R53 Race Spec?
Discussion
I'm just thinking out loud at the moment but can anyone give me an overview of the spec of the original supercharged R53 (JCW?) Challenge race cars please?
Full welded in or bolted cage?
What sort of Brakes and Suspension? is the latter adjustable?
Close ratio, Straight cut dog or synchro boxes?
Weight
Power
I'm assumiming that the engines are 1600cc Supercharged (why did the later cars switch to turbos? is there anything inherently wrong with the supercharger set up?)
How robust and reliable were the mechanicals (I can't afford to keep rebuilding tempremental engines!)and what are they like to drive (ie tail happy, nervous, planted???)
Whats's the spares availability like from off the shelf sources.
I'm just wondering whether one of these cars is a good bet for the CSCC "Deutsche Marque" series (they are eligible), as I need a new race gear box for my CSCC Tin Tops Toyota (needs a bespoke design and build, therefore expensive) and I may be able to afford one of these for not that much more.
I seem to be able to find info on the R56 but not the older cars.
Thanks
Full welded in or bolted cage?
What sort of Brakes and Suspension? is the latter adjustable?
Close ratio, Straight cut dog or synchro boxes?
Weight
Power
I'm assumiming that the engines are 1600cc Supercharged (why did the later cars switch to turbos? is there anything inherently wrong with the supercharger set up?)
How robust and reliable were the mechanicals (I can't afford to keep rebuilding tempremental engines!)and what are they like to drive (ie tail happy, nervous, planted???)
Whats's the spares availability like from off the shelf sources.
I'm just wondering whether one of these cars is a good bet for the CSCC "Deutsche Marque" series (they are eligible), as I need a new race gear box for my CSCC Tin Tops Toyota (needs a bespoke design and build, therefore expensive) and I may be able to afford one of these for not that much more.
I seem to be able to find info on the R56 but not the older cars.
Thanks
Edited by andy97 on Wednesday 16th May 16:09
The racing version stands out from its regular production counterpart by a host of additional features such as a safety cell welded into the MINI CHALLENGE version of the MINI Cooper S, a RECARO bucket seat complete with head protection, a five-point shoulder belt harness, a fire extinguisher, and a safety net in the drivers door, providing the highest standard of safety and protection against the risks of motorsport which naturally can never be excluded altogether.
Drivers are furthermore required to wear the HANS (Head and Neck Support) system already well-known from Formula 1. And benefiting from both a sports steering wheel and power steering, the drivers are able to keep their cars under control perfectly at all times.
Yet another safety feature quite unique in clubsport cars of this kind is that the anti-lock brakes remain fully functional, naturally adapted to the specific conditions prevailing at the respective race track.
The adjustable racing suspension on the MINI Cooper S is naturally also set to the specific speeds and racing requirements encountered in the MINI CHALLENGE. In fact, this is where the driver and his team have the best options to set the car to their specific, personal requirements, thus gaining an advantage over the competition:
Drivers have the choice of two different spring rates and specifications, with in-finite adjustment of the special racing dampers fitted in the car. And the experienced driver participating in the MINI CHALLENGE is also able to vary tyre pressure and the position of the roof spoiler, again obtaining minor improvements in the set-up of the car.
Equal chances for all participants and the use of straightforward technical features reduced to the essential are two of the principal philosophies in the MINI CHALLENGE Regulations. Precisely this is why all cars are prepared at one and the same point on behalf of MINI and delivered in race trim to participants in the MINI CHALLENGE.
Major components such as the engine and gearbox are sealed at crucial points to prevent any modification by the teams or individual repair possibly involving certain changes. A further point is that the engine control units used during practice, in qualifying, and in the race itself, are allocated to participants prior to each event by way of a lottery. And last but certainly not least, the MINI CHALLENGE light-alloy rims (7 x 17 inches) and the standard tyres (205/620 R 17 dry and wet) are the same for all entrants in the race.
In choosing the basic set-up for the MINI Cooper S, the engineers preparing the cars for the MINI CHALLENGE attach utmost significance to smooth, dependable and forgiving handling, the extra safety provided in this way making the MINI CHALLENGE cars particularly suitable for rookie drivers and amateurs. Similarly, technical maintenance of the cars is also as straight-forward and uncomplicated as possible, with many parts and components available from every MINI Dealer. Special parts and components, in turn, are supplied by the MINI CHALLENGE Organisation, with the MINI CHALLENGE truck being the right address for teams in the paddocks seeking technical advice.
