And Another... Pepper White R53 Mini Cooper S - MY05 JCW

[Lauren_E]

So as some may already know the Blue R53 and Grey R53 are getting broken to make way for either a F56 JCW or Mk7 Golf R. In the mean time I picked this up from Chris. It has to be one of the best spec’d R53’s around. It has all the genuine JCW bits (even has JCW plate) but unfortunately it is only a Cooper S

We had worked on the car over the years and I always had a soft spot for it, so when the opportunity arose to buy it I jumped at it.

It has some nice rare bits on it some of which are below:

• Full JCW Aero Kit
• R95 Alloys
• JCW Exhaust
• R53 JCW Brakes
• Heated Recaro Two Tone Interior
• Anthracite Headlining
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Heated Windscreen
• Auto Wipers & Lights
• Chrono Pack
• Auto Climate Control
• Genuine JCW Steering Wheel with Carbon Insert
• JCW Carbon Handbrake
• JCW Carbon Gearknob
• JCW Auxiliary Gauges
• JCW Shift Light
• JCW Strut Brace
• JCW Airbox

It is standard at the minute but that will change shortly as I've the performance bits all sitting for it, it's just a matter of fitting them. It's also booked in to get the roof and mirrors repainted red and there is a few bits and pieces I want to swap over from the blue car

 

[Robin_Hood]

Stunning!
Can‘t believe Chris sold it

 

[SPIKE_]

First class….that’s a beautiful R53! As mentioned, the spec is top drawer

 

[McKay]

That’s a beaut @Lauren_E

 

[redanni]

Looks a crackin wee car that

 

[ALN]

It's a non JCW with more JCW bits than a JCW lol.

 

[Lauren_E]

So didn't take long before I started taking it apart. First up was remove the steering wheel so I could give it a good clean
Before shows how shiny the Alcantara was going

After

Then while the wheel was out I could get access to clean properly and one thing lead to another and half the car was apart

So again while I was that far, I changed over the piano black dash and door cards

Hertz speakers and Kenwood DAB head Unit fitted to freshen things up. Just have the rear speakers to do when I take out the rear panels

And last but not least Alcantara gaiters fitted along with a JCW carbon gearknob surround

It's a non JCW with more JCW bits than a JCW lol.

It has Real credit goes to Chris for sourcing all the bits over the years

 

[ALN]

What did you clean the alacantara with there? Looks like it freshened up well

 

[Lauren_E]

What did you clean the alacantara with there? Looks like it freshened up well

Let it soak in the sink full of warm water for about 30 mins then a gentle scrub with soft nail brush

 

[martybelfastsri]

id imagine youd drive the golf R for a bit and change it to the jcw...you have/had some lovely minis and really know you way round them what would you do with a golf?

 

[Lauren_E]

id imagine youd drive the golf R for a bit and change it to the jcw...you have/had some lovely minis and really know you way round them what would you do with a golf?

You are probably right and it’s more likely it will be the JCW next but the Golf R is a box I’d like to tick eventually

 

[johnm]

I actually meant to get a look at those seats when I was up the other day and went out of my head. Will no doubt end up looking a pair.

 

[Lauren_E]

So managed to get some time to switch over a few more bits.
ITG Foam Filter was fitted to JCW airbox along with an Alta silicone intake pipe
GP Intercooler and brackets were fitted,
JCW Strut brace was polished and adjusted so it wasn't rubbing on the bonnet insulation
Canton header tank with stant cap was also fitted

And last but not least, was given a wash with @Big Pimp 's finest and the BBS RC323 alloys with Michelin PS4 swapped over

 

[Big Pimp]

What a cool, well sorted wee motor. Bet you it goes well now!

 

[southsky sunrise]

Class

 

[Lauren_E]

From I picked up the red R53 fJCW I had been toying with the idea of selling this. It was put back to a standard and most of the nice JCW bits put onto the red one. I had it provisionally sold but at the last minute the buyer had to pull out due to finance. To be honest I was glad as I really love this car so pulled it off the market.
As the Recaros were swapped over to the other car, I replaced them with heated park lane lounge leather, perfect choice for a daily as they are so comfy and much easier kept clean
Few pics of how it currently is

It’s sorned now as there are a few big updates on the horizon
One of which is putting in the fast road engine I have sitting
Project make the car fast is a go

Engine should be out tomorrow but as I’m just working around the work schedule of space in the workshop it could be slow enough progress lol

 

[BabyCraig_]

All these mini threads are making me really fancy one

 

[Lauren_E]

Things starting to roll on nicely. Engine is out and ancillaries being transferred over to new engine for hopefully fitting tomorrow

Had intended getting everything cleaned up in the coming weeks but when the free time is there it can be fitted and cleaned at a later date
Looks like an off-roader now

Specs will be as follows
- Fully rebuilt engine including all new seals/gaskets
- Newman PH2 Cam
- Supercharger serviced with fresh oil and new seals
- 17% Cravenspeed Pulley
- Blue JCW Injectors
- Airtec Top Mount Intercooler
- New LUK Clutch and Flywheel
- ITG Foam Filter in JCW Airbox
- Fletcher Alloy Radiator
- New Aircon Radiator
- New Alternator
- New Belt Pulley and Tensioner
- New Harmonic Crank Pulley

Spec list is pretty common with what I usually do, but I’ve tried and tested it with a few R53s I’ve had and it’s a decent setup for power, reliability and cost
Engine will hopefully be in tomorrow then it can be wheeled into the corner until it’s properly mapped

 

[Blackie]

You don’t hang about lol loving your threads!! Not helping me stay sensible with my R50 though!

 

[Lauren_E]

While everything was out and easily worked at I thought it was as good a time as any to tidy/improve
The subframe was stripped back, treated and painted black

The P Bushings were also upgraded to Powerflex polybushings

New Air Con condenser fitted along with the Fletcher Alloy Radiator

So everything built back up again. Mapped to just shy of 235bhp

Unfortunately this is probably the end of the road with it. Due to picking up the Subaru a car has to go, so this is the one that’s looking most likely. I’ll really miss it as it has such a good spec and drives so so well but, onwards and upwards.

 

[Ben P]

Pm me details when you have a figure

 

[Lauren_E]

I just can’t bring myself to sell this, it is also making a great daily while the other cars are sorn’d for winter
After all the work done it makes sense to keep it for a while longer. Much to @Wild Thing delight of yet another car of mine taking up parking space in the yard.
So it got got a new look today, OZ Leggendas fitted. While the wheels were off the arches got a bit of a clean as well

 

[da.murf]

Those wheels are awesome but would look even better tucked into those arches.

Lovely car

 

[Lauren_E]

Those wheels are awesome but would look even better tucked into those arches.

Lovely car

I absolutely agree! Arch gap is criminal Coilovers are next to come but at the minute with sorting the subaru out it is down the priority list

 

[Lauren_E]

Bit of TLC over the weekend. Much needed as it was absolutely caked in road grime. Full underside power wash, exterior cleaned, fallout removed and detarred. Polished, waxed and coat of hybrid. Cleans up not too bad for a 18 year old car