !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! )

^ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

All in all, it was a great weekend! I learned a lot about what my car SHOULD look like, and how glad I am that I have the ugly seats from an Austin Metro - They’re a major comfort upgrade. The autocross was a blast, and as a bonus I barely broke anything! Nothing major, at least.

I had to drive about 50 miles back home in the middle of the night, which was great for the lower temperature, but horrible for the front of the car. So many bugs.

As always, feel free to ask any questions you might have.

Cheers!

DISCUSSION (34)

Brian Silvestro > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 07:27

You’re a hero. Keep doing you.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 07:30

Do it more! I’d think that in HS, you’d be stupid competitive against everything apart from the egregiously misclassed FiST.

fourvalleys > Brian Silvestro
06/23/2015 at 07:31

Thanks! I’m no hero, just trying to have a good time when I can. I’m always happy to get it out on the road. Even though the autocross probably won’t become a regular thing for the Mini, I figured I’d give it a shot. I’m glad I did!

fourvalleys > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/23/2015 at 07:40

I don’t think I can autocross the Mini as much as I’d like to. I’ve got the BRZ, and I’ve got a lot of money-sucking plans for the future. The BRZ will probably see its time in my garage come to an end sometime in 2016.

I’m unsure about the Focus RS for my driving style, so my next plan is probably to find a Fiesta ST plus a project. Maybe a Miata (eventually Exocet), or a very-stock EG Civic. Maybe I’m weird, but I think the EG is one of the best looking cars ever made. I also think that the best looking Ferrari is the M3 Prototype , to give you some perspective.

Anyway, if I ran the Mini, I’d love to do it in a competitive Heritage Classic class. And unless some more cars that are HC-eligible begin to show up, they won’t start running the class at all. And that makes me kind of sad.

fourvalleys > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/23/2015 at 07:56

The only way I could really be competitive in HS is with anything other than the 998cc A-Series that it’s got. Supposedly it had 38hp when new, but I can’t imagine what that number is now.

I mean, I guess I should be happy it doesn’t have the 850...

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 08:29

Kinja'd!!!

It’s...beautiful!

I spy a couple of XJ40s, an X300, a couple of XJS’, a couple of XKs, an X350, E-Types, F-Types, an XJ120, an XJC, an X-Type, either a Mk2 or a MkX, TR7s, TR6s, Spitfires, TR4/250s, TR3s, a TR2, GT6s, MGBs, Austin Healeys, Lotus Europas, a Lotus Elan both new and old, a Bugeye Sprite, Lotus Evoras (maybe), Minis, MINIs, perhaps Sunbeam Alpines/Tigers behind the trees, a DB9, a DB7, a DB6, a DB5, Cobras, Morris Minors, what looks to be a Hillman Husky?, a TVR M-series, a TVR Vixen or Griffith, a brace of Morgans, a Rangey and maybe a 90s Bentley right at this side of the circle?

fourvalleys > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
06/23/2015 at 08:34

Good eye! You’ve covered most of the classes. I can probably find a full list of the classes in my paperwork, if you’d like.

By the way, that red Austin-Healey in the foreground with the boot and bonnet open has a 572ci that supposedly puts down 700hp+. The whole thing is bright pink. It’s stupid and wonderful, and I’ll have to find the pictures I took of it.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 08:41

Bloody hell :S that thing must be a monster! Pics would be great :)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 08:42

The Mini’s nimble. It may not get up to speed quickly, but it’s small and should be able to hold its speed well. I think you’d be surprised at it with some practice and good tires.

fourvalleys > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/23/2015 at 08:49

I think you’re right, it could probably do alright. However, I don’t really want to lay into it that hard. I’d rather have a working driver than a broken racer.

If I went full-out (and didn’t have a burned-up clutch), I’m sure I could have picked up a few more seconds. I’m not sure about the 6 seconds I would have needed to post 2nd in HS though. Of course, there’s also a weak spot between the seat and the steering wheel. ;)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 09:01

I don’t know how hard autocross really is on a car. That being said, you’re driving a 50 year old British car. I didn’t want to say anything, but judging by the spread between your fastest and slowest lap, you’re probably still leaving alot on the table, but that’s all just seat time. The BRZ is plenty fun at autocross, though I’d personally rather to it in the Mini. Also if the Mini is on normal street tires and the HS people are running some 200 TW tires like Direzzas or something, that’s worth probably about three seconds per lap with those times almost regardless of who’s driving.

ildylan > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 09:06

Excellent post is excellent.

fourvalleys > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/23/2015 at 09:08

The time decrease between runs was expected. I went from driving about 4/10 on the first run to about 8/10 on the last one... for the sake of the car. I still left a good bit of time out there, but the improvement mostly had to do with being willing to keep my foot down longer.

What I mean by that - I wasn’t slowing down to make corners, I was slowing down to keep the RPMs down. My first run had a lot of quick looks at the tach, at low speed.

If I’d done a lot more wrenching on it myself, I’d be much more comfortable giving it 100%. It was definitely fun, but I’d rather spend my time driving the Subaru than working on the Mini! Maybe my feeling will change someday when I have the time to fix it if something breaks. For now, I’m working 12-13 hour days and I don’t have a free weekend until September. If something went wrong this weekend, the Mini was going to sit for awhile or take a costly visit to the mechanic. But hey, that didn’t stop me. :)

fourvalleys > ildylan
06/23/2015 at 09:10

Danke schön!