Configuration: Straight-four power unit, supercharged, fitted in transverse arrangement, power enhanced by the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit, complete with John Cooper Works racing exhaust
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Output: 154 kW (210 hp) at 6,950 rpm
Compression ratio: 8.3 : 1
Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Front-wheel drive, sports gearbox with six forward gears
Chassis and suspension.
Suspension: Independent suspension all round, John Cooper Motorsports suspension by KW with infinitely adjustable dampers and two different spring rates allowed at the front and rear (also with an additional spring at the front), anti-roll bars front and rear, adjustable spring strut dome bar at the front.
Brakes: John Cooper Motorsports brakes, front: inner-vented discs measuring 330 mm (13.00″) in diameter and 26 mm (1.02″) in thickness, four-piston aluminium fixed callipers, rear: discs measuring 259 mm (10.20″) in diameter and 10 mm (0.39″) in thickness, four-piston alu-minium fixed callipers.
Rims: 7 x 17-inch BBS light-alloy rims.
Tyres: Dunlop racing tyres without (slicks) and with (wet) tread, all tyres measuring 205/620 R 17.
Steering: Hydraulically boosted rack-and-pinion steering.
Body/dimensions.
Configuration:
Monocoque all-steel bodyshell, three doors, Aerodynamics Package with adjustable rear spoiler, occupant safety provided by a safety cell firmly welded to the body, RECARO bucket seat, five-point safety belt, two-chamber fire extinguishing system.
Dimensions: Length 3,655 mm (143.9″)/width 1,688 mm (66.5″) (1,925 mm/75.8″ with exterior mirrors) /height 1,416 mm (55.7″)
Wheelbase: 2,467 mm (97.1″)
Weight, unladen: 1,180 kg (2,602 lb) (minimum weight including driver according to Regulations)
Top speed: approx. 230 km/h (143 mph)
Drivers are furthermore required to wear the HANS (Head and Neck Support) system already well-known from Formula 1. And benefiting from both a sports steering wheel and power steering, the drivers are able to keep their cars under control perfectly at all times.
Yet another safety feature quite unique in clubsport cars of this kind is that the anti-lock brakes remain fully functional, naturally adapted to the specific conditions prevailing at the respective race track.
The adjustable racing suspension on the MINI Cooper S is naturally also set to the specific speeds and racing requirements encountered in the MINI CHALLENGE. In fact, this is where the driver and his team have the best options to set the car to their specific, personal requirements, thus gaining an advantage over the competition:
Drivers have the choice of two different spring rates and specifications, with in-finite adjustment of the special racing dampers fitted in the car. And the experienced driver participating in the MINI CHALLENGE is also able to vary tyre pressure and the position of the roof spoiler, again obtaining minor improvements in the set-up of the car.
Equal chances for all participants and the use of straightforward technical features reduced to the essential are two of the principal philosophies in the MINI CHALLENGE Regulations. Precisely this is why all cars are prepared at one and the same point on behalf of MINI and delivered in race trim to participants in the MINI CHALLENGE.
Major components such as the engine and gearbox are sealed at crucial points to prevent any modification by the teams or individual repair possibly involving certain changes. A further point is that the engine control units used during practice, in qualifying, and in the race itself, are allocated to participants prior to each event by way of a lottery. And last but certainly not least, the MINI CHALLENGE light-alloy rims (7 x 17 inches) and the standard tyres (205/620 R 17 dry and wet) are the same for all entrants in the race.
In choosing the basic set-up for the MINI Cooper S, the engineers preparing the cars for the MINI CHALLENGE attach utmost significance to smooth, dependable and forgiving handling, the extra safety provided in this way making the MINI CHALLENGE cars particularly suitable for rookie drivers and amateurs. Similarly, technical maintenance of the cars is also as straight-forward and uncomplicated as possible, with many parts and components available from every MINI Dealer. Special parts and components, in turn, are supplied by the MINI CHALLENGE Organisation, with the MINI CHALLENGE truck being the right address for teams in the paddocks seeking technical advice.
Configuration: Straight-four power unit, supercharged, fitted in transverse arrangement, power enhanced by the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit, complete with John Cooper Works racing exhaust
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Output: 154 kW (210 hp) at 6,950 rpm
Compression ratio: 8.3 : 1
Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Front-wheel drive, sports gearbox with six forward gears
Chassis and suspension.
Suspension: Independent suspension all round, John Cooper Motorsports suspension by KW with infinitely adjustable dampers and two different spring rates allowed at the front and rear (also with an additional spring at the front), anti-roll bars front and rear, adjustable spring strut dome bar at the front.
