Mini Cooper S (F56) | PH Fleet
Finally, Adam gets the spanners out. First stop? Airbox, obviously...
Well, this is a little overdue! As you’ve probably seen, we’ve been exceptionally busy this summer with a host of new events. Between that and the Annual Service just round the corner, I’ve been spectacularly tardy with the updates.
I’m pleased to say, though, that we have actually made some headway with the serious bits of JCW-ifying the Mini. To delve into this, we need to rewind quickly to our April Sunday Service at Mini’s Plant Oxford. Notably, it was the first time I’ve been able to bring my own car along to an event rather than turning up in a hire van.
It was an exceptionally special morning celebrating 25 years of the modern Mini. Seeing over 350 of them flood the Oxford Plant car park was brilliant, and the sheer variety of modifications on display was serious inspiration. From Powerflex’s lunatic rear-wheel-drive, V8-swapped "Vini" to the factory rolling out the six-metre Mini XXL (complete with a fully functional whirlpool Jacuzzi, obviously), it was a great reminder of how versatile a Mini is with a bit of imagination.
Seeing all those tuned F56s gave me the final push I needed to crack on with my own spanner-work under the bonnet. If you want to make a modern turbocharged engine feel more alive (on a strict budget), the easiest place to start is the intake. The 2.0-litre engine is a great lump, but the factory airbox is designed more to muffle turbo noise for the masses than to optimise airflow.
I’ve opted for the Ramair ProRam Induction Kit (£236 including VAT). This specific kit caters to the F56 Cooper S and JCW (as well as the 1.5-litre models) - though you do need to check your factory airbox first to ensure you have the oval-shaped MAF sensor before ordering.
So what exactly does swapping the plastic factory box for this kit actually achieve?
Firstly, the hardware. For someone who isn't incredibly mechanical, it's a reassuringly simple swap. The kit mounts directly to the standard factory mounting points without any need for drilling or modification. It replaces the chunky standard setup with an open cone filter, a smooth metal intake pipe and a custom-fit black heat shield. That shield is crucial - it creates a physical barrier against engine bay temperatures and forces the cold air feed straight into the filter.
By getting rid of the restrictive factory plastics and smoothing out the airflow, the turbo doesn't have to work nearly as hard to suck in air. While bolt-on intakes usually only add a couple of horsepower to a stock car, they are a foundational mod. If you plan to install a map later, improved breathing is essential for real performance gains.
Then there is the noise - the immediate payoff. Because the factory sound-deadening plastic is gone, you can actually hear the turbo working. Under heavy throttle, you get a fantastic, deep intake whoosh, followed by an addictive turbo flutter when you lift off. It gives the car a much more aggressive character without droning on the motorway.
While you can absolutely get this fitted at a local garage, it’s surprisingly straightforward to tackle yourself at home. Ramair includes a full fitting kit with all the nuts, bolts, hose clamps, and a very handy step-by-step guide. Alternatively, if you happen to be at a PistonHeads event and have a Ben Lowden on hand, it can be fitted in just 15 minutes.
The Mini finally sounds like a proper hot hatch, and the throttle feels just that little bit more eager. Up next, it’s time for the Mini’s first MOT.
If you're tempted to have a go yourself, here's what you'll need:
- Ramair ProRam Induction Kit (check your MAF sensor shape!)
- Basic socket set
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- 15 minutes of patience (or one Ben Lowden)
FACT SHEET
Car: 2015 Mini Cooper S (F56)
Run by: Adam Betteridge
On Fleet Since: June 2025
Mileage: 82,356
Has it got Driving Modes? If so, it can be coded to start in Sport mode. i did that with mine.
These remap really well, but the brakes let them down. that said, you could fit JCW front calipers to that as you're running JCW wheels.
LED lights are brilliant on these. not sure if its an easy retrofit.
Has it got Driving Modes? If so, it can be coded to start in Sport mode. i did that with mine.
These remap really well, but the brakes let them down. that said, you could fit JCW front calipers to that as you're running JCW wheels.
LED lights are brilliant on these. not sure if its an easy retrofit.
