Jesters Collection - Mazda 3MPS/RX8 R3/RX7/MINI Cooper S
Discussion
t news update Jester, hope it all works out well in the long term 
Good evening fellow PHer's.
I hope you all enjoyed PH25, I would have loved to have attended but it was my godson's fathers 40th so that came first.
But I have slowly got myself sorted, things have kind of smoothed off and we are heading for calmer seas and there are updates.
MPS
In true sods law style, the day my ex moved out. The MPS decided to reward me with an MOT fail
One of the Eibachs had snapped near the bottom of the spring which was most unusual and seeing as the car had only done 1700 miles this year....really unfortunate. I've never had an Eibach snap so it seems to have been, just one of those things. When Neil from VIP Motorsport got back to me with £120 for a single spring or a whole set for just shy of £200 I went for the whole set. You never know when you need spares.
This fail meant a little bit of the old man maths. As I felt the springs should be replaced as a pair, and as she would have to come apart a bit. It would be a real shame not to have the K Sports fitted along with the OZ's at the same time.
So I disassembled the K Sports enough to be sent away to BCR for testing and repainting.
Checked over the pads and discs, so much life left in all the consumables so I've put them to one side in their pairs.
Posted on the Wednesday and had them returned by the following Tuesday so excellent service. Now I've gone for Merlin purple, which has come out really well. Not too in your face, with black K Sport decals. The OZ's are being refurbed as we speak and hopefully will be done by the end of the week.
Here's a cheeky few photos of the calipers.
RX8
The RX8 took me all the way up to just north of Derby and back for the 40th. So not too far off 500 miles, without missing a beat. Gave her a good amount of stick as well. Soon I'll transfer some attention to her for some loving.
RX7
Haven't had too much time out in the RX7 but we've done a few runs. Still feeling excellent after the suspension refresh and hoping to take her out a bit more in the coming months.
I hope you all enjoyed PH25, I would have loved to have attended but it was my godson's fathers 40th so that came first.
But I have slowly got myself sorted, things have kind of smoothed off and we are heading for calmer seas and there are updates.
MPS
In true sods law style, the day my ex moved out. The MPS decided to reward me with an MOT fail
One of the Eibachs had snapped near the bottom of the spring which was most unusual and seeing as the car had only done 1700 miles this year....really unfortunate. I've never had an Eibach snap so it seems to have been, just one of those things. When Neil from VIP Motorsport got back to me with £120 for a single spring or a whole set for just shy of £200 I went for the whole set. You never know when you need spares.
This fail meant a little bit of the old man maths. As I felt the springs should be replaced as a pair, and as she would have to come apart a bit. It would be a real shame not to have the K Sports fitted along with the OZ's at the same time.
So I disassembled the K Sports enough to be sent away to BCR for testing and repainting.
Checked over the pads and discs, so much life left in all the consumables so I've put them to one side in their pairs.
Posted on the Wednesday and had them returned by the following Tuesday so excellent service. Now I've gone for Merlin purple, which has come out really well. Not too in your face, with black K Sport decals. The OZ's are being refurbed as we speak and hopefully will be done by the end of the week.
Here's a cheeky few photos of the calipers.
RX8
The RX8 took me all the way up to just north of Derby and back for the 40th. So not too far off 500 miles, without missing a beat. Gave her a good amount of stick as well. Soon I'll transfer some attention to her for some loving.
RX7
Haven't had too much time out in the RX7 but we've done a few runs. Still feeling excellent after the suspension refresh and hoping to take her out a bit more in the coming months.
trails said:
Man maths at its finest 
How much was the repaint/test for the brakes, colour looks like it will match well
Haha that is what I thought! It was £310 including return postage. If you don't need return postage 8 pots are £290.How much was the repaint/test for the brakes, colour looks like it will match well
Escy said:
Nice colour choice on the calipers
Thanks bud!The OZ's are done and collected.