Brakes: John Cooper Motorsports brakes, front: inner-vented discs measuring 330 mm (13.00″) in diameter and 26 mm (1.02″) in thickness, four-piston aluminium fixed callipers, rear: discs measuring 259 mm (10.20″) in diameter and 10 mm (0.39″) in thickness, four-piston alu-minium fixed callipers.
Rims: 7 x 17-inch BBS light-alloy rims.
Tyres: Dunlop racing tyres without (slicks) and with (wet) tread, all tyres measuring 205/620 R 17.
Steering: Hydraulically boosted rack-and-pinion steering.
Body/dimensions.
Configuration:
Monocoque all-steel bodyshell, three doors, Aerodynamics Package with adjustable rear spoiler, occupant safety provided by a safety cell firmly welded to the body, RECARO bucket seat, five-point safety belt, two-chamber fire extinguishing system.
Dimensions: Length 3,655 mm (143.9″)/width 1,688 mm (66.5″) (1,925 mm/75.8″ with exterior mirrors) /height 1,416 mm (55.7″)
Wheelbase: 2,467 mm (97.1″)
Weight, unladen: 1,180 kg (2,602 lb) (minimum weight including driver according to Regulations)
Top speed: approx. 230 km/h (143 mph)
Thats spec is of the German factory built race cars, the uk cars differed on spec massively. They were pretty basic in someways next to some of the German parts used.
Heres as much of the specs of the UK cars as I can remember.
UK Challenge R53's were built and designed to a lighter spec by John Cooper Garages (now know as mini motor sport)
Safety: Bolt in full cage, Corbeu pro series (later evolution) bucket seats, Luke 5 point harnesses, plumbed in fire system, aluminum fuel tank shields.
Chassis: Safety Devices full bolt in cage, Spax then Bilstien and then the same KW race suspension as the German cars, JCM strut brace, the uk cars anti roll bars were not upgraded and many of the teams actually used the stock bar front of the cooper (22mm) instead of the S bar which was thicker.
Brakes: AP racing 4 pot calipers with 302x22mm discs (branded john cooper motor sport) with mintex race compound pads.
Wheels: BBS 16x7 Cross spokes with 205-50-16 dunlop semi slick DZG03 compounds, later 05' - onwards Dunlop full slicks.
Engine: John Cooper Garages 225 bhp motor sport engine package, cylinder head, 14% (red painted) reduction supercharger pulley mounted on a gen 5 teflon coated M45, John cooper motor sport 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, john cooper motor sport cat back (an exact replica of both is now made by piper) John cooper motor sport air filter, John Cooper Motorsport ECU tune, uprated NKG spark plugs.
Body work, OEM areo kit with molded brake ducts (later challenge spec front bumper with wider arches was made, JCM adjustable spoiler.
Heres as much of the specs of the UK cars as I can remember.
UK Challenge R53's were built and designed to a lighter spec by John Cooper Garages (now know as mini motor sport)
Safety: Bolt in full cage, Corbeu pro series (later evolution) bucket seats, Luke 5 point harnesses, plumbed in fire system, aluminum fuel tank shields.
Chassis: Safety Devices full bolt in cage, Spax then Bilstien and then the same KW race suspension as the German cars, JCM strut brace, the uk cars anti roll bars were not upgraded and many of the teams actually used the stock bar front of the cooper (22mm) instead of the S bar which was thicker.
Brakes: AP racing 4 pot calipers with 302x22mm discs (branded john cooper motor sport) with mintex race compound pads.
Wheels: BBS 16x7 Cross spokes with 205-50-16 dunlop semi slick DZG03 compounds, later 05' - onwards Dunlop full slicks.
Engine: John Cooper Garages 225 bhp motor sport engine package, cylinder head, 14% (red painted) reduction supercharger pulley mounted on a gen 5 teflon coated M45, John cooper motor sport 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, john cooper motor sport cat back (an exact replica of both is now made by piper) John cooper motor sport air filter, John Cooper Motorsport ECU tune, uprated NKG spark plugs.
Body work, OEM areo kit with molded brake ducts (later challenge spec front bumper with wider arches was made, JCM adjustable spoiler.
DanGT said:
The supper charged engines are quite good and strong. The later turbo engins are not as strong but have lower CO2 and beter MPG.
Thanks Dan, but I am not that worried about CO2 & MPG for the race variant, at least not unless I'm going to do any endurance racing where fuel consumption ois a factor, and I doubt i ever will be!Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff