Dion's Mini

[Vinay-RS]

Was this the car we saw last Saturday?
I noticed the guttering on the roof was flattened, is that a race trick to improve aerodynamics?

And is that a mk1 in the background?

[Dion]

Yes, it's the same car that raced on Saturday.

The gutters were cut by the previous owner, I guess this was due to rust.

The mk1 is mine, it had a Toyota 4age engine in.

[Vinay-RS]

Ah ok, that's the one in the other build thread.

I wonder if the guttering does influence the aerodynamics of the car significantly.

[Dion]

I'm not sure how much the gutters affect aerodynamics...... I do know a Mini has the same aerodynamics as a brick. 

[Vinay-RS]

Yeah, the normal aerodynamics of a mini is terrible, though the clubby is even worse with the very square front end

[Dion]

It's been a huge learning curve over the past two race seasons, here are some pics of the mishaps during this time.

Melted Omega turbo piston


Damaged big end bearings



Broken Pistons


Bent valves



Pistons hit by valves


And crashes

[Vinay-RS]

Where did that crash happen?

[Dion]

Turn 4 at Killarney, March this year.

[Vinay-RS]

Oh... wow. Too much braaap?

[Dion]

Hahaha, no, I guess it was due to a lack of talent....

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Some pictures of the engine internals