Really happy with how these have turned out, not too in your face and fits in with the colourful yet subtle theme to go with the calipers. I'll be dropping everything off next week. Really excited to see how they look on the car.
Under the garage LED lights.
Really happy with how these have turned out, not too in your face and fits in with the colourful yet subtle theme to go with the calipers. I'll be dropping everything off next week. Really excited to see how they look on the car.
Under the garage LED lights.
Good evening everyone,
So it has been a bit of a rollercoaster last 6 weeks. But here are the updates, trials and tribulations.
MPS
Oh you, it has been a stressful time with the MPS. I'll try and keep the story relatively concise.
She had springs and brakes fitted and rolled back to have her MOT which led to a ......... FAIL. I was a little bit miffed as the same MOT centre found additional items that they did not flag the first time. Those were as follows:
1. Passenger side front wheel bearing (Was definitely an issue and needed replacing, would have appreciated it being found before suspension and brakes were apart the first time)
2. Nearside rear ARB linkage insecurely attached (Some of the powder coat had rubbed away and was a quarter turn nip up kind of thing, not really an issue)
3. Emissions Failure (So it passed the first time but failed the second time, a bit head scratchy)
So back to my faithful garage, who suffered through the wheel bearing to the extent the poor chap had to weld something onto the circlip as it was refusing to come out. Nipped up the droplink and sent it to their MOT guy for a test as I didn't want to take it to my tester again.
She has come back with a completely clear pass, which I have been told is fully legit and no £20 notes over the testers eyes. With the following comments.
1. Emissions, had absolutely no idea what they were doing as she passed completely fine when up to temperature.
2. The previous advisory on subframe corrosion was commented as a bit silly. As it was not anywhere near being an issue and apparently if it won't be a failure in a few months time it is a little pointless to have on the MOT. So wasn't added as an advisory this time.
But the interesting photos are as follows. Brakes and wheels!
So immediate thoughts are that the wheels and brakes are supremely sexy and do look great. Brake pedal feel is much better and although no proper stopping in anger has happened as I only picked the car up today I am super happy.
RX8
Doing awesome rotary things and took me to Hastings last week for a good hour out and hour back blast.
RX7
Will be having a good clean before taking me to Go Japan! on Sunday for the last (and my only) show of the year.
It has been a terrible year for me for shows and car activities all down to issues at home. But with that on the way to being free and clear I am hoping 2024 will be a much better car year.
Other News
So I have decided to get myself a divorce present. As we all know the best way to get on after major life events is to buy cars or car parts. I wanted to roll this into a bit of a challenge, it seems to be a bit of a Youtuber thing at the moment, so I thought why not. I wanted to get a car sub £5k and make the pilgrimage to the ring next year. I have never been and thought it is about time.
So I have put a deposit down on the following car, with collection this coming Saturday.
Key Options are as follows:
Limited Slip Differential (25%)
Chilli Pack
2 stage Heated Sports Seats
Anthracite Headliner
Rear PDC
Visibility Pack
Auto Xenon Headlights
Auto Wipers
Heated Windscreen
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Auto A/C with Digital Climate
S228 Sports Suspension Settings Plus
Sports Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel (3 spoke)
Cruise Control
I've always had a soft spot for the R53 since I drove one round Donnington a good 15 years ago and wanted something that wasn't a Clio or MX5. This one is on 137k miles and comes with a good slab of history but with some bits for me to work on. It is coming in a good chunk under the £5k limit I set myself.
So it has been a bit of a rollercoaster last 6 weeks. But here are the updates, trials and tribulations.
MPS
Oh you, it has been a stressful time with the MPS. I'll try and keep the story relatively concise.
