Frog - Re-spawned! *I'm Back Baby, and Castle Combe Sept 21*
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi folks, finally got round to sorting out the Frog's new build thread. Had to keep the name, names never leave cars! I have a S3 Landie called Mabel too. Thought I'd get some smaller spanners out to play with a mini.

The Frog is a 1293cc T3 Turbo Austin Mini, purchased by me (unbeknown by the wife) September 2011. I won't rob any of Alex's piccys, will get out and do some myself hopefully this weekend.

Anyways, as a point of reference, the previous build threads for this car are as follows (nice work Alex):

September 2007 - October 2010
http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=175776

October 2010 – April 2011
http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=391446

Called up the guys at Slark Engineering today to book a RR and tune session. The guy I need is apparently on leave until next week but hope to get there then. At present, the car seems to be missing a little just before the turbo kicks in and I have to change down to accelerate through it. Need to sort fuelling for full boost anyway so tuning should hopefully sort everything out. Alex informs me it's had a carb and dizzy rebuild since the last one, so no surprises really. Will keep you all updated.

All going well I'll be along to Castle Coombe on the 24th to get some inspiration. Have a few buddies in Bath and is always a good meeting point.

Edited by daveg79 on 13th Sep, 2021.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

Good title!

What exactly is from 1962 on that car?

you loca to bath dave?

.

Edited by daveg79 on 13th Sep, 2021.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

The taxation status!

So been out in the Frog today after a week away, learning about it all the time. Getting used to the throttle and had no sign of the sticky brakes. Did have a poke around underneath and found a split steering gaiter, so need to get that fixed next week before the trip to Slark.

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Edited by daveg79 on 12th Sep, 2011.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

Car booked in with Slark, Friday 9am. I am rather excited!

Having never replaced a steering gaiter before, I was a little surprised when the kit didn't have any grease, like the red stuff oozing out of this. My local motor factors were equally flummoxed and advised I used EP90 gear oil instead. Hoping to get it done this afternoon.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

i'm not sure how you will get gear oil to stay in while you fit the gaiter! I'd use a bit of grease.

The original specification was for EP80 or EP90.

So long as you jack the car way up high on the side you are changing the gaiter, it's easy to dribble the heavy oil in (slowly). It just runs to the other end.


EDIT - BTW, red sounds like automatic tranmsmission fluid or power steering fluid - definately not right for a Mini steering rack. And it may not be compatible with normal EP oil (or grease)

Edited by Rod S on 12th Sep, 2011.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Rod, i'd suspect its that red grease that is in it (don't ask me for the technical spec though!)

Rob, you could be right, some red rubber grease left over from fitting the previous gaiters.

Usually red rubber grease is only used in small quantities on things like wheel cylinders, just for fitting the seals really.

Although someone may have packed a whole steering rack with it.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

I am fairly sure that was a recon rack fitted not that long ago, I have come across lots of recon companies who use red grease on items like this, no idea why really.

Yes, I know the rack was done recently, which was why it was so weird one gaiter was completely knackered and the other in good condition. Brown grease near the steering column, red towards the outside. There was stacks of grease still there so slipped the new one straight over. No room to fit any EP90, so gave it a miss. Nice to have a simple job for once!

Also sorted out a loose throttle cable and the dials that kept leaping out the dashboard at me.

Roll on Friday!

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

So the trip to Slark was excellent, spent anout 3 hours with Neil Slark setting up the car. Really pleased with the way it running (despite slight problem to overcome at the moment, see my Fuel / Electrics thread) and really looking forward to bolting some parts on.

Decided to go conservative with the boost until I get a bit more confident with handling. Getting 110bhp at 10psi. Certainly not the 143 quoted by Wilshers (!).

I hope to get it out for some track days next year, so plan to bolt on a supercool rad, and adjustable suspension hardware over the winter too.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

143 was at the fly, not wheels though Dave.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

Medusa + injection = too much torque for the dyno ..https://youtu.be/qg5o0_tJxYM

Gutted to have missed Coombe, but the problems with the fuel pump (and earth problem) sorted. Relay was kaput and shorting the main power down the switching line. Relay and wiring replaced, fuses inserted, and loom redressed. Dropped in a set of of BP8ES plugs as well. Onto the next project!

Planning to get the Frog thoroughly track prepped, so plan to swap out the radiator for a supercool, perhaps add additional fan and supplementary radiator (heater matrix). Will also give the brakes a good work out to see if the 'sticky' gremlins re-emerge. Major suspension upgrades may follow once I have a feel for the car.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

Good to hear it's sorted.

Why not bring it to the rolling road day and Pod RWYB at the weekend?

Would love to, but a little too far!

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

Okay, so after a good few months with the Frog, a lot of research and learning, I've gradually started to begin the refinement of what is already a pretty impressive motor. Whilst my initial plan was to spend on cooling and suspension, my plan has changed slightly to work on some of the cosmetic issues as it lends itself a bit better to winter work and should help if I need to move it on (not planning to!). Once the weather warms up a bit, I'll get it out on the track and see what needs attention first.

So, I am planning to add SOME weight, with a lightweight carpet and dashboard arrangement (undecided yet), but also decided to respray the now visible bits of the interior (rear bulkhead, roof, door surrounds etc.) to the body colour.

I've also invested in an oil temperature sensor for when I get round to a track day so I can assess the current situation without the oil cooler.

One pic of the almost prepped interior, after a lot of elbow grease, nitro moors and sandpaper, ready for primer. Plan to have it primed by the end of Feb (v busy at work)

Edited by daveg79 on 13th Sep, 2021.

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=440970

Really like this car...look forward to seeing it finished!

My build thread: http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=454802

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/85313398@N02/

I miss having it in the garage, and still can't believe you didn't tell your lovely wife by the way!

Looks like you have done a good job on the interior, however, I would not leave it bare metal for a month as the air is damp at this time of year and you will probably come back to a red rust interior. If nothing else, get some kurust over it all, then some red oxide primer.