Under The Hood; Autox Results

I’ve done a few things to the MINI lately that haven’t been documented, so let’s get underway.

In this shot of the engine bay, you can see two new additions: a better diverter for the intercooler on top, and a trick piece of carbon fiber that better routes incoming air. Both are measures attempting to get the car running cooler. The diverter seems to be working; totally unscientifically, the intercooler feels cooler after hard runs. It also has a sprayer that sprays water to cool things down.

If nothing else, they both look neat.

Inside, I’ve installed a “CG-Lock” which, when enabled, keeps the lap portion of my seat belt tight, while allowing the shoulder strap to remain loose. For $40 or so shipped, it was a great buy and invaluable for keeping me planted during autocross. Consider it a stop-gap measure until I fork out $150 for a Shroth quickfit harness, k?

Speaking of autocross, this past weekend was my first in awhile. Saturday I drove all the way out to Seneca Army Depot for a test+tune with Finger Lakes Region. It was fun, and the lot was amazing. The course was very long and fast, and the MINI was VERY loose.

On Sunday I returned to ACC to race with MoHud, where I placed an amazing 3rd in SM out of a field of 9. The horrible pavement worked to my advantage:

39.578+1
39.239
39.611
38.337
38.198+1
38.083

First in SM was a 36.520 and FTD was a 36.225. With a bit more HP and some r-compound tires, I could really become competitive. As is, this time around I beat a built 240sx with 275mm Hoosiers. Chalk it up to the condition of the lot, as normally I don’t hold a chance to the guy.