She had springs and brakes fitted and rolled back to have her MOT which led to a ......... FAIL. I was a little bit miffed as the same MOT centre found additional items that they did not flag the first time. Those were as follows:
1. Passenger side front wheel bearing (Was definitely an issue and needed replacing, would have appreciated it being found before suspension and brakes were apart the first time)
2. Nearside rear ARB linkage insecurely attached (Some of the powder coat had rubbed away and was a quarter turn nip up kind of thing, not really an issue)
3. Emissions Failure (So it passed the first time but failed the second time, a bit head scratchy)
So back to my faithful garage, who suffered through the wheel bearing to the extent the poor chap had to weld something onto the circlip as it was refusing to come out. Nipped up the droplink and sent it to their MOT guy for a test as I didn't want to take it to my tester again.
She has come back with a completely clear pass, which I have been told is fully legit and no £20 notes over the testers eyes. With the following comments.
1. Emissions, had absolutely no idea what they were doing as she passed completely fine when up to temperature.
2. The previous advisory on subframe corrosion was commented as a bit silly. As it was not anywhere near being an issue and apparently if it won't be a failure in a few months time it is a little pointless to have on the MOT. So wasn't added as an advisory this time.
But the interesting photos are as follows. Brakes and wheels!
So immediate thoughts are that the wheels and brakes are supremely sexy and do look great. Brake pedal feel is much better and although no proper stopping in anger has happened as I only picked the car up today I am super happy.
RX8
Doing awesome rotary things and took me to Hastings last week for a good hour out and hour back blast.
RX7
Will be having a good clean before taking me to Go Japan! on Sunday for the last (and my only) show of the year.
It has been a terrible year for me for shows and car activities all down to issues at home. But with that on the way to being free and clear I am hoping 2024 will be a much better car year.
Other News
So I have decided to get myself a divorce present. As we all know the best way to get on after major life events is to buy cars or car parts. I wanted to roll this into a bit of a challenge, it seems to be a bit of a Youtuber thing at the moment, so I thought why not. I wanted to get a car sub £5k and make the pilgrimage to the ring next year. I have never been and thought it is about time.
So I have put a deposit down on the following car, with collection this coming Saturday.
Key Options are as follows:
Limited Slip Differential (25%)
Chilli Pack
2 stage Heated Sports Seats
Anthracite Headliner
Rear PDC
Visibility Pack
Auto Xenon Headlights
Auto Wipers
Heated Windscreen
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Auto A/C with Digital Climate
S228 Sports Suspension Settings Plus
Sports Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel (3 spoke)
Cruise Control
I've always had a soft spot for the R53 since I drove one round Donnington a good 15 years ago and wanted something that wasn't a Clio or MX5. This one is on 137k miles and comes with a good slab of history but with some bits for me to work on. It is coming in a good chunk under the £5k limit I set myself.
Edited by Jester86 on Thursday 21st September 17:12
Mini looks like a good one. The facelift Chili Pack (with the factory LSD) is definitely the one to have. I found the Sports Suspension Plus option to be on the stiff side on the road, and the bigger ARBs mean that it's a pretty good balance for occasional track stuff too.
I'm sure you've done your research, but myriad common problems plague these things, more so when they are used hard. If you're planning on driving the Ring in anger, I'd make sure you've done things like nipped the usual oil leaks in the bud and checked the fan resistor to make sure it's doing its job.
If you're planning to give it a pasting on track, definitely change out the supercharger belt and tensioner (they fail, ask me how I know), and you may as well chuck on a 15% pulley and colder plugs while you're in there. Don't be tempted to go to 17% on a relatively standard car - it's additional stress for zero appreciable gain.
Check all of the components on the charger belt driveline (alternator, crank pulley etc.) to make sure they aren't seized or past best, as you'll find that one out sure enough if you use it hard. Consider doing a supercharger service if it hasn't had a recent one - the one where you remove from the car and change the oil on both sides is best.
Other than that, they can take an absolute kicking and are relatively neutral handling on track. Enjoy!
I'm sure you've done your research, but myriad common problems plague these things, more so when they are used hard. If you're planning on driving the Ring in anger, I'd make sure you've done things like nipped the usual oil leaks in the bud and checked the fan resistor to make sure it's doing its job.
