TRD's Mini John Cooper Works F56
Discussion
cerb4.5lee said:
TameRacingDriver said:
and31 said:
Great stuff-glad you’ve found a car you really like after your s
tty 986 episode
Lets see how long this one lasts eh? tty 986 episode 
Why wouldn't you?
Not too much to report really, but I'm still enjoying the car a lot. It goes well, and does handle well, especially in the dry. A little bit of a handful in the wet but that's to be expected, shame we don't have many dry days
I've had a couple of issues, probably age related. First was the rear brakes sticking, the pads were the originals and binding, so got that sorted, then a loose heatshield (no biggie), got the car serviced and MOT'd, where it was discovered the water pump was on its way out, so I've had that done. Total spend £800. I suppose another way to look at it is it's just over £100 a month so far. Never mind, it makes up for it with its character, and how fun to drive it is.
It mostly feels good enough out of the box. A great blend of comfort, character, quality and fun. I think I'll hang on to it for a while. Short term plans are maybe an alignment to give it a more planted feel, it tends towards understeer slightly, I want more of that so called 'Maximum Go Kart Feel' as it proudly displays on the dash when you engaged sports mode. I was thinking of pulling the connector for the JCW Pro exhaust while it's open to leave them open all of the time, but perhaps it's nice to not have it blaring away when you're just going to the shops, undecided. Easy enough to try. Finally get the sat nav updated at the least. Happy enough with how it works but it's outdated.
Maybe a remap in the future, but still not sure it really needs it, definitely seems to have more than enough power and torque! Still, we always want more don't we, and 280 - 300 bhp and similar 'torques' sounds quite bonkers in a car this size.
I've had a couple of issues, probably age related. First was the rear brakes sticking, the pads were the originals and binding, so got that sorted, then a loose heatshield (no biggie), got the car serviced and MOT'd, where it was discovered the water pump was on its way out, so I've had that done. Total spend £800. I suppose another way to look at it is it's just over £100 a month so far. Never mind, it makes up for it with its character, and how fun to drive it is.
It mostly feels good enough out of the box. A great blend of comfort, character, quality and fun. I think I'll hang on to it for a while. Short term plans are maybe an alignment to give it a more planted feel, it tends towards understeer slightly, I want more of that so called 'Maximum Go Kart Feel' as it proudly displays on the dash when you engaged sports mode. I was thinking of pulling the connector for the JCW Pro exhaust while it's open to leave them open all of the time, but perhaps it's nice to not have it blaring away when you're just going to the shops, undecided. Easy enough to try. Finally get the sat nav updated at the least. Happy enough with how it works but it's outdated.
Maybe a remap in the future, but still not sure it really needs it, definitely seems to have more than enough power and torque! Still, we always want more don't we, and 280 - 300 bhp and similar 'torques' sounds quite bonkers in a car this size.
Nelka said:
Kinda the same thoughts with a remap (or Bluespark box), but I'm not entirely convinced it won't ruin the car....especially over winter.
I suppose the Bluespark box is cheap enough, maps it to a fairly safe level (282 bhp if I remember right), and is easy enough to take off the car if you don't like it, not to mention it has some resale value. I know most swear by a proper remap but I've not really read anything too negative about these.Good to see it's working out well TRD. And Spring is here too for warmer evening drives.
I got a modest Cooper last year for "chores with some fun". it's a great balance for a base car, but the previous owner ticked the 18" wheel upgrade!! Now I'm working out whether just to fit non-RFs or to buy some 17" and fit non-RFs.
I got a modest Cooper last year for "chores with some fun". it's a great balance for a base car, but the previous owner ticked the 18" wheel upgrade!! Now I'm working out whether just to fit non-RFs or to buy some 17" and fit non-RFs.
CABC said:
Good to see it's working out well TRD. And Spring is here too for warmer evening drives.
I got a modest Cooper last year for "chores with some fun". it's a great balance for a base car, but the previous owner ticked the 18" wheel upgrade!! Now I'm working out whether just to fit non-RFs or to buy some 17" and fit non-RFs.
At some point I may end up having to either refurb or replace my wheels, and have wondered if there will be a big difference between 18s and 17s. Mine (18s) isn't too bad. Some people on the F56 group say that there's a big difference, but equally some people say the difference is negligible. Either way, I think ditching the run flats makes by far the biggest difference whatever wheel size you choose. I got a modest Cooper last year for "chores with some fun". it's a great balance for a base car, but the previous owner ticked the 18" wheel upgrade!! Now I'm working out whether just to fit non-RFs or to buy some 17" and fit non-RFs.
The Cooper is a nice little runabout though, I've been trying to talk the Mrs into one, and she's game but she's more sensible than me and wants to save up for it so she doesn't have a monthly payment, can't say I blame her to be fair.
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