Tim's R53 Black II JCW

[Tim84]

Well, I thought it was about time I started a project thread as it seems that since joining MT I can't help but keep adding bits to my MINI... no doubt I'll forget to add something to the below but here's my best stab at a project thread. All comments, good, bad or indifferent are obviously welcome...

A bit about me too; I'm Tim (as the username probably suggests). This is my second BMW MINI after owning a BRG Cooper for 12 months before trading up, also had a classic City E as my first ever car when I was 17. As well as these Mini's I've been through a Pug 106, Pug 306 and BMW Z4 (company car). I'm based in Bucks. and have so far been to just one MT event which was the Tunnel Run organised by Saad, it was great fun and I plan to head to several more MT events this year

Here it is as advertised back in September '09, a Black II '04 MCS Works with Chilli pack, heated half-leather seats, auto air-con, panoramic sunroof etc:


First I added the ICE in the form of a Pioneer AVH P5700DVD, Fusion Reactor 4-channel Amp and Fusion Reactor speakers all round with a Parrot Mki9100 handsfree/iPhone link added a few weeks later:



Then I had the rear windows tinted by Urban Tints in High Wycombe:


Next up was to add some white led's behind the front grill and in the bonnet scoop (yes, I know, sorry!) and replace the sidelight 501 bulbs with LED's to match the Xenon's:


Then there was the GTT CAI I got from Alski, followed by OMP upper and lower front strut braces using the MT discount at Strutbracer



I added some matt black Viper stripes to change the exterior as I was getting a little bored:



A couple of weeks ago I decided to finally get around to making a lid for the GTT CAI, seen in the back of this picture; I also purchased a GP Intercooler from RyanK to future-proof my MINI :


This weekend (6/7th March '10) I decided to use the white 6mm pin stripe vinyl (eBay £2 bargain for 10 metres) to highlight my matt black vipers, other than those on the rear bumper as it's being replaced on the 15th due to a little action from behind:


Then, while I was in the tinkering mood, I used some of the spare matt black viper vinyl to de-chrome my petrol cap and boot handle and I'm really pleased with the result:



A visit to the farm in Oxford where we used to rent prompted a random (and crap) photo-taking spree of my filthy, newly pin-striped, MINI today:





Finally, I added a John Cooper signature to the bonnet scoop whilst cleaning my car, and I already don't like it so will most likely be peeling it off this week!:


I think that is everything for now other than changing all of the interior and numberplate bulbs with white LED bulbs instead.

Future plans are in the making but I fancy moving to a 15% pulley and colder plugs to start with and then just taking things as they come; no doubt you will all tell me that lowering is on the list of 'to-do', not sure if I want to go down that route yet but watch this space...

[Tweedbean]

I like the idea of a perspex cover on my MINIMania CAI, what did you use and how did you attach it to the box?
Hopefully stop it sucking in hot air and but still looks good.

Did you notice a reduction in sound?

[Tim84]

Originally Posted by Tweedbean

I like the idea of a perspex cover on my MINIMania CAI, what did you use and how did you attach it to the box?
Hopefully stop it sucking in hot air and but still looks good.

Did you notice a reduction in sound?

Bought an A4 size piece of perspex off eBay for about £2 and some 90' brackets for about £1.50. PM me if you need the eBay shop(s).

Simply glued the brackets to the inside of the CAI and then silicone sealant to stick the perspex to the brackets and create and air-tight seal to the edge of the CAI by running silicone around all of the edges. Then just got my junior hack-saw out to cut the perspex to size and fit it under the rubber seal at the back.

Not noticed any change in sound TBH.

Hope that helped!

[antihero3000]

I'm liking that you're doing the mods yourself, even if they're not to my taste.

As a JCW already has an 11% i'd spend your money on a cam or manifold instead or a 15%.

[Forbes]

Originally Posted by antihero3000

I'm liking that you're doing the mods yourself, even if they're not to my taste.

As a JCW already has an 11% i'd spend your money on a cam or manifold instead or a 15%.

JCW, why you not calling it a GP?

[sharpy30]

nice car... i like the viper stripes when they was just matt black.....but every one has there own tastes.

[crispyeel]

Black II JCW's FTW

[MiniLex]

Nice looking Mini, how does the ride compare now that you've got the upper & lower strut braces?
I've been thinking of getting the lower brace for mine but wasn't sure if it made that much of a difference.

I like how Black II looks when it's cleaned & waxed

[antihero3000]

Originally Posted by MiniLex

Nice looking Mini, how does the ride compare now that you've got the upper & lower strut braces?
I've been thinking of getting the lower brace for mine but wasn't sure if it made that much of a difference.

I like how Black II looks when it's cleaned & waxed

The lower makes a massive difference for the money

[MiniLex]

Originally Posted by antihero3000

The lower makes a massive difference for the money

Nice one, cheers Greig