nod in understanding approval – probably proud as punch - of that even stronger Kiwi trait of being gluttons for punishment: like Burt, they went back. “It has performed incredibly well all week, propelling our wee car to a stunning 166mph and earning us two more world speed records,” came from a team spokeperson after bettering their 2012 efforts last month, despite some troubles. “No one expects a highly tuned race motor to last forever and we had hoped it would last a week. We won’t know exactly what failed until it’s apart but we suspect it was the BMC oil pump. “On our record run the oil pressure dropped suddenly during the run and the show was over. We’re leaving Bonneville incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team and grateful for all the friendships old and new strengthened by this experience. Next time someone tells you it can’t be done, find someone else to play with and make it happen.” The motorsport team had some cracking runs, eventually setting a highest speed over the three-mile course of 166.046mph (about 267km), in the final mile. You don’t get from zero to hero without some hard work by a committed team, and when it comes to ground zero that was a very rusty Cooper S. Project 64’s mechanics and engineers repaired parts of the body shell from a similarly aged Morris 850. A roll cage to conform to SCTA requirements for record runs was added. The short-stroke 970 A-series Cooper S motor was bored to 998cc and modified with a BMW K1200R motorcycle twin cam 4 valve per cylinder head, fuel injection, and an IHI turbocharger and intercooler. The modified engine delivers approximately 286 bhp (213kW) on pump fuel and 328 bhp (245kW) on methanol. The aerodynamics of the chassis was optimised and 12-inch Yokohama tyres rated for speeds up to 150mph (240km/h) were fitted. The body is stock apart from a front spoiler, smooth undertray, modified grille and ducting for the air intake. The team is likely to already be organising the next adventure to the salt, keen as mustard to break the “iconic speed” at Bonneville of 175mph or 280km/h. You wouldn’t back against it happening. EN Driver: Nelson Hartley CLASS: I/BGCC (under 1000cc turbo or supercharged petrol competition coupe) BODY: 1964 Mk1 Mini Cooper. External changes were minimal – a new grille was made to duct air into the intercooler, one front indicator became a duct for driver ventilation, a vertical front airdam was added and the underside of the Mini was clad in aluminium sheet to improve airflow. ENGINE: A-Series 970 Cooper S engine with BMW K1200 motorcycle cylinder head, four-bolt main bearing caps, crankshaft designed by Heritage Garage and Marine Crankshaft, Specialist Components con rods, forged pistons, 7.5:1 compression ratio with up to 18 psi boost via an intercooled IHI turbo. Full engine management. 9000 max rpm. In 2012: 286bhp on pump fuel and 328bhp on methanol. In 2016: approximately 330bhp on pump fuel. Standard fuel tank but uprated fuel filter and pumps. Radiator replaced with ice cooled water tank in passenger cell. TRANSMISSION: Straight-cut gearbox with very tall final drive ratio. SUSPENSION: Hi-Lo adjustable suspension and uprated dampers. BRAKES: Non-servo-assisted setup. Discs up front, drums rear. WHEELS AND TYRES: 12-inch steel wheels with home-made moon discs, Yokohama A048 165/55×12 tyres – 150mph speed rated tyres. For 2016 these have been shaved by Nate Jones Tires and are now rated at 180mph. INTERIOR: Stripped with Bonneville-spec roll cage, built-in fire extinguisher system. Standard battery position. GPS tracking equipment. www.engineeringnews.co.nz 17
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