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 09:28

Kinja'd!!!

Is that the Riley in the background? Hard to tell. My sister has decided when the time comes for her to Go Mini, that an Elf is a good choice given the leather interior, slightly more usable rear space, and the sheer ridiculousness of an uppercrust-dressed Mini - and they’re not really a step up in terms of expense!

fourvalleys > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
06/23/2015 at 09:38

The Riley isn’t in any of these photos. I do have a few close-up pictures, but I haven’t pulled them from my camera quite yet. I’ll post them the next time I’m at home, if you’d like.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 09:39

I think everyone here would be up for that, really.

Justin Hughes > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 10:12

I’d rather spend my time driving the Subaru than working on the Mini!

I resemble that - it’s why I have a BRZ instead of some old fun project of some kind. I don’t currently have a garage, or even a place to wrench. A neighbor bitched me out for swapping brake pads in the parking lot before my last track day. I had to install my Nameless axle-back under the cover of darkness, it’s so bad.

Fortunately, the BRZ is a great do-it-all car - as long as doing it all doesn’t involve crappy roads or carrying too much stuff.

fourvalleys > Justin Hughes
06/23/2015 at 10:29

Yep, even though I love having a classic (especially one that gets as many smiles and thumbs up as the Mini does), I definitely see the appeal of having a reliable, new car. It’s nice to have something you can rely on without worry.

gas head > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 11:10

I once autocrossed my ‘66 Cooper S. Sadly it did not have synchro tranny which made it somewhat difficult.

Good for you!!

fourvalleys > gas head
06/23/2015 at 11:33

That’s amazing! Mine has straight cut gears, but it does have synchros. I just wish the clutch was up to snuff. I’ve got the parts, but not the time!

gas head > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 11:53

Cool! Orig Minis Rule!

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > fourvalleys
06/23/2015 at 12:44

Awesome, thanks for sharing! I hope to do Mini stuff in the future

TractorPillow > fourvalleys
07/06/2015 at 20:07

Kinja'd!!!

Man, great write up! You are how car owners should be. And thanks for taking it to a show. I took my Lotus (now sold) to a British meet and saw the old Mini’s and fell in love...a year later I had one.

I use mine as a semi-daily-driver on highways, street roads, and off-road sometimes. It has been a very reliable car for me, surprisingly! I think it also the car that makes people smile more than any other out there.

fourvalleys > TractorPillow
07/07/2015 at 01:38

I really appreciate the kind words! It looks like a great old ride you’ve got there - I’m glad she’s treating you well! I’m pretty jealous of your roof, though I’m not quite sure I’d trade it for my Union Jack. :)

Anyway, I fixed a few things last week and then had my first major mechanical issue this week. It’s still undiagnosed (since I’ve been too busy to even look at it) but I believe it’s something in the ignition system. As soon as I have a bit, I’ll be able to check the fuses and change the coil, condenser, and points to see if that makes a difference in getting it to run again. Of course, I’ll be documenting it somewhere, so if you keep up with oppositelock (or follow my page) you’ll probably see it.

Cheers!

mhr555 > fourvalleys
07/07/2015 at 08:26

Kinja'd!!!

The orange Mk1 is my old ‘60 Austin Mini.

TractorPillow > fourvalleys
07/07/2015 at 08:34

Thanks! I'll be on the lookout. I would trade my roof for a Union Jack without a second thought. I really didn't want it, but it was an overall good buy. PO spent $2500 to get it installed. I think the normal roof looks better. Good luck on the fix.

fourvalleys > TractorPillow
07/07/2015 at 09:31

Wow, $2500... that’s really something. At least I’d have to imagine that means it was done well. Someday I’d like to own an actual Mini convertible... and a truck... and really every type.

fourvalleys > mhr555
07/07/2015 at 09:32

That’s awesome! It’s no peach, but it gets driven and the new (er) owner is a nice guy. Cool stuff!

Break-Mend-Continue > fourvalleys
07/07/2015 at 20:20

Are you kidding? Minis were MADE for autocross. Enjoy it.

fourvalleys > Break-Mend-Continue
07/07/2015 at 23:31

I’m leaning more and more that way every time I think about it. It needs some minor maintenance right now (ignition troubles) but if I can get it to be somewhat reliable, I might make autocross a more common thing.

Also, there's an autocross being held less than 10 minutes away in a couple of weeks. So very tempting.

Break-Mend-Continue > fourvalleys
07/08/2015 at 23:59

Fit an decent electronic ignition. Set the timing. Then never touch it again. That will solve your ignition woes.

Break-Mend-Continue > Break-Mend-Continue
07/09/2015 at 00:05

With some prep, Minis are very tough. This one I half own has done 25,000km on some of Australia’s roughest roads over the last four years.

Kinja'd!!!

fourvalleys > Break-Mend-Continue
07/09/2015 at 08:49

That’s the plan, probably over the winter. At this point, I want to make sure that the issues I think I’m having are actually the ones I’m having. I probably needed a new coil anyway, and the new points/condenser/cap/rotor were only about $20. For $60-70 total, it’s not a big deal.

Once I get that sorted and it’s running again, I’ll definitely consider an electronic ignition. It was on the short list for this summer, but maybe I’ll fit one over the winter if I don’t store the car remotely.