Tim's Mini GTS Race Car

[MiniGTS]

Hi guys,

So I'm back! Very glad to have this forum running again as it such a great source of information and parts. For those of you that don't know my name is Tim and I have a 1978 Mini GTS that I've had for about 5 years now. Bought it as a non runner because the flywheel had fretted on the crank and the owner couldn't afford the repairs. I've been working on the car for some time but it has been tough because in that time I got my degree and moved house 3 times as well as helped my parents build a new home, but my Mini has always been with me  My intention is to race in the Historic Marque car category so the car will still be road legal. So this is how it all started, and be warned that this first post is picture intensive!



Bought it on the Wednesday and had the motor out the next day! She had a bit of rust but nothing major, she has also been in a couple of accidents but the repairs have been done okay. 




Fixed up all the rust in the engine bay and those are test sprays on the side of the car for what could be the final colour.





Rear parcel shelf molested to fit speakers but no worry, weight reduction!







Just some more images of the fixed up gauges and boot floor.

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Painted everything myself at home in the garage! The roof took me 6 hours to mask but it was worth it.


Freshly machined and painted block, it was sleeved back to 1275cc



Head ported and flowed with new valve guides. New cam followers and a 649 cam
 

Crank was ground 10 thou and the taper welded, machined and lapped to the flywheel

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Start of the engine assembly! All rotating parts were fully balanced 



Gearbox rebuilt by Des with new bearings as the main bearing had collapsed

LCB painted



Engine fully assembled


Test fitting the new seats

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Moved house so the car had to go with, put the car in the trailer with the help of my brother and dad

Back from getting the roll cage done


Made all new carpets


Fitted the battery cut off in the old antenna hole

No more nasty holes!

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Parts from Mini Spares


Totally rebuilt the front suspension with new hub bearings, ball joints, track rod ends, discs, caliper pistons and seals and pads


Engine in!
 

Just arrived at the new house

Coming out of storage 
 


Fitted the HiLo's I got from Harley and the fuel pump

Seat and belts in for good

Made my own bracket for the oil catch can

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Decided to design and make my own door furniture as it is quite expensive to buy, just need to get some parts laser cut and then it will be done


More goodies from the UK

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So thats pretty much it for the older photos, so recently I bled the brakes and clutch and went for my first drive! It was awesome even though I didn't go more than 40. Have to adjust the rear brakes and finish off all the trim and glass. So this is as she stands now:


Going to do my best to finish it in the next couple of months but it will be challenging! I am now employed full time at Toyota Motorsport while still trying to get my masters degree so that will be tough but I do get to play with some awesome cars.... I also got the opportunity to go to The Dakar Rally this year which is an experience I will always treasure. So thats it for now and ill keep all you guys updated! Many thanks for all the support these past years

[JAYO]

BEAUTIFUL 

they say good things take time. this has gotten so much better with time due to you being so meticulous.



Congrats on your appointment and good-luck with your masters meneer.

btw nice Jag..

[minion]

What did you use around the exhaust?

[MiniGTS]

I used a fibreglass heat wrap from ATS

http://www.ats-motorsport.co.za/index.ph...earch=wrap

[Vinay-RS]

Wow, your GTS race car is stunning! The attention to detail on the build is truly special. Nice work

[Boyscout]

Your car looks amazing!

[Miniac]

Still love the look of this car, a true inspiration to get a move on with my own GTS

[MiniGTS]

Thanks for all the kind words guys!

[Miniac]

Who built your cage for you Tim?

[MiniGTS]

It was built by TNT but I dont think they did such a great job but its not bad. They damaged the paint and used substandard bolts, nuts and washers so I ended up changing them all.