They are from our U.K.-registered 2022 Mini Cooper Exclusive which is LHD but needed RHD headlights to be homologated for UK first registration. When I bought it there was a box in the boot with the original LHD pair in it, so since we use the car abroad I promptly swapped them back over. So the RHD pair have done 300 miles and are pretty much unmarked.
Has it got Driving Modes? If so, it can be coded to start in Sport mode. i did that with mine.
These remap really well, but the brakes let them down. that said, you could fit JCW front calipers to that as you're running JCW wheels.
LED lights are brilliant on these. not sure if its an easy retrofit.
Speaking of sport mode I wasn't a fan, despite the silly exhaust noises; it made the steering artificially heavy and numb, lost any texture it had, and the throttle was artificially sensitive. That said I'm sure many people like it.
Remap - they do remap well but be careful, they like to snap pistons and I personally don't think the chassis can handle much more than about 250 bhp before it's just wheelspin city
I left my JCW at standard power which felt about right to me - certainly wasn't slow!But, if on a strict budget, in bang for buck terms a remap and some fast road pads and slotted discs would help, if you can't stretch to JCW Brembos or other big brake upgrade.
Weirdly there is a link to that Twin Cam Escort Mk1 next to this article which appears to be the same colour, so you could perhaps share touch up paint.
But, if on a strict budget, in bang for buck terms a remap and some fast road pads and slotted discs would help, if you can't stretch to JCW Brembos or other big brake upgrade.
Weirdly there is a link to that Twin Cam Escort Mk1 next to this article which appears to be the same colour, so you could perhaps share touch up paint.
Not trying to put anyone off, but I just don't think adding power to a car that struggles to handle it is always the answer, but we are all different
Speaking of sport mode I wasn't a fan, despite the silly exhaust noises; it made the steering artificially heavy and numb, lost any texture it had, and the throttle was artificially sensitive. That said I'm sure many people like it.
Remap - they do remap well but be careful, they like to snap pistons and I personally don't think the chassis can handle much more than about 250 bhp before it's just wheelspin city
I left my JCW at standard power which felt about right to me - certainly wasn't slow!I think i'd my Cooper S at about 240BHP. I remember taking on a standard JCW and keeping up with it with no great issue. Brakes were the big problem on a mapped Cooper S. They are just about adequate on a standard car. Cheek clenching on a mapped one.
If i'd a JCW now i think the standard power is plenty. They're a fun car to drive. its not about out right speed with them IMHO.
But, if on a strict budget, in bang for buck terms a remap and some fast road pads and slotted discs would help, if you can't stretch to JCW Brembos or other big brake upgrade.
Weirdly there is a link to that Twin Cam Escort Mk1 next to this article which appears to be the same colour, so you could perhaps share touch up paint.
And again, by the time i'd have done all that, i'd really have been better buying a JCW in the first place.
Agreed RE: fast road pads and slotted discs. 240BHP brings them alive.
They are from our U.K.-registered 2022 Mini Cooper Exclusive which is LHD but needed RHD headlights to be homologated for UK first registration. When I bought it there was a box in the boot with the original LHD pair in it, so since we use the car abroad I promptly swapped them back over. So the RHD pair have done 300 miles and are pretty much unmarked.
I'm sure someone would snap those up!
And again, by the time i'd have done all that, i'd really have been better buying a JCW in the first place.
Agreed RE: fast road pads and slotted discs. 240BHP brings them alive.
I might look into those Bluespark tuning boxes. I know I can get 280bhp from a remap on my Works 210 (the Pro exhaust flows better than a stock Cooper S) but 260 or even 250 would be plenty enough to offer nice performance gains but not strain components as you and TameRacingDriver suggest.
I might look into those Bluespark tuning boxes. I know I can get 280bhp from a remap on my Works 210 (the Pro exhaust flows better than a stock Cooper S) but 260 or even 250 would be plenty enough to offer nice performance gains but not strain components as you and TameRacingDriver suggest.
I've used Bluespark before with great results.
They are from our U.K.-registered 2022 Mini Cooper Exclusive which is LHD but needed RHD headlights to be homologated for UK first registration. When I bought it there was a box in the boot with the original LHD pair in it, so since we use the car abroad I promptly swapped them back over. So the RHD pair have done 300 miles and are pretty much unmarked.
I'm sure someone would snap those up!
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