Vini – the Powerflex V8 Mini
Discussion
So with large chunks of the floorpan missing but the major components in place it was time to start putting some strength back in.
The majority of the floor was to be double skinned for strength and heat refection so these structural parts were going to be perfect to build an air gap.
Looking from above through the windscreen aperture
The exhausts are going to route close to the floor next to the gearbox on each side so heat management planning was a priority at this stage
The majority of the floor was to be double skinned for strength and heat refection so these structural parts were going to be perfect to build an air gap.
Looking from above through the windscreen aperture
The exhausts are going to route close to the floor next to the gearbox on each side so heat management planning was a priority at this stage
Seeing his race car builds and the quality, detail and effort he goes to was the reason I chose Eliot to build it. I can't think of anyone who would have been brave and talented to do it.
There are many skilled people around but it is the thought he puts in to each piece that make him different I think.
There are many skilled people around but it is the thought he puts in to each piece that make him different I think.
On to the gearbox and propshaft covers.
Not really something that was ever needed in the front wheel drive Mini but a huge fabrication job looked to be made straightforward on the Powerflex Mini
by ED Motorsport
The floor is raised nearly 2 inches to gain ground clearance for the exhausts
The cage is looking quite extensive now. Strength being the requirement, both for safety but also shell stiffness
Not really something that was ever needed in the front wheel drive Mini but a huge fabrication job looked to be made straightforward on the Powerflex Mini
by ED Motorsport
The floor is raised nearly 2 inches to gain ground clearance for the exhausts
The cage is looking quite extensive now. Strength being the requirement, both for safety but also shell stiffness
So, with the gearbox in, it needs a rear mount.
Sounds straightforward enough.
Even fabricating this rear gearbox mounting from a drawing would take an age but when you are having to position everything in fresh air and make something fit, I can't imagine the time and effort required.
The position of this and angle is dictated by the engine position and angle, this is dictated by the steering rack position which is critical due to the sump design, the steering rack position is dictated by the front subframe assembly which controls the front suspension geometry which is positioned in relation to the front wheel centres which are the only fixed points.
And all of this works because of decisions and measurements take months and months prior to fabricating this mount!
I am writing this as the commissioner of the car. Not the builder.
I'm an engineer and run an engineering/development business, Powerflex but I am in awe of the work that EDM and Eliot have put in and what they have achieved thus far.
Sounds straightforward enough.
Even fabricating this rear gearbox mounting from a drawing would take an age but when you are having to position everything in fresh air and make something fit, I can't imagine the time and effort required.
The position of this and angle is dictated by the engine position and angle, this is dictated by the steering rack position which is critical due to the sump design, the steering rack position is dictated by the front subframe assembly which controls the front suspension geometry which is positioned in relation to the front wheel centres which are the only fixed points.
And all of this works because of decisions and measurements take months and months prior to fabricating this mount!
I am writing this as the commissioner of the car. Not the builder.
I'm an engineer and run an engineering/development business, Powerflex but I am in awe of the work that EDM and Eliot have put in and what they have achieved thus far.
Now to the rear.
EDM decided to use the rear end from an Impreza, very early on.
It is an almost completely self contained subframe with correctly positioned suspension pick up points, great geometry, very strong wishbones, Powerflex bushes of course.
The diff chosen is the Impreza R180 Spec C with plated LSd and we have added a Cusco high capacity diff cover, thermostatically controlled Mocal pump and Setrab cooler with electric fan. The driveshafts have been specially built and are rated at 600bhp.
Obviously huge chassis mods to make everything fit and retain the correct geometry.
It also means we can use the very strong Impreza Spec C rear hubs which include sensors for the Bosch Motorsport M5 programmable ABS.
EDM decided to use the rear end from an Impreza, very early on.
It is an almost completely self contained subframe with correctly positioned suspension pick up points, great geometry, very strong wishbones, Powerflex bushes of course.
The diff chosen is the Impreza R180 Spec C with plated LSd and we have added a Cusco high capacity diff cover, thermostatically controlled Mocal pump and Setrab cooler with electric fan. The driveshafts have been specially built and are rated at 600bhp.
Obviously huge chassis mods to make everything fit and retain the correct geometry.
It also means we can use the very strong Impreza Spec C rear hubs which include sensors for the Bosch Motorsport M5 programmable ABS.
I have to say, normally when I see a thread that's up to a number of pages long I just read the first few posts, then the last one, but this has had me fixed; part of that is down to the mental idea in the first place (Bravo sir), but also the quality of the fabrication work. All too often you see total pigeon-s
t welding, or people who can fabricate, or engineer but not both. Eliot clearly knows his stuff.
I look forward to seeing this completed.
(I also have Powerflex products in m BMWs and am a registered distributor... low volumes as my restoration and prep business is part time for me, but still, thank you for your excellent products.)
t welding, or people who can fabricate, or engineer but not both. Eliot clearly knows his stuff.I look forward to seeing this completed.
(I also have Powerflex products in m BMWs and am a registered distributor... low volumes as my restoration and prep business is part time for me, but still, thank you for your excellent products.)
One small request from one of your distributors of Powerflex...
You may have already investigated it and decided against it, but could I suggest bushes for small chassis Triumphs?
Almost all the bushes are used on the Herald, Vitesse, Spitfire and GT6. I'm sure you're aware there is a big following of these cars. The front suspension in particular is used on many other classics and racing cars.
I'd be happy to help with the development of them, and can provide parts for measuring purposes etc.
You may have already investigated it and decided against it, but could I suggest bushes for small chassis Triumphs?
Almost all the bushes are used on the Herald, Vitesse, Spitfire and GT6. I'm sure you're aware there is a big following of these cars. The front suspension in particular is used on many other classics and racing cars.
I'd be happy to help with the development of them, and can provide parts for measuring purposes etc.
Given that the brief for Vini was that it is a promotional vehicle for Powerflex and should be road legal but also race legal, the safety aspects needed to be correct.
An FIA bag tank would be needed and housed within it's own container with sealing from the main people compartment.
Once again, after removing the floor at the back, EDM's CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) skills were needed.
ATL were incredibly helpful and fascinated by the project, which was a rear compliment considering the make the fuel tanks for the whole F1 grid.
The bag took some time to make, but typically of high end motorsport suppliers, it was delivered on exactly the day they promised and was perfect.
An FIA bag tank would be needed and housed within it's own container with sealing from the main people compartment.
Once again, after removing the floor at the back, EDM's CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) skills were needed.
ATL were incredibly helpful and fascinated by the project, which was a rear compliment considering the make the fuel tanks for the whole F1 grid.
The bag took some time to make, but typically of high end motorsport suppliers, it was delivered on exactly the day they promised and was perfect.
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