If you're planning to give it a pasting on track, definitely change out the supercharger belt and tensioner (they fail, ask me how I know), and you may as well chuck on a 15% pulley and colder plugs while you're in there. Don't be tempted to go to 17% on a relatively standard car - it's additional stress for zero appreciable gain.
Check all of the components on the charger belt driveline (alternator, crank pulley etc.) to make sure they aren't seized or past best, as you'll find that one out sure enough if you use it hard. Consider doing a supercharger service if it hasn't had a recent one - the one where you remove from the car and change the oil on both sides is best.
Other than that, they can take an absolute kicking and are relatively neutral handling on track. Enjoy!
Edited by C70R on Friday 22 September 11:02
cerb4.5lee said:
I bet you're excited about getting the MINI, nice one. Enjoy collecting it. 
Your updates are always quality too.
Appreciate you still like a bit of a read! Your updates are always quality too.
trails said:
MPS looks cracking, mini looks to be a great buy too...hopefully no nasty surprises
Oh I am sure there will be C70R said:
Lots of useful info and opinions!
This one has had some money chucked at it, the only thing it doesn't seem to have is evidence of the supercharger service. Here is a quick copy paste of some of the work from the advert.Edited by C70R on Friday 22 September 11:02
In my ownership since December 2022, I have done the following
Brake pads all round
Heater matrix
Shifter box and cables
Alternator
Service every 5k miles
Last service was done approx 300 miles ago in early August where it had fresh Fuchs Titan Pro Race 5w-40 with filter, new spark plugs, oil filter and Redline MTL fluid for the gearbox/LSD (this is crucial as it means the LSD doesn’t groan during low speed manouvers like most R53s, it is silent)
Work from previous owners includes
3 piece clutch kit
Crankshaft main seal replacement
Inner CV boots
Cam cover gasket replacement
Sump gasket replacement
Oil cooler and filter housing gaskets
Cam chain tensioner
Inner and outer tie rods
Front top mounts
Exhaust mounts
I have seen receipts for a coolant expansion tank and dipstick also.
Some of the bad points are. She has rust around the rear lights and on the hatch, hence why she is priced very well along with cosmetic bits and bobs. Has started to develop an intermittent misfire and the passenger door needs a bit of persuading to open.
I've already got an OEM coilpack and a set of magnecores at home ready to go on.
She will be booked into a specialist for a 'charger service at the very minimum, which will include the fan resistor also. Front discs are a bit scored so it would be rude not to upgrade to the R56 4 pot package for circa £600. Mods will include a pulley, which in my head is going to be 15% / Orranje airbox / Colder plugs. If I can snag something like an Airtec intercooler I will as well. Currently the only mods are a resonated Milltek, silicon airbox hose and the MG "Straights" alloys with almost brand new Michelin Primacys. Apparently the wheels are almost 2kg a corner lighter than the OEM bullets.
Sounds good to me. Rust is a killer on these things, unfortunately. And yours sounds like it has the rust in the most common spot.
Mine had MG Straights for its road tyres too. If nothing else, they looked better than the stock wheels. Can't say that I noticed much difference, nor did I with my superlight 15" track wheels...
On the brakes front, I'd give very serious thought to whether 4-pots are worth the expense or not. I ran standard R56 kit with braided hoses, brake ducting and Carbotech XP8 pads, and I could not get them to fade AT ALL on track. It felt like it would lift the rear wheels before it would lock up! Some of the forum folks who fitted Megane Brembos reported issues with brake bias that even a new MC wouldn't solve, so I'd tread carefully before you chuck a load of money at it. Even the R53 race cars don't run those 4-pots. The downside was that the pads were appallingly noisy on the road.
Mine had MG Straights for its road tyres too. If nothing else, they looked better than the stock wheels. Can't say that I noticed much difference, nor did I with my superlight 15" track wheels...
