Martin's Mini Cooper S R53
Discussion
This hasn't been updated in a long time now, so here we go...
I was approached in February by Jerrick (the UK representative for MeisterR) to see if I was interested in helping to develop the coilover system fitted to my car, I obviously accepted as this seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity for a young lad from Aberdeen! haha Since then, I've had several different spring setups fitted to my car. The initial problem was that the rear felt a bit to harsh over bumps. The cure for this was actually a harder spring?! It confused me, but it works, so it's all good. We then moved onto the next issue reported by other customers, that they couldn't lower the car enough. The adjustable top mount takes up quite a lot of space, which restricts the lowering capabilities by around 20mm. The new springs were taken from an MR2, and have managed to lower the car an extra 10mm, to what I consider the optimum ride height. Low enough to remove any archgap, but high enough to allow for tyre rub free hooning.
I've also finally got shot of my budget tyres for some Falken FK-452, and the difference is immense. It used to spin it's wheels in 3rd in the wet, and now struggles to spin in first, unless I'm harsh with the clutch.
I then took the plunge and swapped the OEM exhaust for a Milltek catback. It was quite expensive, but it's no louder than standard when cruising about, or driving normally, yet when you boot the throttle, it has a lovely tone to it, and enough volume to make me smile like a kid!
I then set about giving the rear lights a more "euro" look. This was achieved through the use of lamin-x, which for those not in the know, is a film, which is stuck to the light lense, and can be peeled off whenever I change my mind. I was quite happy with the result, but there are a few bubbles around the edges.
The last addition is a set of R56 Mini Brembos and braided lines on the front, which are brutal! Feels like they are trying to rip my face clean off!
They only just fit in behind the BBS wheels
This picture was taken one year ago to the weekend. It really shows how far my car has come in that time.
The second pic was taken today on my 270 mile hoon around Scotland. I'm happy to report the new MeisterR springs were completely faultless for the entire journey, providing relative comfort, and immense handling, even in the less than ideal road conditions.
Some more pic whoring now...
And who says the Mini boot is too small to be practical, thats four wheels with tyres, and three loose tyres, with a fourth on the passenger seat :lol:
I was approached in February by Jerrick (the UK representative for MeisterR) to see if I was interested in helping to develop the coilover system fitted to my car, I obviously accepted as this seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity for a young lad from Aberdeen! haha Since then, I've had several different spring setups fitted to my car. The initial problem was that the rear felt a bit to harsh over bumps. The cure for this was actually a harder spring?! It confused me, but it works, so it's all good. We then moved onto the next issue reported by other customers, that they couldn't lower the car enough. The adjustable top mount takes up quite a lot of space, which restricts the lowering capabilities by around 20mm. The new springs were taken from an MR2, and have managed to lower the car an extra 10mm, to what I consider the optimum ride height. Low enough to remove any archgap, but high enough to allow for tyre rub free hooning.
I've also finally got shot of my budget tyres for some Falken FK-452, and the difference is immense. It used to spin it's wheels in 3rd in the wet, and now struggles to spin in first, unless I'm harsh with the clutch.
I then took the plunge and swapped the OEM exhaust for a Milltek catback. It was quite expensive, but it's no louder than standard when cruising about, or driving normally, yet when you boot the throttle, it has a lovely tone to it, and enough volume to make me smile like a kid!
I then set about giving the rear lights a more "euro" look. This was achieved through the use of lamin-x, which for those not in the know, is a film, which is stuck to the light lense, and can be peeled off whenever I change my mind. I was quite happy with the result, but there are a few bubbles around the edges.
The last addition is a set of R56 Mini Brembos and braided lines on the front, which are brutal! Feels like they are trying to rip my face clean off!
They only just fit in behind the BBS wheels
This picture was taken one year ago to the weekend. It really shows how far my car has come in that time.
The second pic was taken today on my 270 mile hoon around Scotland. I'm happy to report the new MeisterR springs were completely faultless for the entire journey, providing relative comfort, and immense handling, even in the less than ideal road conditions.
Some more pic whoring now...
And who says the Mini boot is too small to be practical, thats four wheels with tyres, and three loose tyres, with a fourth on the passenger seat :lol:
scotty_d said:
Tidy there all coming out the wood work now. lol
You thinking of selling the OEM wheels?
Dont. You thinking of selling the OEM wheels?
The S-Spokes are some o the best looking wheel to have a on a Cooper or Cooper S, but they weigh a lot and lighter wheel improve the handling and also result in less ware and tear on the fragile power steering system.
OP: I had an 02 MINI Cooper S for a while. Such great looking cars. Hope you enjoy yours. Next mod could maybe a different pulley for the supercharger. That should release 20 more bhp.
Much more than that and I'f be looking to get the later Getrag gearbox compared to the British Midand box currently fitted.
Only just noticed this thread, wow what a transformation the car has had, looks superb and pleased to see a rare colour. I would be so tempted to mod the engine more, supercharger pulley and some upgraded cams would be on my list. Wheels look great, you got any spacers? as they really fill the arches.
Thanks for the kind words!
I would love to start playing around with performance mods next, and that is one plan. The other involves bad thoughts about selling up for something different
bakerstreet said:
The S-Spokes are some o the best looking wheel to have a on a Cooper or Cooper S
OP: I had an 02 MINI Cooper S for a while. Such great looking cars. Hope you enjoy yours. Next mod could maybe a different pulley for the supercharger. That should release 20 more bhp.
Don't worry I've still got the s-spokes. They are sat in the garage with winter tyres on ready to go. All I need now is a set of spacers to fit them over the brembo calipers.OP: I had an 02 MINI Cooper S for a while. Such great looking cars. Hope you enjoy yours. Next mod could maybe a different pulley for the supercharger. That should release 20 more bhp.
I would love to start playing around with performance mods next, and that is one plan. The other involves bad thoughts about selling up for something different
AARONM3 said:
Looks good and I like the smooth look without the wiper but one thing I've noticed about my R53 is the amount of water and grime that gets thrown onto the back window in a very short space of time so it must be a bit of a 'mare without one!
It does get quite bad during the winter months, but the car gets washed so often, and living in town it never really gets dirty enough to not be able to see out of it. melvster said:
Wheels look great, you got any spacers? as they really fill the arches.
Thanks, no spacers. Just ET35 wheels, as opposed to the standard wheels which are ET48.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff