My 2006 Mini Cooper S
- Thread starter Neil_M
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Neil_M
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- #127
Cheers batman.
I'm well out of touch with the detailing game now. As you well know it gets plenty of rave reviews.
Based on how easy it was to apply, I'm suitably impressed.
I still need to sort the JCW exhaust.
Has the postman delivered your toys yet?
Gibbo
RMS Regular
Looks great Neil, you’ll not be disappointed by the coating, should see well through winter and into spring with it!
Gibbo
RMS Regular
I hope so!
I might actually try it on the Civic at some stage too. Might shave a few seconds off.
It’s worth a try
Neil_M
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Time to finally get my custom JCW Exhaust fitted to the mini.
Naturally I couldn't just fit the exhaust as is...
So once the restrictive section in the rear exhaust was cut out and removed (it's a crushed section providing clearance for a support bar on convertable models) (a brilliant job by Dee's Exhausts), repairs were made to the exhaust twice (crap "fabricator" in Antrim) the exhaust was sound. But being mainly mild steel and after experimenting with the ceramic coatings on my track day Civic, I thought it would be worth coating the exhaust.
A shot of the mid section after blasting.
Then after coating.
The rear section after coating. Then onto curing.
Naturally the exhaust must be treated to new hardware. So new mounts were ordered. These are notoriously weak on the Mini's.
Their durability was enhanced with a little Polyurethane adhesive, while still alowing the exhaust to move and expand.
The mini up on ramps just as I'm about to get stuck in...
The mid section has been disconnected from the cat section here along with the middle support plate unbolted.
It's out. Actually a very easy job.
You can see the path the exhaust flows, compare it to the JCW item shown during coating above.
Another potential restriction.
Just as well I was replacing the exhaust.
I believe it was starting to blow here.
Again while I had the exhaust off... I thought it was worth while to grease the gear linkages. This white cover is on the underside of the transmission tunnel, below where the shifter assembly, is and above the exhaust and heat shield. No real photos taken here as I was rushing to get this done. It was quite awkward and the cover did crack during removal. All was fixed up and sorted. The linkages on the mini are notoriuous for needing greased and becomming stiff, so another job off the list.
Starting to build up the new exhaust. Bushes for the mid section being lubed up.
A peak down the new mid section. Not much restriction here.
I naturally couldn't fit a moderately corroded centre support plate to the new exhaust. So a good used example was sourced and painted. Fitted here with stainless bolts holding the bushes in place.
A new OE gasket on, with the studs copper greased.
The centre section is on. New OE nuts were used to attach the mid section to the cat section. Stainless bolts were to secure the support plate to the underbody.
New bushes installed on the rear exhaust and it was fitted up with new stainless nuts.
It was a fairly straight forward job.
My only issue was being sent the wrong size of clamp for the slip joint between the mid and rear section. However the fire gum I applied seems to have sealed it up fine. I ordered another exhaust clamp, I will fit it when it arrives for good measure.
A quick test drive shows no leaks from the exhaust ye-ha! I was a little worried about the slip joint, but it seems fine.
I'm loving the small pipes hanging out of the rear bumper. Very GT40 or rally car style.
Time to fit the JCW tail pipe finishers.
I used stainless steel button head screws and used blue Loctite to secure them in place.
All fitted.
The internals of the finishers need a little more work. It's a wire wool or mild abrasive job... Though the external sections of the finishers cleaned up well, despite some sections losing their chrome coating.
They certainly look more aggressive than the standard Cooper S tips.
As expected from an OE system a very straight fitment.
Sound wise, I need to give it a little more time to bed in... However it's a little bassier on cold start, nothing OTT though. It was really fitted to improve on flow over the standard system.
Based on the condition of the standard system I'm glad I did replace it.
I'll get a decent sound clip organised ASAP.
I'll also have to get the car on a rolling road soon to see how she's running and at what power level. I'd hope for 190 - 200 bhp.
Naturally I couldn't just fit the exhaust as is...
So once the restrictive section in the rear exhaust was cut out and removed (it's a crushed section providing clearance for a support bar on convertable models) (a brilliant job by Dee's Exhausts), repairs were made to the exhaust twice (crap "fabricator" in Antrim) the exhaust was sound. But being mainly mild steel and after experimenting with the ceramic coatings on my track day Civic, I thought it would be worth coating the exhaust.
A shot of the mid section after blasting.
Then after coating.
The rear section after coating. Then onto curing.
Naturally the exhaust must be treated to new hardware. So new mounts were ordered. These are notoriously weak on the Mini's.
Their durability was enhanced with a little Polyurethane adhesive, while still alowing the exhaust to move and expand.
The mini up on ramps just as I'm about to get stuck in...
The mid section has been disconnected from the cat section here along with the middle support plate unbolted.
It's out. Actually a very easy job.
You can see the path the exhaust flows, compare it to the JCW item shown during coating above.
Another potential restriction.
Just as well I was replacing the exhaust.
I believe it was starting to blow here.
Again while I had the exhaust off... I thought it was worth while to grease the gear linkages. This white cover is on the underside of the transmission tunnel, below where the shifter assembly, is and above the exhaust and heat shield. No real photos taken here as I was rushing to get this done. It was quite awkward and the cover did crack during removal. All was fixed up and sorted. The linkages on the mini are notoriuous for needing greased and becomming stiff, so another job off the list.
Starting to build up the new exhaust. Bushes for the mid section being lubed up.
A peak down the new mid section. Not much restriction here.
I naturally couldn't fit a moderately corroded centre support plate to the new exhaust. So a good used example was sourced and painted. Fitted here with stainless bolts holding the bushes in place.
A new OE gasket on, with the studs copper greased.
The centre section is on. New OE nuts were used to attach the mid section to the cat section. Stainless bolts were to secure the support plate to the underbody.
New bushes installed on the rear exhaust and it was fitted up with new stainless nuts.
It was a fairly straight forward job.
My only issue was being sent the wrong size of clamp for the slip joint between the mid and rear section. However the fire gum I applied seems to have sealed it up fine. I ordered another exhaust clamp, I will fit it when it arrives for good measure.
A quick test drive shows no leaks from the exhaust ye-ha! I was a little worried about the slip joint, but it seems fine.
I'm loving the small pipes hanging out of the rear bumper. Very GT40 or rally car style.
Time to fit the JCW tail pipe finishers.
I used stainless steel button head screws and used blue Loctite to secure them in place.
All fitted.
The internals of the finishers need a little more work. It's a wire wool or mild abrasive job... Though the external sections of the finishers cleaned up well, despite some sections losing their chrome coating.
They certainly look more aggressive than the standard Cooper S tips.
As expected from an OE system a very straight fitment.
Sound wise, I need to give it a little more time to bed in... However it's a little bassier on cold start, nothing OTT though. It was really fitted to improve on flow over the standard system.
Based on the condition of the standard system I'm glad I did replace it.
I'll get a decent sound clip organised ASAP.
I'll also have to get the car on a rolling road soon to see how she's running and at what power level. I'd hope for 190 - 200 bhp.
Thunderace
RMS Regular
looks really well. great job
j44nty
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Excellent as always.
Neil_M
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- #143
Cheers!
Thank you sir. They have aged well IMO, along with the interior. I was just thinking the interior still does look very fresh on Sunday.
Glad to say the car didn't explode on the way to work and the exhaust tips are still there...
Best of all the standard exhaust system finishes just at the edge of the rear bumper. During cold mornings the hatch back shape tends to make the rear window steam up. The longer JCW tips extend the exhaust a little vastly reducing that.
The cold start up and low speed drive as I left the house does point to a bassier rumble. She does seem to be picking up better. But that's only from my ass dyno. Then again taking around 3 foot out of the exhaust system should make it a little peppier.
Neil_M
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- #147
A nice interior shot from the Christmas holidays, she is certainly in great condition.
An issue highlighted to me by @Carson was that the steering shaft bearing can run dry and make noise. Naturally this had me paranoid despite mine not making any noise. The column cover was removed and the bearing was greased up top and bottom. As easy job, so no complaints there. Preventative maintenance FTW.
Then Saturday getting the mini washed up.
The exhaust while externally very clean, the inner section needs a little more work to have it perfect. As time allows I will get back on that.
I noticed over the colder mornings the side mirrors weren't heating. Anyway cover popped off expecting corroded contacts or the mirror glass on both sides was replaced with non heated glass... there is no wiring there for the heating elements. In short heated side mirrors were an option on the minis is seems, more commonly coming with heated seats and washer jets. Bit of a daft move. Retrofit kits are available, I'll have a think about that.
I thought these shots looked pretty cool with the garage light and work light highlighting the car.
Time to get back into the heat for a beer!
An issue highlighted to me by @Carson was that the steering shaft bearing can run dry and make noise. Naturally this had me paranoid despite mine not making any noise. The column cover was removed and the bearing was greased up top and bottom. As easy job, so no complaints there. Preventative maintenance FTW.
Then Saturday getting the mini washed up.
The exhaust while externally very clean, the inner section needs a little more work to have it perfect. As time allows I will get back on that.
I noticed over the colder mornings the side mirrors weren't heating. Anyway cover popped off expecting corroded contacts or the mirror glass on both sides was replaced with non heated glass... there is no wiring there for the heating elements. In short heated side mirrors were an option on the minis is seems, more commonly coming with heated seats and washer jets. Bit of a daft move. Retrofit kits are available, I'll have a think about that.
I thought these shots looked pretty cool with the garage light and work light highlighting the car.
Time to get back into the heat for a beer!
Neil_M
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- #149
I've spent the last few days working at my sons car outside and although its not freezing, its not pleasant. hats off to you for being out there all the time.
Mini looks fantastic btw.
Cheers man. I didn't actually find it that cold lol!
Work mats for the ground are a big win. Even for setting parts on.
It looks like the rain has stopped, I may go back outside...