On the brakes front, I'd give very serious thought to whether 4-pots are worth the expense or not. I ran standard R56 kit with braided hoses, brake ducting and Carbotech XP8 pads, and I could not get them to fade AT ALL on track. It felt like it would lift the rear wheels before it would lock up! Some of the forum folks who fitted Megane Brembos reported issues with brake bias that even a new MC wouldn't solve, so I'd tread carefully before you chuck a load of money at it. Even the R53 race cars don't run those 4-pots. The downside was that the pads were appallingly noisy on the road.
As with all things, it is only really an issue if you don't want to reach into your pocket and get it fixed. If I properly gel with the car and fancy getting it back to some glory then I'll strap myself in for the long haul. It seems a waste of a lovely specced car to not save it from the scrapper.
Oh the MG's definitely look so much better than the OEM wheels even if you cannot tell the weight save!
I'll definitely try and price up the R56 Cooper S upgrade as well. Will see what comes out trumps as I definitely want to ditch the standard R53 brakes as soon as possible.
Oh the MG's definitely look so much better than the OEM wheels even if you cannot tell the weight save!
I'll definitely try and price up the R56 Cooper S upgrade as well. Will see what comes out trumps as I definitely want to ditch the standard R53 brakes as soon as possible.
Mini
Mini collection day has happened!
Initial thoughts on the drive home.
1. Surprisingly refined on the motorway. Drove the whole way home with no radio on to just listen to the car. Didn't hear any crazy clunks, bangs or other noises. Suspension is firm without being too bad. Interior had very little rattles or noises. Not bad for a car that is around 18 years old.
2. Pops off the Milltek are very naughty without being obnoxious.
3. Needs more supercharger noises.
4. Brakes are absolutely horrendous. To the extent I am pretty sure the fronts are grinding and it makes me feel a little uncomfortable. Front discs are definitely being scored.
The car was also showing symptoms of a slight misfire. Now I was already told this by the seller and had ordered an OEM coilpack and Magnecore HT leads to bang straight on.
Took the car for a little drive to try and force the misfire but so far was not able to replicate. So hopefully the above has sorted that.
As luck would have it on one of the Mini Facebook for sale groups, someone was selling a complete front R56 brake upgrade for the R53. Which should today be winging its way to me. The kit includes; Brand new calipers, discs, pads and brake lines and used pad carriers, for the princely sum of £250.
RX7
So the day after picking up the Mini it was Go Japan! at Brands Hatch. So in addition to picking up the car and fitting goodies I managed to throw a bucket of water over the sexy yellowness and get her ready.
The day was excellent, the show was busy and I was parked with fellow rotaries of the RX8 Owners Club.
Parked next to an early FD. Such a good looking car the FD in early or late guise.
The club actually won best presented club stand which was a nice surprise. Will be back next year!
Mini collection day has happened!
Initial thoughts on the drive home.
1. Surprisingly refined on the motorway. Drove the whole way home with no radio on to just listen to the car. Didn't hear any crazy clunks, bangs or other noises. Suspension is firm without being too bad. Interior had very little rattles or noises. Not bad for a car that is around 18 years old.
2. Pops off the Milltek are very naughty without being obnoxious.
3. Needs more supercharger noises.
4. Brakes are absolutely horrendous. To the extent I am pretty sure the fronts are grinding and it makes me feel a little uncomfortable. Front discs are definitely being scored.
The car was also showing symptoms of a slight misfire. Now I was already told this by the seller and had ordered an OEM coilpack and Magnecore HT leads to bang straight on.
Took the car for a little drive to try and force the misfire but so far was not able to replicate. So hopefully the above has sorted that.
As luck would have it on one of the Mini Facebook for sale groups, someone was selling a complete front R56 brake upgrade for the R53. Which should today be winging its way to me. The kit includes; Brand new calipers, discs, pads and brake lines and used pad carriers, for the princely sum of £250.
RX7
So the day after picking up the Mini it was Go Japan! at Brands Hatch. So in addition to picking up the car and fitting goodies I managed to throw a bucket of water over the sexy yellowness and get her ready.
The day was excellent, the show was busy and I was parked with fellow rotaries of the RX8 Owners Club.
Parked next to an early FD. Such a good looking car the FD in early or late guise.
The club actually won best presented club stand which was a nice surprise. Will be back next year!
Mini Cooper S
Mini heavy update this one as I have been getting down to busiess We have a mixed update ahead.
Second hand Orranje airbox has been purchased along with the R56 front brake setup.
It basically has an extra air inlet feed from the scuttle into the K&N filter. The filter needs a clean and so far I have given it a good rinse and gentle scrub,with a K&N degreaser and oil coming tomorrow.
Brakes and things!
So yesterday I started to take the mini apart a little bit. To get to know her a little and to get started on the airbox install.
Standard airbox lid off with a quick hoover and exposing the plastic scuttle which needs a cheeky trim.
Carried out some of that super high tech paper aided design. B indicating the bottom so I don't get it round the wrong way
One trip to Toolstation for a 76mm holesaw later.......then in we go for some minor trimming.
Managed not to take a brake line out.
In she goes and just to show that I didn't complete balls it up. Please see the next photo.
You can see the air inlet poking through! Huzzah. Now just waiting for a clean and oiled filter before proper reinstallation.
While having a good poke around I noticed a breather from the valve cover to the induction pipe was starting to split.
So I decided to whip the intercooler off to have a good poke and prod.
Amazingly it doesn't seem to be a pipe that is easy to get hold of new and there are no aftermarket items. So I measured the internal diameter of the pipe and ordered some 12mm ID silicon pipe and I'll make my own and install with jubilee clips and not those horrible things they fit as standard. The pipe goes into the valve cover on the right hand side.
Now onto the less fun part of the update.
I wanted to explore the brakes and to check everything out as I really wanted to carry out the caliper change and brake bleed myself. So spaceship mode was activated.
Really easy car to get onto stands. Using a method by Mod a Mini, the wood method
So the bad news is, the front brakes are literally about to become metal on metal. This is what is left of the front pad wear sensor. Having a quick look it seems to be an easy thing to change.
The real show stopped however was this....
The passenger side rear caliper has either never had a bleed nipple installed (very unlikely) Or it has sheared expertly inside the caliper. This caused me to hit the stop button. I am not keen on having to try and do this on my drive, as what else may lie under the surface. So I might differ to a friends garage to help me out.
In other news I had noticed the drivers side foglight not being in line with the bumper. So I took the arch trim out, which someone has banged extra self tappers in rather than get some new trim clips. So I popped new ones in when I put it back. But it seems the plastic bracket which holds the foglight has broken.
Which when looking at the foglight it may have taken a hit.
Not sure what I'll do here, am tempted to investigate fitting some brake cooling instead. Or try and find the bracket that rescures it. But I might have to pop the front bumper off first to see what I actually need.
So, I have refitted all the wheels and dropped the car back onto all 4's while I deliberate what to do.
Mini heavy update this one as I have been getting down to busiess We have a mixed update ahead.
Second hand Orranje airbox has been purchased along with the R56 front brake setup.
It basically has an extra air inlet feed from the scuttle into the K&N filter. The filter needs a clean and so far I have given it a good rinse and gentle scrub,with a K&N degreaser and oil coming tomorrow.
Brakes and things!
So yesterday I started to take the mini apart a little bit. To get to know her a little and to get started on the airbox install.
Standard airbox lid off with a quick hoover and exposing the plastic scuttle which needs a cheeky trim.
Carried out some of that super high tech paper aided design. B indicating the bottom so I don't get it round the wrong way
One trip to Toolstation for a 76mm holesaw later.......then in we go for some minor trimming.
Managed not to take a brake line out.
In she goes and just to show that I didn't complete balls it up. Please see the next photo.
You can see the air inlet poking through! Huzzah. Now just waiting for a clean and oiled filter before proper reinstallation.
While having a good poke around I noticed a breather from the valve cover to the induction pipe was starting to split.
So I decided to whip the intercooler off to have a good poke and prod.
Amazingly it doesn't seem to be a pipe that is easy to get hold of new and there are no aftermarket items. So I measured the internal diameter of the pipe and ordered some 12mm ID silicon pipe and I'll make my own and install with jubilee clips and not those horrible things they fit as standard. The pipe goes into the valve cover on the right hand side.
Now onto the less fun part of the update.
I wanted to explore the brakes and to check everything out as I really wanted to carry out the caliper change and brake bleed myself. So spaceship mode was activated.
Really easy car to get onto stands. Using a method by Mod a Mini, the wood method
So the bad news is, the front brakes are literally about to become metal on metal. This is what is left of the front pad wear sensor. Having a quick look it seems to be an easy thing to change.
The real show stopped however was this....
The passenger side rear caliper has either never had a bleed nipple installed (very unlikely) Or it has sheared expertly inside the caliper. This caused me to hit the stop button. I am not keen on having to try and do this on my drive, as what else may lie under the surface. So I might differ to a friends garage to help me out.
In other news I had noticed the drivers side foglight not being in line with the bumper. So I took the arch trim out, which someone has banged extra self tappers in rather than get some new trim clips. So I popped new ones in when I put it back. But it seems the plastic bracket which holds the foglight has broken.
Which when looking at the foglight it may have taken a hit.
Not sure what I'll do here, am tempted to investigate fitting some brake cooling instead. Or try and find the bracket that rescures it. But I might have to pop the front bumper off first to see what I actually need.
So, I have refitted all the wheels and dropped the car back onto all 4's while I deliberate what to do.
Quick pre-winter Update
RX7
Has been SORN, dehudification bits and pieces popped into the interior and will be going on trickle charge soon. I haven't managed to get her to an MOT in the last few weeks but not putting myself under pressure to get it done. She will go straight for a spring MOT when we get there.
RX8
Has been SORN. Will probably do like the 7 and let the MOT expire in Jan and get it sorted in the spring as well.
MPS
Has been SORN. Annoyingly on the trip back to see family on a sudden compression on the M25 it turns out the rear wheels do rub. So trying to get the rear arches rolled and if the weather plays ball this will be done soon.
MCS
So she went to a friends garage to carry out the work. It turns out that was probably the best decision I could have made rather than start it on my drive. Here is a list of the parts/work done. She was picked up today and will be my winter run around so won't be SORN
1. Both rear brake calipers, discs, pads, lines, both handbrake cables and both brake wear sensors replaced. (Lines sheared instantly inside the calipers, one caliper was binding and part of the handbrake cable was being held together with cable ties. In addition to the sheared bleed nipple I originally spotted)
2. Front R56 brake kit fitted with supplied parts. Both front hard brake lines needed replacing as they too fell to pieces.
3. LHS and RHS track rod ends. 4 ball joints and front wishbone polybushes fitted.
4. Front Wheel Alignment.
5. Air Con regas.
So quite a bit more needed than originally expected but the old girl needed it. I now feel a bit more confident that she'll stop safely!
RX7
Has been SORN, dehudification bits and pieces popped into the interior and will be going on trickle charge soon. I haven't managed to get her to an MOT in the last few weeks but not putting myself under pressure to get it done. She will go straight for a spring MOT when we get there.
RX8
Has been SORN. Will probably do like the 7 and let the MOT expire in Jan and get it sorted in the spring as well.
MPS
Has been SORN. Annoyingly on the trip back to see family on a sudden compression on the M25 it turns out the rear wheels do rub. So trying to get the rear arches rolled and if the weather plays ball this will be done soon.
