Issue #23

Issue Number 23 (December-January 2009/2010):

On the cover: We close out 2009 and start the new year with a photo of Aric Streeter's 1960 Austin Mini MKI. Although it runs in the guise of a classic, there's nothing old fashioned about this car. This street legal race car features carbon fiber hood, trunk and interior door panels and is powered by a Pro-motive Yamaha YZF-R1 engine.  It will do zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and according to it's owner, shutting down Porsche's and Corvettes is loads of fun. Our midwest correspondent, Mark Scheuern, snapped some great shots of this little barn storm, and the words were written by yours truly. Read all about one of the coolest Mini Hot Rods we've seen yet, starting on page 24.
  
 
Our editorial package this issue, starts with a report on the MINI Palooza(page 22), held in Winston-Salem, NC, this past September. Marilyn Stemp was on hand in town, on the road and at VIR for track time and provides a full description of all the action.
  
One things MINIs are all about is handling. Stock MINIs handle pretty well, but true enthusiasts are always looking to improve it, especially if they track their cars.  One of the best ways to improve handling, is detailed on page 28 in Flat Corners, where Jim Harmon extolls the virtues of the Hotchkis rear sway bar. According to Harmon, the Hotchkis rear sway bar is an easy project for the DIYer and a great way to improve handling.
     
First time MINI owners are always excited to get their cars and can't wait to start modifying them for improved power and performance. Pullies, intercoolers and a host of other parts are often bolted in with the hope that increased power will be forthcoming. But power comes at a price and the cost spent doesn't always equal the amount of power achieved.  Neil Chirico, however, says that the first mod every MINI owner should do is a dyno tune.  In, Your First Mod (page 30), Neil details the performance and economy gains he experienced when he had his MINI tuned by Jason Bowman of Mynes Performance at ABF Motoring in Lake Forest CA (www.mynesperformance.com and www.abfmotoring.com). Needles to say, Neil was happy. You will be too, when you dyno your car.
  
On page 32, Barry Brazier details the latest addons to our Project Clubman. This month, we've added a JCW Aero Kit with wing, carbon fiber inserts and dash panel, as well as WeatherTech floormats on the interior, and a Cravenspeed Platypus license plate relocator (www.waymotorworks.com). Yes, Project Clubman in starting to really shape up nicely; be sure to read all the details of what's been done and what's coming.
  
One of the problems with the S model is that heat sinking from the turbocharger will often warp the hood scoop after the vehicle has bee driven hard and then parked.  Jim Harmon offers A Cool Touch on page 36 with the installation of the M7 Aerogel heatshield, that not only does the job in protecting the scoop, but looks better than the factory original.
  
In Vehicle Electronics (page 38), MC2's Technical Editor, Matt Richter, details what's going on under the skin of our MINIs.  He discusses OBD-II, K-bus, CAN bus, i-BUS and other factory electronic systems, explains how they work in concert and tells us what's top come in the future. Great reading for those wanting to know more about their MINIs.
  

If you want more power, then improving exhuast is a good way to get it. Jeff Zurschmeide's treatise on Easy Breathing discusses the advantages to be had from aftermarket exhaust systems, as well as the pitfalls to avoid. Jeff compared four different brands in an install recently and let's it all hang out for the reader. Complete details begin on page 40.
  
Then, on page 64, The One Stop Shop is reviewed. Mach V Motorsports (www.fastmini.net) provides parts, accessories, service and customization services. Owner Dan Hurwitz strives to deliver rolling perfection with every car that leaves his service bays and says that he is more than just a repair shop, he's a one stop shop.
  
 
In our Mini Heritage Section, our Senior European Correspondent and historian, Graham Robson writes about the Cooper Formula Junior cars that John Cooper raced before getting into Formula One. The Juniors, used the famed A-series engine made famous by Mini, so there is more than just a casual connection to our favorite cars. Graham's great historial piece begins on page 47.
  
Then, on page 51, Rob Marshall delves into Part II of Saving A Classic. Last month Rob introduced this early Mini restoration project and this issue he details the bodywork repairs needed to the car's floorpan and front clip, as it is restored to its former glory.
  

VTEC conversions seem to be all the rage these days in classic Minis, and Brian Smart's Riley Elf is no exception. This sharp looking classic looks stock at a quick glance, but closer inspection reveals wide tires, wheel flares, Mazda seats, custom gauges and, of course, VTEC power. Barry Brazier examines The Life of Riley on page 54.
  
All in all, I think we have lined up a pretty great issue for you. But as they say on television, "But wait... there's more!"  In addition to all the above, we've all the regular columns, Clubs & Events reports, a recap of Mickey & MINI 5, a look at the Latvian MINI 50 party, Mini book reviews, a fully stocked Calendar of Events for 2010, our famous Last Word and a few techncial and how-to stories not mentioned here. If you are a subscriber, you should be receiving your issue any day - if you haven't already gotten it - and if not, well, you can always subscribe. All you have to do is click here.~ Peter D. DuPre, Editor In Chief