2003 Mini Cooper S with lots of power
Discussion
Really chuffed with this weekends progress. I've always loved the look of the Kanjo cars from Japan. Essentially illegal street racers and there's a good thread on them over at retro rides: http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/177945/kanjo-s...
Here's a couple of examples:
So I wanted to emulate that style on the mini and my friend Josh has a vinyl plotter so we ordered a bunch of sticky back plastic and this is the result.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Got a few more bits to do, like a sun strip, but I need a replacement screen first.
Here's a couple of examples:
So I wanted to emulate that style on the mini and my friend Josh has a vinyl plotter so we ordered a bunch of sticky back plastic and this is the result.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrGot a few more bits to do, like a sun strip, but I need a replacement screen first.
Dift said:
I had a tough choice a year ago between an R53 and R56... played it safe with an R55 clubman, but threads like this make me regret the decision slightly. The noice and composure of the R53 here is fantastic. Love the car OP... the R53 is such a bargain at the moment, buy a good one and they are incredibly good value.
Great to see you using it properly
R55 is a good choice, the longer wheel base makes for a great handling car. I run a Cooper D R55 as a 25K+ a year daily and I really love it. I've had it nearly 2 years which is a record for me with sensible diesel cars as I normally get bored and move them on within 18 months.Great to see you using it properly
IMG_7400 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrCABC said:
jealous of your journey.
i got an R50 for a station car last year. being facelift model and not an S it'll hopefully be a lot more reliable. It's good fun and i believe a real modern classic. i'm definitely enjoying the experience and now refreshing bits underneath.
i have a mini SC on my MX5, but i'm having dirty thoughts about an S.... it's the real deal as it were.
I had a supercharged NA MX5 and I have to say the factory setup on the MINI is much better than I ever got my MX5 set up to work. i got an R50 for a station car last year. being facelift model and not an S it'll hopefully be a lot more reliable. It's good fun and i believe a real modern classic. i'm definitely enjoying the experience and now refreshing bits underneath.
i have a mini SC on my MX5, but i'm having dirty thoughts about an S.... it's the real deal as it were.
There's a few folks out in the mini scene chasing big power and swapping out the supercharger for a Garrett turbo kit. They great numbers but I feel that these cars should remain Supercharged as it's a big part of their appeal.
I'm hoping one day to fit the Harrop TVS kit on this which replaces the original M45 Eaton charger with the newer version Eaton make. It runs cooler, produces more power and looks factory, It's £3K+ though!!!!!!!
https://www.1320.co.uk/mini-cooper-s-harrop-tvs-90...
CABC said:
How are you finding fwd thrills after rwd? as i wonder what to replace the 5 with i really can't think of anything for track work. a Caterham would be ideal but in my view only with a trailer.
My early days of driving were all FWD hatch backs (some hot, some not) and I've found myself well at home in this. It's power to weight is similar to my old supercharged MX5 but I am so much quicker in the MINI and have beaten all my PBs in the sprints I've entered. Getting the tail out under power is still something I enjoy and still owning an MX5 means I get to do it still, but for going as fast as possible round a circuit I'd grab the MINI keys every time.
Went out and got some proper shots of the car now the livery is coming along nicely. Big shout out to https://blackflag-labs.co.uk for helping make the livery idea a reality.
IMG_0764 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0768 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0782 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0779 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0772 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0788 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0775 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0789 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0776 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0777 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_0791 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
I've also been accepted into the paddock for Players Classic @ Goodwood weekend of June 22nd which I'm really excited about. The players guys always put on a good show and Goodwood is such an awesome place.
IMG_0764 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0768 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0782 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0779 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0772 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0788 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0775 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0789 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0776 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0777 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_0791 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrI've also been accepted into the paddock for Players Classic @ Goodwood weekend of June 22nd which I'm really excited about. The players guys always put on a good show and Goodwood is such an awesome place.
Some more pics of stuff.
Keys:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Went shopping in it:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Replaced ANOTHER set of Driveshafts:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Went for breakfast:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Keys:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrWent shopping in it:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrReplaced ANOTHER set of Driveshafts:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrWent for breakfast:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrBeen a couple of weeks, more things have happened.
First up I tried to do a Sunstrip and failed miserably, too many curves in a Mini screen and I suck at applying this stuff. I think I'll have to enlist a local sign writers to do it properly. For now I've just gone for a Yoko sticker.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
BlackFlagLabs sticker on the rump, because he sorts all my stickers out for me.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Next up coolant tank. This is a known week spot on these cars as they perish and crack as well as the caps failing. There's a few decent replacement tanks on the market from Airtec, canton etc but I've gone for the DaveFab one. It's new to the market but the Dave's have been knocking it out of the park with MX5 bits for a few years now plus this is designed and made in the UK. Really chuffed with it.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Finally I went to a massive "cruise" for the first time in years last night and it was quite amusing.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
First up I tried to do a Sunstrip and failed miserably, too many curves in a Mini screen and I suck at applying this stuff. I think I'll have to enlist a local sign writers to do it properly. For now I've just gone for a Yoko sticker.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrBlackFlagLabs sticker on the rump, because he sorts all my stickers out for me.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrNext up coolant tank. This is a known week spot on these cars as they perish and crack as well as the caps failing. There's a few decent replacement tanks on the market from Airtec, canton etc but I've gone for the DaveFab one. It's new to the market but the Dave's have been knocking it out of the park with MX5 bits for a few years now plus this is designed and made in the UK. Really chuffed with it.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrFinally I went to a massive "cruise" for the first time in years last night and it was quite amusing.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrMaty said:
Love that coolant tank, what was the damage cost wise? Especially the check level bulb on the side, nice touch. I tried the cheap Chinese one off eBay on mine but couldn’t get it right, it was forever burping coolant out even with a decent cap so went for a new plastic one for the time being - much better!