MCS
So she went to a friends garage to carry out the work. It turns out that was probably the best decision I could have made rather than start it on my drive. Here is a list of the parts/work done. She was picked up today and will be my winter run around so won't be SORN
1. Both rear brake calipers, discs, pads, lines, both handbrake cables and both brake wear sensors replaced. (Lines sheared instantly inside the calipers, one caliper was binding and part of the handbrake cable was being held together with cable ties. In addition to the sheared bleed nipple I originally spotted)
2. Front R56 brake kit fitted with supplied parts. Both front hard brake lines needed replacing as they too fell to pieces.
3. LHS and RHS track rod ends. 4 ball joints and front wishbone polybushes fitted.
4. Front Wheel Alignment.
5. Air Con regas.
So quite a bit more needed than originally expected but the old girl needed it. I now feel a bit more confident that she'll stop safely!
I've been reading up on your cars on the RX8OC, but never replied. Great collection . I like the RX7 and altough I don't like yellow on an RX8, it suits the FD.
My in-laws are selling a MCS (same MY and colour as yours) and am considering it I should take it of their hands. It needs a new clutch and some bodywork. Never been a fan of the mini (sorry), but the noise it makes is just cool and with some subtle mods it could be turned into a great little run about.
My in-laws are selling a MCS (same MY and colour as yours) and am considering it I should take it of their hands. It needs a new clutch and some bodywork. Never been a fan of the mini (sorry), but the noise it makes is just cool and with some subtle mods it could be turned into a great little run about.
thomasrs50 said:
I've been reading up on your cars on the RX8OC, but never replied. Great collection . I like the RX7 and altough I don't like yellow on an RX8, it suits the FD.
My in-laws are selling a MCS (same MY and colour as yours) and am considering it I should take it of their hands. It needs a new clutch and some bodywork. Never been a fan of the mini (sorry), but the noise it makes is just cool and with some subtle mods it could be turned into a great little run about.
Hey, thanks for having a read! The FD probably gets the most love from everyone that is for sure. Honestly if you can get the Mini relatively cheap I would take a punt. Parts are all pretty cheap and if you like small cars, I have a small hot hatch past (Clio Trophy, Abarth 595, GR Yaris) then take a bash.My in-laws are selling a MCS (same MY and colour as yours) and am considering it I should take it of their hands. It needs a new clutch and some bodywork. Never been a fan of the mini (sorry), but the noise it makes is just cool and with some subtle mods it could be turned into a great little run about.
MPS
Oh MPS, you love to give me some heartache. Getting the arches rolled today, passenger side rolls absolutely spot on. Then moved to the drivers side and I had a small incling there had been some filler there as part of the bodywork. Obviously this proceeded to crack, so she is going to need some bodyshop loving after the winter period . However it could potentially be a a blessing in disguise as underneath the filler there does seem to be the evidence of corrosion appearing.
It is a good thing it has a special place in my heart this car.
MCS
So after doing my research I know that the boot area of these minis can have a tendancy to be a tad leaky. Now if you have read my thread for a while you'll know that I have engaged in leak warfare with the RX7 and MPS last winter. I checked the 7 yesterday after Storm Ciaran and subsequent horrendous rainfall, and would you know it still seems to keep water on the outside.
But......the Mini has a leak
Oh and it needed a rear brake light bulb. But that didn't warrant any photos.
So I have checked the boot, it currently is a bit wet on the drivers side by the rear light and some water came out of the hatch trim that covers the rear wiper motor.
So I have left and right rear light gaskets on order and dropped Mini an email about getting a new boot handle gasket ordered. As al these can indeed cause leaks. Now I also know that the chrome trim strip underneath the rear window can allow water in and the little plastic clips which are underneath can let water through now the little washers are deteriorating.
So I have cleaned as much of the gunk off as possible and applied a bead of silicon sealant along the bottom of the rear window before pushing the trim back on and is currently setting.
At the moment I have held off ordering a killallwipers kit for the rear wiper and a replacement third brake light and gasket to see if step by step I can sort it out.
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