Track project: 2006 R53 Mini Cooper S

pablo

RMS Moderator
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66,994
Location
Glengrimley
I really regret selling my VX220 (even though my back thanks me for it) and was hankering after another track car since. I did track the 911 down at Kirkistown but the fear factor is high so something a bit more 'disposable' was required. Budget creep set in a little but I think I found a fun little car that will put some smiles on track even if its not the quickest.

A covid defying trip to Newcastle Upon Tyne followed after a fairly cheeky ebay bid was accepted. And make the familiar journey home. Has a lot of stuff done that Id want but still enough tinker potential to keep me busy. The aftermarket scene is crazy for these and parts are so cheap. I can get a whole catback for less than the tailpipes cost on my 911!

Anyway enough waffle, here she is. Far from pretty but Ill get it tidied up in the coming months alright. And a years ticket into the bargain!

  • 2006 facelift model, Chilli Pack, Factory LSD, Climate Control
  • 99k miles
  • 12 months MOT, expires August 2022.
  • Last service August 2021
  • 17% KAVS reduced pulley, colder plugs
  • Teflon supercharger serviced by previous owner, approx. 5K miles ago
  • MTC / Ebay intercooler with 2x Dam Air diverter fins
  • Club Airbox mod with pipercross filter
  • Upgraded Bypass Valve
  • Upgraded R53OC metal dipstick
  • New radiator and expansion tank fitted 2020
  • Stainless steel exhaust, unidentified
  • Speedline Turini 16" lightweight alloys
  • Brand new Uniroyal Rainsport 5 tyres, 205/45/R16 XL
  • Brand new ST X Coilovers and top mounts (ride height adjustable)
  • Geometry setup at AK Automotive (no receipt unfortunately)
  • Drilled brake discs
  • Hydrodip carbon effect wing mirror caps
  • Aero grille
  • Sparco lightweight bucket seats
  • Rear seats removed and rear seat delete kit fitted
  • Pioneer SPH-10BT Bluetooth head unit and Pioneer door speakers
I gotta say the speedlines do look great in the flesh and a bit different from the norm but need a refurb so might end up Bronze!

Plans are the usual tidy up and make sure its running 100% then better brakes and some R888rs and Im good to go!

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ALN

RMS Regular
Messages
3,244
Location
Orlando, FL
Drives
Clio 182
Excellent. Really loved mine and regret selling it at times as it was a cracker.

I had an Ultragague plugged into mine which was cool wee bit of kit for £100.

Also keep an eye round the battery for water ingress. Think it has a tendency to get in visit the tail lights or something
 

Blackie

RMS Regular
Messages
10,471
Location
End of my tether
Drives
Who knows?
Looked great in the flesh, sounded even better with the charger whine and the over run as you were leaving my place.

Health to drive buddy
 

pablo

RMS Moderator
OP
pablo
Messages
66,994
Location
Glengrimley
the ultragauge is usless lol, the steering wheel completely obscures it. I might move it over to the other side of the speedo although Im getting bad thoughts about an AIM dash :blush:
 
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gav525

RMS Regular
Messages
10,217
Location
Co Down
Drives
Anything
Great wee track cars these, preferred mine to my Clio, bit more character to them. Sound awesome as well 😎

Looks to have most of the good stuff done already which is a bonus! Health to track
 

pablo

RMS Moderator
OP
pablo
Messages
66,994
Location
Glengrimley
got a look around it there and it all seems a bit rough around the edges but generally spot on! Making a list of little things to tidy up but there isnt much obvious.

Then get stuck into the brakes all being well.
 

MagicRat

RMS Regular
Messages
329
Location
Nabbey
Drives
JapScrap
Awesome, that'll be an absolute hoot to belt round Kirkistown.

I hired a similar one from Creative Motorsport in June for the Mrs birthday to do a Trackskills day and it was great. I had a couple of goes at the end of the day and loved it; I hadn't been round Kirky in 7 years and was getting hooked again. For the next couple of weeks I was bidding away at a few on Ebay, I'm still keeping an eye on them.
 

neil-c

RMS Regular
Messages
1,584
I put standard Brembo pads on the mini when I did the R56 brake upgrade - complete waste of money as I ran out of brakes going down the back straight at KTown at the end of the 2nd session. I let them cool over the lunch but only managed a couple of laps before they overheated again. I paid the money for the DS2500 pads and it made the world of difference.
 

pablo

RMS Moderator
OP
pablo
Messages
66,994
Location
Glengrimley
First job done. Tat led side indicators removed.

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Pulled the intercooler off to check for leaks from the boots. Glad I did. I’ll let the pic speak for itself.

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Also pulled the plugs to get a visual on the state of the engine. Looked good all consistent and no signs of oil fouling. 👍👍

And last but not least started fitting the stud conversion kit. A must for a track car. Fronts were dead on but the rears have different hubs fitted that are m14 and not m12 as expected so they will be for the bin and new ones added.

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