£162 delivered in the current 10% off sale https://davefab.com/shop/r53-mini-cooper-s-expansi...That MINI run looked fun. A couple of mates went along but it was too far away for me for a day trip.
Went out this afternoon with a fellow track MINI owner Brian and his Dark Silver car for some photos.
IMG_1077 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1094 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1238 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1124 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1133 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1181 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1077 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1094 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1238 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1124 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1133 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1181 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrWent to the Regal Autosport Cars and Coffee meet on Saturday. A good meet with some nice cars!
IMG_1292 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1333 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1335 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1348 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1305 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
IMG_1332 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Rest of my pics here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmBGaLnz
IMG_1292 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1333 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1335 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1348 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1305 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrIMG_1332 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrRest of my pics here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmBGaLnz
I took the MINI to Donington Park on Friday for the first track action of 2019.
After the first time out at 9:30 I had an excessively smoking front drivers side brake, which seemed odd. On closer inspection the CV boot had split and it was CV grease that had been splattered everywhere that was burning off. Doh!
A quick run to GSF in Derby and a replacement driveshaft was sourced. Massive thanks to my buddy Brian for giving me a hand swap it out allowing me to get back out in the afternoon.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
LHP_1864 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
LHP_4361 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
LHP_4370 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
LHP_4472 by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Highlights video: https://youtu.be/Q2p5e-m1LTQ
Next up Curborough Sprint Circuit on April 10th. I need to fit new brakes pads before then as the DS2500s on the front are now dead, I've got some Carbotech XP10s to replace them.
After the first time out at 9:30 I had an excessively smoking front drivers side brake, which seemed odd. On closer inspection the CV boot had split and it was CV grease that had been splattered everywhere that was burning off. Doh!
A quick run to GSF in Derby and a replacement driveshaft was sourced. Massive thanks to my buddy Brian for giving me a hand swap it out allowing me to get back out in the afternoon.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrLHP_1864 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrLHP_4361 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrLHP_4370 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrLHP_4472 by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrHighlights video: https://youtu.be/Q2p5e-m1LTQ
Next up Curborough Sprint Circuit on April 10th. I need to fit new brakes pads before then as the DS2500s on the front are now dead, I've got some Carbotech XP10s to replace them.
Curborough was awesome fun, what a great little layout to hoon round. Quite hard to get it all right in one single run as they layout we were running was quite complex. Very easy to over shoot an apex. I fitted some new Carbotech XP10 front pads which were ace however the extra heat has murdered one of my discs.
Anyway, enough rambling, you just want pics and videos:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
A few other MINIS doing the day as well:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
One mullered disc:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Onboard fastest lap run:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6eOxJrilVc
Outside run shot by a friend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o--lQfLo3qQ
Such a great day, killed my ADO8Rs though and the MOT is booked in for Tuesday. Ne tyres ordered and as the car was immobile while I was sourcing some new discs I swapped the wheels over to a set of MG Hairpins I had. This was to keep it rolling while the proper wheels were getting the tyres fitted. I quite like the look!
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
New boots mounted to the SPARCOs and new front discs fitted:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Fingers crossed for the MOT.
Anyway, enough rambling, you just want pics and videos:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrA few other MINIS doing the day as well:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrOne mullered disc:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrOnboard fastest lap run:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6eOxJrilVc
Outside run shot by a friend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o--lQfLo3qQ
Such a great day, killed my ADO8Rs though and the MOT is booked in for Tuesday. Ne tyres ordered and as the car was immobile while I was sourcing some new discs I swapped the wheels over to a set of MG Hairpins I had. This was to keep it rolling while the proper wheels were getting the tyres fitted. I quite like the look!
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrNew boots mounted to the SPARCOs and new front discs fitted:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrFingers crossed for the MOT.
Edited by HorneyMX5 on Sunday 14th April 18:32
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrMOT passed for another 12 months. Just one advisory for slight play in a front wheel bearing. A job for Easter maybe.
I wouldn't be surprised however another MINI owner on the same day had the same problem with much more expensive set up.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
These little things are seriously hard on their brakes.
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrUntitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrThese little things are seriously hard on their brakes.
It's currently running around 210bhp at the wheels which is between 230 and 240 at the fly depending on who you believe about transmission losses.
They are cheap to buy but they can become a money pit fairly quickly. This one owes me more than I care to mention.
Long term I'm hoping for 275+ at the wheels with a combination of a big valve head, a Harrop TVS supercharger kit and Link standalone ECU. You get more power going Turbo, but where's the fun in that? I'd also miss the whine, the supercharger is one of the defining characters of these little things. Anyway, it's a long way as I have a home stuff I need to pay for first and proper coilers are higher up the list than more power.
They are cheap to buy but they can become a money pit fairly quickly. This one owes me more than I care to mention.
Long term I'm hoping for 275+ at the wheels with a combination of a big valve head, a Harrop TVS supercharger kit and Link standalone ECU. You get more power going Turbo, but where's the fun in that? I'd also miss the whine, the supercharger is one of the defining characters of these little things. Anyway, it's a long way as I have a home stuff I need to pay for first and proper coilers are higher up the list than more power.
One for the same model thread?
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Found some blossom:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Went to a PH Pub Meet:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on Flickr
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrFound some blossom:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrWent to a PH Pub Meet:
Untitled by Nicholas Horne, on FlickrGassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff