GBMINI better than a Ferrari?

Posted on by Ian C.

Another in the occasional series of photo comparisons … today my friend Roberto received his first piece of work in his newly established classic vehicle restoration business, and I visited:

GBMINI#2 and Ferrari
GBMINI#2 and Ferrari
GBMINI#2 and Ferrari
GBMINI#2 and Ferrari
GBMINI#2 and Ferrari

GBMINI is much more practical both inside and out – the Ferrari was cramped inside and incredibly noisy outside (sounded like it had no exhaust at all!); so low to the ground and rear wheel drive will make it hopeless in winter time – so I will keep GBMINI! 😉

JCW upgrade upgraded

Posted on by Ian C.

Today at MINI Peabody, GBMINIs JCW upgrade got upgraded to the ’05 spec – this consists of replacing the fuel injectors with ones that allow more fuel flow, and replacing the air filter with a sophisticated two intake version; the original front air intake remains but an extra valved intake is added at the back, with air being taken in through the duct at the base of the windshield, through a cutout in the cowl (this replacement part is included in the upgrade kit).
The valve is electronically controlled by the updated engine computer, and opens at 4500 rpm – when it opens, the noise level increases significantly!

Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC
Minolta DSC

This new air intake is available without the rest of the JCW kit and would be a great option for someone that wants a better performing air intake without the constant extra noise that many aftermarket ones give – by having the extra valve open only at high revs, there is no extra noise during “normal” driving below 4500 rpm …

UPDATE: This post on MINI2 makes the interesting comment that after installing the new JCW air intake, the flap appears to open even without update the engine computer! Very curious …