Well, I guess its about time for an update.
The van has been performing quite well since its been on the road, but unfortunately work commitments have largely stopped me from driving it too much. (I'm hoping that will change.)
I have recently moved from Kalgoorlie to Melbourne due to work and the mini is now back in my posession after a lengthy (4 weeks) time travelling across the Nullabor on a train.
Before leaving WA I managed to get down to Perth a couple of times and give it a bit of a fang through the hills and meet some of the great mini folk in Perth. The van also made a brief appearance at the mini 50th celebrations.
A few recent additions have made their way on to the mini since my last post.
in order of appearance:
HKS varible wastegate actuator. - Made a very noticable difference to how the turbs holds boost. Much more consistent. also gave a more significant "step" between on and off boost. Might not make it that much faster, but it feels a lot faster with the bigger push in the back.
JAM Racing remapped ECU. - raised redline, no more boost cut and more aggressive spark and fuel map profiles. Only had it for a week, but it has given the engine a noticable change in note and willingness to rev. nice crackle on over run too.
Hard to tell how much extra power it has given. maybe gone from crazy bunches to a bit more.
Exhaust manifold gasket - The other one had a hold due to what appears to be the bottom nuts loosening slightly. Check these after the manifold has gone through a few heat cycles, cause it sounds like sh!t with a leaking gasket.
So now just need a free weekend to get into the otways or down the great ocean road. Anyone want to race?
PS. The van will be coming to Bundoora Park on the 13th for Watto's big day out, via the cruise / convoy from the western suburbs. So I hope to see some of you there.
